Online data surrounding license plate numbers and vehicle owner information may be limited due to privacy laws, but there are a few ways you can look up license plates.

Materials Needed

• Desktop computer or laptop

• License plate number

• Paper and pencil

Doing a basic search yourself online can help you glean a little bit of information associated with a license plate number. Using a site, such as your state DMV, allows you to find out the date the vehicle was registered, the vehicle make, and the vehicle model year. Personal information, however, is protected due to federal laws.

Step 1: Check your DMV. Depending on the state, the DMV might offer information about license plate number inquiries for a fee.

Step 2: Enter plate number. Once in the appropriate area of the DMV website, enter the license plate number into the search field. You can then find out information mainly associated with the vehicle attached to the license plate

Step 3: Search online. Another basic car plate search option includes going to various online search sites. Some of the available search sites include AutoCheck, PeoplePublicRecords.org, and DMVFiles.org.

• Warning: When using an online search company, only use reputable services. Services that promise you instant results usually do not have up-to-date information. A sure sign of trustworthiness includes firms that state their fees up front and tell you how long it should take to find the information you seek.

Method 2: Hire a certified information broker

Materials Needed

• Cell phone

• Desktop computer or laptop

• License plate number

• Paper and pencil

Another option to find out information associated with a license plate number is to use the services of a license plate lookup company. While similar to online search sites, a lookup company offers a more comprehensive service and information that is actually researched. And while a license plate lookup company does not offer instant results, the information given to you will be the correct information associated with that plate number.

Step 1: Make a list of lookup companies. Look up a list of the various license plate lookup companies online or through your local phonebook yellow pages. One such company is Docusearch. Make sure to check any reviews available to try to determine if a specific company is reputable or not.

Step 2: Contact each lookup company. Approach the license plate lookup company online through their website contact form or over the phone. Make sure you understand the fees they charge and the length of time it might take to find the information before agreeing to their services.

Step 3: Provide the plate number. Give them the license plate number and wait. When the company has the information, they will contact you.