Find Who Owns a Car

How to Find Who Owns a Car

To find out who owns a car there are a couple of options depending on the reasons why you want to obtain this information. The Drivers Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) only allows certain legitimate inquiries to access car owner information. Once you read through the DPPA and you have determined your search is allowed, you can proceed with your search. It is also important to note that running a car owner search has additional limitations and restrictions that are determined by each state. You may also be required to submit your contact information or business entity information before obtaining any car owner information. The basic steps to find who owns a car are as follows:

1. Verify you have a legitimate reason for running a car owner search
2. Enter the full license plate number into the search field, and select a state
3. Once your search is complete, verify the make and model of the vehicle match
4. Verify car owner details, depending on your reason for this search, and what is allowed in your state
5. Use the information obtained only as directed and as required by state regulations

Find Car Owner By License Plate

To find out who owns a car by license plate number you will need the complete license plate number and state of registration to begin this search. Again, depending on your reason for finding out who owns a car by license plate number you must have a legitimate reason according to the DPPA, as well as state specific privacy laws. Then once you’ve determined this is a legitimate reason you can proceed with your car owner search. It is also important to note that on some car license plate numbers there are special characters and symbols that must be documented to run an accurate search. Some sites will give you the option of a “wildcard” that you can type in if there is not a special character option to search with. Car owner information may be limited depending on what is allowed by the relevant privacy laws. Business requesting car owner details will need to submit their entity information and the reason for accessing these vehicle records.

How to Find Who Owns a Car By VIN

To find out who owns a car by VIN , or vehicle identification number, you will need the complete VIN. The vehicle identification number is a 17 digit alpha-numeric code that describes all the specific vehicle information and each VIN is unique to one specific car, just like the license plate number. You can go through the same channels as the license plate search as long as you have a legitimate reason to perform this car owner search. It’s also important to note that not all sites that offer vehicle records have access to car owner information. So if you are searching by VIN it’s good to be certain of this. The same rules apply to access owner information with a VIN search as they do with a license plate search.

Reasons for Finding out Who Owns a Car

There are a multitude of reasons that someone would like to know who owns a car. It might be that they’re in the market for a used car or maybe checking on the title of their own car or possibly another reason that is allowed via the DPPA. The Driver Privacy Protection Act is very serious and only those that meet the criteria and have a legitimate reason can perform this car owner search. Each state in the United States has their own DPPA that must be adhered to. To find out more about DPPA reasons and regulations in order to answer the question, “ How to Find Who Owns a Car ,” can be found here on Wikipedia. Also note that not all states allow the same reasons to find out who owns a car and some information about the car owner may be limited. Also note that you will be personally liable for information obtained in a car owner search and it’s illegal to stalk or harass anyone with any information you obtain. Please be responsible with the information you find. The FOIA, or Freedom of Information Act makes vehicle records public domain so that people can access this information as long as their in compliance with state, local and federal regulations.

What You Can Find With a Car Plate Search

1. Make and Model of the Car
2. Car Owner Information
3. VIN – 17 digit Vehicle Identification Number
4. Car Specifications and Manufacturing Details
5. Car History Report
6. Accident History
7. Car Title Status
8. Crash Test Ratings and Recalls

Many people run a car plate search for reasons of purchasing a used car and verification of the vehicle and vehicle ownership which is a key part of the transaction. It can be very helpful to know if the car title is clean or salvaged or has a lien on it, if there are any major safety concerns. There are a multitude of reasons people want to know more about vehicles and with our search tool you can run multiple searches on the cars you want to know more about.

Researching Cars For Sale By Owner

There are some simple ways to verify and research cars for sale by owner. A license plate search or VIN search can be useful information for people researching a used car such as, obtaining a car history report, verifying if the odometer is accurate, checking if the car has a salvaged title, or if the car was in any major car accidents. Many people have voiced concerns about buying a used car by owner on craigslist, because of all the scams that are out there. These concerns can be somewhat mitigated by doing some quick research before handing over any cash for that used car, running a vehicle history report can reveal the truth and if there are any problems that were not disclosed. Another way to verify the car for sale by owner is legit is to verify if the owner is the seller of the vehicle. You may want to ask them to show you their driver’s license and match that with the car title or registration before making the purchase. Most importantly, never send any money until you see and verify the used the car in person. Buying a stolen vehicle happens, and the buyer is the one that pays the price. With over 275 million vehicles on the road, according to a 2020 Department of Transportation report, the need for vehicle related information has become significant, especially for people researching a used car they are interested in. With a quick online license plate number search or VIN check, a person can research the history of most any car to make a more informed decision.

Common Used Car Scams

Cars for sale by owner scams are on the rise, there are many online platforms that host used car sales but not all the listings are legitimate, even though the platform is. According to the FTC in December 2022 report, car buying scams have gone up significantly year over year, from flood damaged cars to phony car sales. It’s a good idea to keep that in mind when purchasing a used car from an unknown seller. There are a few obvious things to look out for with popular used car scams:

1. If the used car owner asks you to pay them before you see the car in person. This is a big red flag that should be avoided
2. If the used car seller attempts to pressure you into sending them a deposit because there is a lot of interest in the car they’re selling. this is a major red flag
3. If the seller is not local or in another state or country, do not make a deal without seeing the car and owner together. The seller might not even own the car they’re trying to sell
4. If the deal is too good to be true, then maybe it is. Make sure to do your research and run a vehicle history report and check the status of the title to make sure the car isn’t a lemon.
5. If you cannot get the car owner to meet you in person, then this is very risky as well. You will want to verify they are the owner of the vehicle before making any transaction
6. If the car owner asks for a bunch of personal information over the phone then you might consider they’re trying to get steal your identity, this is also a prevalent online scam to look out for.

Run a Car Owner Search By State

• Alabama 
• Alaska   
• Arizona   
• Arkansas   
• California   
• Colorado   
• Connecticut   
• Delaware   
• Florida   
• Georgia   
• Hawaii   
• Idaho   
• Illinois   
• Indiana   
• Iowa   
• Kansas   
• Kentucky   
• Louisiana   
• Maine   
• Maryland   
• Massachusetts   
• Michigan   
• Minnesota   
• Mississippi   
• Missouri   
• Montana   
• Nebraska   
• Nevada   
• New Hampshire   
• New Jersey   
• New Mexico   
• New York   
• North Carolina   
• North Dakota   
• Ohio   
• Oklahoma   
• Oregon   
• Pennsylvania   
• Rhode Island   
• South Carolina   
• South Dakota   
• Tennessee   
• Texas   
• Utah   
• Vermont   
• Virginia   
• Washington   
• West Virginia   
• Wisconsin   
• Wyoming