Finding the license plate number associated with a vehicle’s identification number (VIN) is possible with some online resources. This can be useful information when trying to identify or get more details on a particular vehicle.
The VIN is a unique code assigned to every vehicle that contains details about its manufacturing. While the VIN itself does not contain the license plate number, there are some free and paid services online that have databases matching VINs to license plate numbers and other vehicle records from state DMVs.
By searching using the VIN, you may be able to find associated records that list the vehicle’s license plate number. However, privacy restrictions and incomplete databases mean searches won’t always successfully yield this information. The records available and the process to access them varies between third party services. With the right VIN and resources though, finding a license plate is possible without direct access to vehicle registration records.
How To Find A License Plate Number By VIN
Finding the license plate number linked to a vehicle’s VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is possible by utilizing certain online tools and resources. This information can be useful when attempting to gather more details about a particular vehicle.
What is a VIN?
- Unique 17-digit code assigned to each vehicle
- Encodes vital information about the vehicle like make, model year, manufacturer
The VIN itself does not contain the license plate number. However, there are services that have databases matching VINs to license plate numbers and other vehicle records sourced from state DMVs.
Find License Plate Number By Name
Finding license plate number by name is possible in some cases. Contact the DMV to check if name searches are allowed. Online license plate lookup services may also work. Information access depends on privacy laws.
Methods to Find License Plate Number by Name
| Method | Description |
| DMV Search | Contact DMV to request search by name. Fees and paperwork may be required. Subject to state privacy laws. |
| Online Lookup Service | Websites like TruthFinder allow license plate searches by name. Limited information may be available. |
| Private Investigator | Can search government and public records for license info. Expensive option with full access. |
The DMV has the most complete registration and licensing information. Online services use public records and may have partial data. Cost, state laws, and data sources impact search success.
Methods to Find License Plate Number via VIN
There are a few avenues to try finding the license plate number associated with a VIN:
Online VIN Search Tools
- Have databases compiling vehicle info from various sources
- Allow license plate lookup by VIN
- Some popular options:Carfax
Benefits
- Fast, convenient, accessible anytime
- Results in seconds
- Many free services available
Limitations
- Privacy restrictions on accessing certain vehicle records
- Databases may have incomplete information
Contacting the DMV
- Department of Motor Vehicles keeps detailed vehicle registration info
- Can potentially provide license plate number if given the VIN
- Will need to visit/contact local DMV office on procedures
- Fees may apply
Benefits
- Direct access to vehicle registration databases
- Official state records likely to have updated info
Limitations
- In-person visit often required
- Subject to state’s privacy/access policies
- Results may take time
Using a VIN Decoder
- Decodes the various digits and letters in a VIN
- Provides information like make, model, year, manufacturer
- Won’t give license plate outright
Benefits
- Corroborate details like make, year, location
- Helps confirm legitimacy of a VIN
Limitations
- Doesn’t directly provide license plate number
- Limited additional info beyond basic specs
Your proof of insurance card displays important policy details. This includes your insurance company name, policy number, vehicle information, coverage dates and more. You can also find your license plate number printed on the insurance card, typically under the vehicle description section. Having this easily accessible on your card allows you to provide current registration details when required, like after an accident.
To locate the license plate number, check the front or back of your insurance card for a section listing vehicle details. This normally shows the VIN, make/model, and Find My Licence Plate Number Online of the insured car. If you cannot find the number on your card, contact your insurance provider. They can confirm the license plate number on file or reissue a card showing the correct registration information for your vehicle.
Tips for Successfully Finding License Plate Number
- Have the full, accurate 17-digit VIN
- Be prepared with vehicle details like make, year, registered state
- Check multiple services to cross-verify information
- Understand different access policies based on requester (individual, business, law enforcement etc.)
Can a License Plate Number Be Found Without a VIN?
Finding a license plate number without having the VIN is not possible through online databases and decoders. However, there are some alternative methods to gather information without a VIN:
Physical Vehicle Inspection
- Directly checking the license plate on the vehicle
- Useful when dealer/seller won’t provide VIN
Benefits
- Confirms legitimate, up-to-date license plate details
Limitations
- Need physical access to the vehicle
- Doesn’t provide full vehicle history details
Title Documents
- Vehicle title contains both VIN and license plate numbers
- May be able to request title records from the DMV with other identifiers
Benefits
- Official documentation linking VIN and license plate
- Additional vehicle info like ownership history
Limitations
- Need supporting docs for request
- Privacy restrictions on accessing records
While the VIN is the key to unlocking license plate details from online databases, alternative methods can also help connect these two key vehicle identifiers.
How To Find License Plate Number Without Car
You can locate a license plate number through your car insurance documents. Insurance cards display policy details including the plate number registered to the insured vehicle. Contact your provider to access these records if you don’t have your card. Online DMV records may also show plate numbers linked to your name or address.
Request driving records or vehicle registrations, which are tied to license plate numbers. If you don’t have the vehicle or paperwork, try an online license plate lookup. Enter personal details like your name, VIN number or address to search for connected plates. Some registries can match plates to names or other identifiers.
Privacy laws may limit civilian access. For the best chance at finding a plate number without the vehicle, use multiple official sources like insurance records and DMV databases together.
Why Find License Plate Number from VIN?
There are several scenarios where you may want to find the license plate number linked to a particular VIN:
Buying a Used Vehicle
- Confirm vehicle details like registrations, plates
- Check for red flags like title discrepancies
- Avoid potential fraud from sellers
Researching a Vehicle’s History
- Link VIN to registrations, locations, ownerships
- Create comprehensive timeline of vehicle’s past
- Complement a VIN check with additional details
Identifying an Unknown Vehicle
- Match make/model details to license plate
- Help track or identify a vehicle of interest
- Aid law enforcement/private investigators
Can I Conduct a License Plate Search Instead?
Searching by license plate number rather than VIN is also possible, usually through:
Online License Plate Lookups
- Reverse VIN search – enter plate details to get VIN
- Get registration, ownership, location history
Law Enforcement Database Access
- Police can search government records using plates
- Available info depends on requester justification
Benefits
- Wide range of vehicle history data possible
- Helps identify and track vehicles
Limitations
- Privacy restrictions on civilian access
- Incomplete data relying on public records
So both routes – VIN to plate, or plate to VIN – can yield valuable connected information in the right circumstances.
Dmv License Plate Lookup
A DMV license plate lookup allows accessing vehicle registration details through the Department of Motor Vehicles. Enter a license plate number into the DMV’s online search tool to see the registered owner’s name, address and contact information.
Some states charge a small fee for plate look-ups. If the online search isn’t available, file a public records request. This is done by phone, mail or through the DMV website in most states. If the DMV search doesn’t work, try an online service. Websites like VinSearch and EpicVIN compile registration data from the DMV and other sources.
They charge a small fee to search by plate number. While less regulated than the DMV, these sites provide owner details, vehicle history reports and more. Limitations exist though due to privacy laws. Understanding your state’s specific regulations helps ensure access and proper use of DMV license plate lookup services.
In Closing
Finding a license plate number from a VIN may take some investigative work, but can give you valuable vehicle history details and peace of mind. Online VIN search tools, DMV records and even physical inspection can help determine plate numbers from VINs in many cases with some time and effort. And remember to always confirm information from multiple authoritative sources.
How To Find Previous License Plate Number
Contact your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to request prior plate numbers associated with your name or vehicle. Provide personal details like your license number so the DMV can search their registration database. This may turn up plates previously issued for cars you owned. Expect fees and processing delays to access these older records.
Checking a vehicle history report also displays previous license plates used over time. Enter the car’s VIN at online sites like EpicVIN or Carfax to access each plate number on file. Additionally, vehicle title documents held by the DMV link specific plates to cars. Provide ownership proof to get copies showing earlier registration numbers.
Frequently Asked Question
Can I find a license plate number if I only have the VIN?
Yes, there are online tools and DMV records that connect VINs to license plate numbers.
What websites offer VIN to license plate searches?
Popular options include Carfax, EpicVIN, DMV.ORG and VehicleHistory.com.
Is there a fee to search for plates by VIN online?
Some sites offer free VIN searches, while others charge a small fee to access license plate records.
What information should I have before searching for plates by VIN?
It helps to know the vehicle’s make, model year, and registered state to improve search accuracy.
Can I conduct a reverse search using the license plate to get the VIN?
Yes, some sites allow license plate lookups that provide associated VIN numbers.
Conclusion
There are several methods to find a license plate number by VIN. Online VIN search tools provide the fastest way to get plate details from vehicle records and DMV databases. While some limitations exist around privacy and incomplete data, these services can successfully connect VINs and license plates in many cases.
Being prepared with the full VIN, vehicle details, and checking multiple sites improves results. For additional confirmation, the DMV itself holds the most authoritative vehicle registration information. Contact your local office to inquire about official searches using a VIN to find the associated license plate number.
Fees and processing times vary, but this direct access yields plates documented in state systems. So by utilizing online lookups, DMV queries and related records, uncovering license plate numbers from VINs is achievable with the right approach and diligence.
