Did you know that it is possible to find the owner of a vehicle using a license plate lookup service? These sites benefit those who want to know who owns a car or where their vehicle is parked. Several sites let you do just that.
You can also use these sites to find information regarding the registration status of a vehicle, or identify if the vehicle's license plate number is valid or not.
Here are the best license plate lookup sites in this guide:
- Epicvin – Best for the Best Value
- Bumper – Best for Knowing Your Car’s Estimated Value
- VinAlert – Best for Federal Search Database
- Carfax – Best for Vehicle History Information
- Vinpit – Best Online License Plate Lookup Tool
- Autocheck – Best for Automated Vehicle History Report
- Carvertical – Best for Comprehensive License Plate Report
- Clearvin – Best for Current and Fast Vehicle History Report
- VinFreeCheck – Best for Vehicle Repair History Report
What Are the Best License Plate Lookup Sites?
You may be wondering what the best license plate search service is. If so, you’re not alone. We’ve thoroughly researched and compiled nine of the best license plate search services in 2023. So, if you’re looking for an easy way to find out who owns that car with the funny registration number, look no further. Here are sites to conduct license plate search services:
1. Epicvin – Best for Best Value
Epicvin is a great option for people who want to find out more about their vehicle history report. The license plate number service offers a free version that allows you to search up to three plates per month.
However, if you want to see additional details, the fee ranges from $8.99 to $86.34 per the number of reports. This allows for unlimited specialty license plate searches and unlimited access to the accident report database.
Epicvin's customer service is also pretty good, and they have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.
Pros
✅ Ability to search for license plates by state or country
✅ Good value for your money
✅ User-friendly website
Cons
🚫 Epicvin doesn't offer Android or iOS apps or web apps to check license plates from your mobile device.
🚫 Due to incomplete information on file, there may be problems with getting accurate results from certain types of searches.
2. Bumper - Best for Knowing Your Car’s Estimated Value
Bumper is an all-in-one dashboard for commercial motor vehicles license plate searches. You can use it to track your passenger vehicle's location, monitor its performance, and get help if you're in a crash.
The app is free for any vehicle model, but you can upgrade to one of three tiers: Basic ($14.99/month), Enhanced ($19.99/month), and Premium ($24.99/month). The Basic plan includes everything the standard version has. However, it will also send alerts when your car goes wrong.
The Enhanced plan adds new features like live updates when driving above or below speed limits, and additional alerts if something goes wrong with your car.
The Premium plan includes all of these features plus more advanced analytics such as personalized recommendations based on driving habits and an option to add an emergency contact number.
Pros
✅ Simple and easy-to-use design
✅ One-time payment or monthly membership options are available.
Cons
🚫 Not very many features
🚫 Not all states are covered
3. VinAlert – Best for Federal Search Database
VinAlert offers a number of different subscription options in specialty license plate searches. They have an online database with more than 2 billion records. It means they have access to special interest license plates information on motor vehicles made in the U.S.
VinAlert charges a one-time fee of $17 for their reports, which is more affordable than other license plate number sites that offer memberships.
If you're looking for a reliable service to keep an eye on your specialty license plates, VinAlert offers exactly what you need. There is up-to-date information about your car's location and how many miles it's driven.
You can also get alerts when an alert is issued for your vehicle in case it's been reported stolen.
Pros
✅ Offers 24/7 customer support team
✅ The website was also easy to navigate and understand.
Cons
🚫 Some customers see it as pricey
4. Carfax - Best for Vehicle History Information
Carfax is one of the best special license plate lookup sites. It's a great source of information when you're interested in buying a used car or if you want to sell your vehicle.
It's also one of the most detailed reports on any car that can be found online. You can learn about its history, accidents, and other problems it might have had. The specialty license plates report lists the vehicle's mileage and odometer readings.
Besides, customer care is efficient and operational 24/7.
Pros
✅ The website was also easy to navigate and understand.
✅ It has a free Vehicle Reports tool to help you decide on your car pricing.
Cons
🚫 The support team can only be accessed through email.
5. Vinpit – Best Online License Plate Lookup Tool
Vinpit is a free service that can perform license plate search and vehicle identification number recognition. It uses a database of more than 1 billion scans to compare your license plate registration stickers, so you get accurate results. The database also includes information about the make and model of the car. It means you'll know exactly what kind of vehicle you're looking at.
This site has a simple interface and is easy to use. It will give you all the information you need, including the state where the license plate is registered. The membership fee is free, but it's well worth it, considering how much more information you'll get than you would with other sites.
Pros
✅ Free to use for the new vehicle history report
✅ Easy to use
✅ Fast results
Cons
🚫 A limited number of vehicles in the database
6. Autocheck – Best for Automated Vehicle History Reports
Autocheck has been around since the dawn of time. It has a payment range for the report; A single report costs $24.99, 25 reports cost $49.99, and 300 reports cost $99. So, if you're not planning on renewing your license plate lookup subscription, this is a great choice.
They also have some solid customer service, so getting someone on the phone has never been an issue. Autocheck remains a choice for license plate lookups because they're fast, cheap, and reliable. Besides, they continually add new features.
Pros
✅ It's free to use (you have to pay for your reports).
✅ It has an easy-to-use interface.
✅ Provides detailed information for any car or driver (including photos)
Cons
🚫 Fewer sources of reports compared to competitors
🚫 There is no mobile app available yet.
7. Carvertical - Best for Comprehensive License Plate Reports
Carvertical is one of the best license plate lookup sites because it offers both a one-time fee and a membership. The company doesn't offer any additional report features, but its pricing is very reasonable, especially for people who want to pay once and be done with it.
Carvertical offers different pricing plans. The first is $15.99 for two reports, $13.99 for three reports, and $24.99 per full report.
Carvertical offers 24/7 customer service via email and phone, so you can get help whenever needed. Their customer service representatives are knowledgeable and will be able to answer any questions you have.
Pros
✅ The company's customer service team is available 24/7 via email, phone, or live chat.
✅ Comprehensive special license plates reports
Cons
🚫 Too pricey
8. Clearvin - Best for Current and Fast Vehicle History Reports
Clearvin is a great option for those who want to do a license plate lookup online. It's a convenient and easy-to-use service.
Price:One report - $14.99, three reports - $29.98, and five reports - $39.99 for individuals
For dealers: 20 reports - $60, 40 reports - $100, and 100 reports - $220
Clearvin offers a variety of report features, including vehicle history reports, registration reports, and driver history reports. The site also provides helpful information about each state's vehicle registration laws and how to get your plates if you consider doing so.
The site's customer service is top-notch: they're friendly and helpful and provide all of their services on a 24/7 basis. They also offer great discounts for first-time customers.
Pros
✅ Informative website
✅ Money-back guarantee
Cons
🚫 Has less data
🚫 Information given may not be up to date
9. VinFreeCheck - Best for Vehicle Repair History Report
VinFreeCheck is a great option if you're looking for a way to find out more information on your motorcycle or car's past. It offers a detailed report of the history of your vehicle, including its previous owners and any major repairs it has undergone. You can also access information about accidents or thefts involving your vehicle.
This site is free to use, but paid memberships are available at different price points, depending on your desired information.
Overall, this site has excellent customer service—you can reach them via phone or email anytime during regular business hours.
Pros
✅ Great customer service
✅ Additional report features available
Cons
🚫 Information given at times is not accurate.
What Is a License Plate Lookup?
A license plate lookup is a process of finding out information about a vehicle's registered owner or driver. In some cases, you can even find out where they live. A license plate lookup might be done online or in person at a DMV or police station.
License plate lookups are often done by people who want to determine if a vehicle is stolen or if vehicle owners have outstanding debts or warrants. This can help them avoid being scammed by con artists who want money from them. They can also help law enforcement officers investigate crimes that have been committed with the use of a vehicle, such as hit-and-runs and burglaries.
There is the main difference between an online license plate lookup and a search done in person through a local DMV. The latter requires more time, energy, and money on your end. However, it has its advantages: you can usually get more detailed information than what's available online.
Why Would You Want to Do a License Plate Search?
A registered license plate search can be used for all kinds of things. There are many reasons why people do license plate searches.
Here are some examples:
1. Search for Accidents and Criminal Activities
If you want to know if there was an accident in your area, you need a license plate number search. Then, you can use one of the plate lookup sites to find all the details about the accident. This can help keep you safe if there have been any recent incidents in your area.
2. Verify Information About A Used Car You Want To Buy
If you're buying a used car, verifying its history can help protect yourself and the seller from fraud or theft issues. This can help ensure that there aren’t any hidden costs associated with purchasing a used car such as repairs that may need doing soon after purchase due to previous damage.
3. Get the Owner’s Details
When you see a car that you think has been stolen or involved in an accident, searching for its license plate can help you find the vehicle owners' details. If it is stolen, you can report it to the police and tell them where it was last seen. It can also help if you need to contact the owner. For example, if your car breaks down and needs repairs, you need to contact them.
4. Report Bad Driving
Bad drivers make our streets unsafe. They cut across lanes without signalling, make dangerous manoeuvers, and drive too fast without considering other drivers around them. Reporting their license plate will help keep our roads safer if you spot some bad driving behavior.
What Results Can You Expect From a License Plate Lookup?
You should know that a license plate lookup is a search process that allows you to find out information about any vehicle. This can include its make, model, year, manufacturer, country, recalls and other vehicle registration data. It’s an essential tool if you want to buy or sell a car because it will help you determine whether it has any defects or has been involved in any accidents.
The main elements that license plate search record include are:
1. Vehicle’s Technical Specifications
The first thing you need to do when conducting license plate lookups is find out the vehicle’s technical specifications. These include engine type, transmission type, wheelbase length, curb weight, fuel consumption rate and more.
2. History of Accidents
Vehicle history report of accidents includes detailed information about when the vehicle was involved in an accident. It will also include whether the driver was found responsible for causing the accident. The information will make you decide if it is safe to drive this particular vehicle.
3. Mileage
Mileage will tell you how many miles have been driven since the registration of the vehicle. This can be helpful if you're trying to figure out if the vehicle has been used for commercial purposes or has been driven extensively by its owner.
4. Fuel Efficiency
Fuel efficiency measures how much fuel a car consumes over a given distance. This can be used to compare cars based on how much they cost per mile or how far you can travel on one gas tank. It is also helpful if you're looking for a fuel-efficient vehicle, or if you want to estimate how much money you'll spend on gas each month.
5. Present Market Value
The present market value is what someone would pay for your car today if it were for sale. Both new and used cars have values that change over time as prices increase and decrease with demand. If you don't want to sell your car yourself, this number will help you decide whether it makes sense to trade it in when you're ready for something new!
6. Warranty Information
Warranties help protect against unexpected costs like repairs or replacement parts. They do so by covering them under the manufacturer's warranty. If you're looking to buy a used car, this information could be critical in helping you make a decision.
How to Look Up a License Plate?
The steps one will follow when looking up a license plate on a website include the following:
1. Find out if you need to register as an individual first (this depends on the site). If yes, register as an individual using your email address and password.
2. If you have not registered yet, go to their login page and create an account by entering your email address and password.
3. Once you have logged in, click on the My Account button, which will take you to your dashboard, where you can see all your activities related to this license plate lookup site, including new registrations by other people.
4. Then, you need to enter the number of the vehicle's license plate you want to check.
5. After this, click on "GO!" and you will be directed to a new screen showing all the information about that vehicle's license plate number.
Is It Legal to Look Up a License Plate?
Yes, it is legal to look up a license plate number. In most cases, you can look up license plates free of charge on the internet. The reason that this is possible is that the government provides access to its databases through various websites. These sites are not affiliated with official law enforcement agencies or government offices. However, they work with private organisations that have access to these databases.
Where Do License Plate Lookup Sites Get the Information?
License plate lookup sites get their information from NMVTIS (National Motor Vehicle Title Information System). Other sources are police departments, state DMV, and other government sources.
In most cases, you can see the name of the registered owner and vehicle information such as make, model and year. However, not all the information these sites give is accurate. There can be the possibility of inaccuracy due to the different sources of information.
Bottom Line
There are many of the best license plate lookup sites out there, and each one seems to be better. You can make your choice based on your preferences. We have done a thorough research and discussed some of the best license plate lookup sites.
Our best site is Epicvin, with outstanding features for license plate search. Bumper and VinAlert follow closely with incredible services too. You can try one that works best for you. These sites will help you get all your work done quite easily.
