How to Find License Plate Number From VIN: Detailed Guide – Auto Experts

Imagine you’re working on restoring an old 2006 Toyota Camry you just bought at a storage auction. It’s solid, with a quiet engine and just enough quirks to make it interesting. But there’s a catch—the license plates are gone, and there’s no way to tell where the car came from or who last owned it.

All you have is the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). That long string of letters and numbers stamped under the windshield might seem like just a bunch of random characters, but in reality, it holds a lot of hidden details about the car’s past.

So, is it possible to track down a license plate number using just the VIN? The short answer is yes—but with a few conditions.

In this guide, we’ll walk through how to use a VIN to uncover a vehicle’s license plate number, what legal hurdles you might face, and the right way to do it step by step.

Table of Contents

What Is a VIN and Why Does It Matter?

A Vehicle Identification Number, or VIN, is a 17-character code that acts as your car’s unique fingerprint. No two vehicles in the world have the same VIN. It includes a mix of numbers and letters that identify the make, model, year, and manufacturing details of the car.

You’ll usually find the VIN in several places:

On the dashboard near the windshield (driver’s side)
Inside the driver’s door frame
On the engine block
In the vehicle’s title and registration documents

The VIN is essential for tracking ownership history, checking for recalls, looking up past accidents, and confirming specifications. It’s also used by insurance companies, the DMV, and law enforcement.

Can You Find a License Plate Number Using a VIN?

Yes, but it’s not something just anyone can do on a whim. Because license plate numbers are tied to a person’s private information, accessing that data is protected by privacy laws in many regions, especially in the United States.

Still, there are ways to legally request or find this information if you meet certain conditions or go through the right channels.

Reasons You Might Need to Find a License Plate Number from a VIN

There are several legitimate reasons for wanting to find a license plate number using a VIN:

You’re recovering a lost or stolen vehicle
You’ve purchased a car without plates and need to register it
You’re verifying the car’s identity before purchasing it
You’re helping law enforcement or insurance with a claim
You’re conducting research on a vehicle’s past

If your situation falls under any of these, you may be able to request this information through the proper procedures.

Understanding Legal Restrictions

Before moving forward, it’s important to understand that license plate data is considered sensitive under laws like the Driver’s Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) in the U.S. This law limits who can access personal information tied to a vehicle, including license plate numbers.

However, the law allows access in certain situations:

For government agencies or law enforcement
For insurance companies during a claims investigation
For legitimate business or research purposes
If you’re the current registered owner

You can’t use VINs to randomly look up plate numbers out of curiosity or for stalking or harassment purposes. Doing so could lead to legal consequences.

Ways to Find a License Plate Number from a VIN

1. Contact the DMV

Your local Department of Motor Vehicles (or similar agency) is the most direct and reliable source.

Steps:

Provide the VIN and explain why you need the license plate number.
Submit any required forms or proof of ownership.
You may need to visit the office in person or send a formal written request.

Note: Access is typically granted only if you’re the vehicle owner, or have a legal reason.

2. Use an Insurance Company (If Applicable)

If you’ve recently bought the car or you’re filing a claim, your insurance company can access license plate data as part of the vehicle’s record.

They’ll often run the VIN when you request coverage and can confirm the last known license plate attached to that vehicle.

3. Try a Vehicle History Report Service

Some vehicle history reporting services may include the license plate number in their records, depending on the state and how the data was collected.

Services like:

AutoCheck
CARFAX
EpicVIN
VINCheckPro

These sites provide a full vehicle history report, including:

Previous owners
Title transfers
Mileage readings
Accident history
Past license plate numbers (occasionally)

While not guaranteed, this method is often worth a try if you want other vehicle data as well.

4. Check with Law Enforcement

In certain circumstances—such as if you suspect the car was stolen, involved in a crime, or you’re assisting in an investigation—law enforcement can help cross-reference a VIN with a license plate.

You’ll usually need:

A police report number
Proof of involvement or connection to the case

5. Hire a Licensed Private Investigator

If you’re facing legal or inheritance issues and need to trace ownership, a licensed private investigator may be able to access DMV databases legally under their credentials.

Investigators must follow state-specific laws and typically have direct access to restricted databases for valid cases.

Situations Where You Likely Won’t Get Access

Not every request will be successful. These situations are unlikely to be approved:

Personal curiosity or casual interest
Trying to track someone down without consent
Attempting to use VIN info for unlawful activity

If you don’t have a valid reason, most agencies and services will either decline your request or give you limited information.

Tips for Using a VIN to Track Vehicle Information

Even if you can’t find the license plate number directly, a VIN can still give you a wide range of details about the car:

Title status (salvage, rebuilt, clean)
Odometer readings
Recall records
Registration state history
Auction photos (on some services)
Lien or loan info
Accident reports

Combining these can help you piece together the history of a vehicle and sometimes trace back to when and where it was last registered—which can lead to the license plate number indirectly.

Red Flags to Avoid When Looking for This Info

When searching online, be cautious of shady websites promising instant license plate lookups from VINs. Here’s what to watch out for:

Sites asking for large upfront fees without proof of legitimacy
No contact information or vague “terms of use”
Sketchy privacy policies
No refund policies
Promises of “hack-style” access

If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Stick to well-known VIN lookup services or official government channels.

International Considerations

The ability to link VINs and license plates varies depending on the country. Here’s a quick glance:

Country	VIN to Plate Lookup Allowed?
United States	Yes, with restrictions
Canada	Limited; province-specific rules
UK	Plates are public, but VIN access is limited
Australia	VINs are used for registration, but plate data is protected
Europe	Varies by country; often very restricted

Make sure to check your country’s local regulations before submitting a request.

Real-World Example

Let’s say someone buys a used 2012 Subaru Outback from an online auction. The car arrives without a license plate, and there’s no documentation except the VIN.

Here’s how they might proceed:

Use a VIN check site to gather basic info (title status, odometer, registration history).
Contact the state DMV listed in the VIN report.
Provide proof of ownership and request past plate details.
DMV responds with plate number or asks for more documentation.

From there, the buyer can register the vehicle properly and ensure it’s not flagged as stolen or salvaged under a different ID.

Finding a license plate number from a VIN isn’t always easy—but it’s possible in the right circumstances. Whether you’re handling a legal issue, buying a used car, or resolving a registration gap, knowing how to approach this the right way can save you time and trouble.

Here’s what to remember:

Always go through proper legal channels
Start with the DMV or your insurance company
Use vehicle history report services for supporting data
Avoid suspicious or illegal services
Be patient, and keep your documentation ready

The VIN is your best tool when trying to uncover a vehicle’s past. With the right approach, it can even lead you to the license plate you’re looking for.

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Tom Brady

Tom Brady has been senior content creator at Automoexperts.com since 2023. He graduated from Mechanical Engineering at California Institute of Technology. He has been immersed in the world of autos since day one. With a lifetime of experience in the automotive industry, Tom has earned the respect of his peers as an expert, particularly in the realm of fast cars.