How To Locate License Plate Owner

How to Locate License Plate Owner without Title

In certain circumstances, you may need to locate the owner of a vehicle based solely on its license plate number. Perhaps you witnessed a hit-and-run accident and only managed to get a partial plate number, or maybe you’re dealing with a parking dispute and want to contact the vehicle’s owner directly. Whatever the reason, there are a few different ways to track down the owner of a vehicle without having the title in your possession.

One option is to contact the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in the state where the vehicle is registered. The DMV will typically have a record of the vehicle’s owner on file. However, it’s important to note that the DMV may not be willing to release this information to you unless you have a legitimate reason for needing it. For example, you may need to provide proof that you were involved in an accident with the vehicle or that you are the victim of a crime.

If you are unable to obtain the owner’s information from the DMV, you may be able to hire a private investigator to track down the owner for you. Private investigators have access to a variety of databases and resources that can help them locate people and vehicles. However, hiring a private investigator can be expensive, so it’s important to weigh the costs and benefits before making a decision.

Verifying License and Registration Information

To accurately locate the owner of a license plate, you must verify the plate’s validity and retrieve its associated registration information. Here’s a detailed guide on how to do that:

1. Check the License Plate Number

First, ensure the license plate number is accurate. Double-check the spelling and arrangement of characters, as a single error could lead to incorrect results.

2. Contact Your Local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)

The DMV holds all vehicle registration records. They can provide you with the owner’s information, such as name, address, and contact details, if permitted by your state’s privacy laws. Here are the steps to follow:

a. Submit a Request Form

Complete a Vehicle Information Request Form available on the DMV website or at a physical DMV office.

b. Provide Proof of Identity

You will typically need to provide a valid government-issued ID, such as a driver’s license or passport.

c. Pay the Required Fee

There may be a small fee associated with obtaining vehicle registration information.

d. Receive the Information

The DMV will process your request and provide you with the owner’s information, which may include:

Information Provided	Availability
Owner’s Name	Usually Available
Owner’s Address	May Be Restricted Due to Privacy Laws
Owner’s Contact Information	Usually Restricted
Vehicle Make and Model	Usually Available
Vehicle Year	Usually Available

Utilizing Online License Plate Lookup Services

Online license plate lookup services provide a convenient way to obtain information about a vehicle or its owner. These services typically require you to enter the license plate number and state of the vehicle you’re searching for. Some services may require additional information to complete the search, like the vehicle’s make and model.

Online license plate lookup services can provide a range of information, including:

Vehicle’s make, model, and year
Owner’s name and address
Vehicle’s registration status
Vehicle’s insurance information
Accident history
Lien information

Using a paid service

There are many paid online license plate lookup services available. These services typically charge a fee for each search, but they often provide more detailed and accurate information than free services. Some paid services also offer additional features like:

Unlimited searches
Historical data
Reports that include multiple vehicles

Pros and Cons of Paid Services:

Pros	Cons
More detailed and accurate information	Can be expensive
Unlimited searches (in some cases)	May not be necessary for everyone
Historical data
Reports that include multiple vehicles

Remember that the availability of information may vary depending on the state where the vehicle is registered. Some states restrict access to certain types of vehicle information, such as owner’s names and addresses.

Checking with State or County DMV

The primary authority for managing vehicle registration and driver’s license issuance is the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Each state and many counties maintain their own DMV. To locate the owner of a license plate using this method, follow these detailed steps:

Identify the issuing authority: Determine whether the license plate was issued by the state or county DMV. This information can often be found on the plate itself or by checking online using the plate number.
Locate the DMV website: Once you know the issuing authority, navigate to their official website.
Access the vehicle information search: Most DMV websites provide a public search tool for vehicle information. It is typically labeled as “Vehicle Inquiry,” “Plate Search,” or something similar.
Input the license plate number: Enter the license plate number exactly as it appears on the vehicle you are interested in.
Provide additional information (if required): Some DMV searches may require additional information, such as the vehicle identification number (VIN) or the plate expiration date. Gather this information before initiating the search.
Retrieve the owner’s information: If the search is successful, it will provide you with the following information about the registered owner:
1. Name
2. Address
3. Contact information (if available)

State	Fee
California	$2 per search
Texas	$6 per search
Florida	Free

How To Locate License Plate Owner