North Carolina License Plate Lookup

North Carolina License Plate Lookup Online

The process of performing a North Carolina license plate search has become a simple online task. To begin all someone needs to know is the full NC license plate number to begin. Then, assuming there is a valid reason for running this plate search, the user will be directed to comply with state and federal privacy policies before obtaining the vehicle information they’re after. The final step is determining what information to access, maybe it’s the owner details, a vehicle history report, finding the status of the title, learning if the vehicle has been in a major accident or salvaged, the vehicle specifications or finding out if the odometer is accurate. There are a multitude of reasons that people want to research vehicle records and it’s easy to do with online public record resources.

North Carolina Vehicle Records Might Include 

  • License Plate Owner Information 
  • Vehicle History Reports
  • Options and Manufacturer Specifications  
  • Vehicle Title Checks
  • Salvage and Junk Records  
  • Vital Statistics on the Vehicle
  • Accident and Total Loss Records 
  • Odometer Verification 

The North Carolina license plate lookup is a tool that can help you gain crucial information about a vehicle registered in the state of North Carolina. This service is typically utilized to find out details related to researching used vehicles that people are interested in buying. Other entities use vehicle information to locate information about the North Carolina vehicle owner such as law enforcement, insurance companies and business to business inquiries.

Why Run a North Carolina Vehicle Record Search

  1. Verifying the history and value of a used car, it’s vehicle history and vehicle options and specs
  2. Motor vehicle safety and driver safety related circumstances
  3. Theft or vehicle fraud which can be researched by both the plate number or the VIN
  4. Civil or criminal related processing by law enforcement or by an ongoing court case
  5. Insurance purposes for a vehicle, typically used for auto insurance claims and investigation
  6. Statistical reporting for a vehicle
  7. Another specific allowed by North Carolina privacy laws
  8. Car enthusiasts might want to decode a license plate or VIN to verify the authenticity of classic or vintage cars
  9. Private investigators often use this tool as part of their work, especially in cases involving surveillance, tracking, or skip-tracing
  10. Reporting accidents, such as a hit and run collision, to the police or relevant law enforcement

One of the most popular reasons that people run a NC vehicle record search via license plate search or VIN check is to verify a used car, truck, SUV, van, RV or motorcycle someone wants to buy. A quick North Carolina vehicle record search can offer a lot of insights into a used vehicle such as the history of a vehicle, if the title is clean or if it’s ever been in a major accident, or if the seller information matches the name on the vehicle documents. There are a multitude of reasons people use a vehicle plate number lookup tool, including being able to resource information on the fly from any device and being able to perform unlimited vehicle record searches in the member’s area.

Car Owner Search

Historical Information About North Carolina License Plates

North Carolina, like many east coast states, started issuing license plates in the early 1900’s. Starting in 1907 NC license plates were required on all automobiles but they were not provided by the state. Each automobile owner was required to supply their own. It wasn’t until 1915 that North Carolina started issuing these plates and the first one’s were made of porcelain with the numbers painted on. As of January 2023, the NC DMV, the state issues 2 license plates, made of aluminum that are required only on the rear of the vehicle with current tags. Below are some more fun facts about NC License Plates:

  • The popular “First in Flight” license plate, referencing the Wright Brothers’ flight at Kitty Hawk, was first introduced in 1982. 
  • North Carolina offers more than 200 specialty plates, supporting various organizations, causes, military veterans, and professions. 
  • The state allows license plates to be passed down from generation to generation, making it possible to see very old plate numbers on the roads. 

Privacy Concerns Related to NC License Plate Records

While the North Carolina license plate lookup offer up a lot of useful vehicle related information, there are also some privacy concerns to be aware of. To protect an individuals’ privacy, certain information is restricted from these searches, including personal data like names and exact addresses of vehicle owners. Additionally, NC privacy laws and the federal DPPA set further limits on the disclosure of personal information. It’s essential to use these online vehicle record resources responsibly and within the bounds of the law. Misuse of NC vehicle records is strictly prohibited and punishable by law.

State By State License Plate Check 

North Carolina License Plate Lookup

North Carolina License Plate FAQs

Is there a free North Carolina license plate check?

Yes there are multiple online vehicle and public record websites that offer some free vehicle information however, most of what you will find for free will be limited. Premium reports will cost a few bucks, such as car history reports or title checks.

Can I find the status of a vehicle title with a NC license plate search?

Yes, the title status is typically included with premium vehicle history reports that can be found with a license plate search. You should check the resource you are using to make sure that this is an option with your report before paying for it.

Can I find accident history with a North Carolina license plate check?

Yes, a comprehensive license plate check can provide details of any reported accident as well as recalls and reported safety issues.

Is it legal to run a North Carolina license plate check?

Yes, it is legal, as long as the information is used responsibly and within the confines of the law, such as verifying a vehicle's history before purchase. However, personal information is heavily restricted to state privacy laws and the federal DPPA

Can I use a North Carolina license plate check for legal proceedings?

Yes, license plate lookups can provide crucial details for legal disputes involving a vehicle. You must make sure though that your search complies with state and federal privacy laws and it is admissible in a legal circumstance.

What can I find with a North Carolina license plate search?

You can find vehicle information such as the vehicle's make, model, year, VIN, title status, odometer verification, and in some cases, accident history.

Is a North Carolina license plate lookup legal?

Yes, as long as you are using it for researching a vehicle for non-personal information. North Carolina vehicle owner information is not publicly available unless you are permitted within the guidelines of the law. Most people use a license plate lookup to research a used car they want to buy

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Responses to “North Carolina License Plate Lookup”

  1. Wanting to buy

    Reply

    1. Lorraine, you might consider running a NC vehicle history report with the NC license plate number of the vehicle you are interested in. This will give you the complete breakdown of everything you need to make an educated decision on buying a used car, truck or SUV

      Reply

  2. Am searching for woman who hit me in a parjking lot at Thruway Shopping Center- Has not returned any of my calls. Have pictures of damage-

    Reply

    1. Caroline, in the case of a hit and run incident in North Carolina it is standard procedure to contact the police and file a hit and run report. They will follow up with the owner with the vehicle description and NC license plate number. Then once you have this report you can also report it to your insurance company which they will need.

      Reply

  3. There used to be a page where you can search to see if a vanity plate name is available. Does that page still exist? I used it to search availability for both of mine several years ago. How can I tell if one is not in use so I can change a current plate?

    Reply

  4. Would be nice to be able to just check for an available custom plate without giving so much information!

    Reply

    1. William, we don’t have the ability to show you what is available as far as custom NC license plates go but we can search via the license plate number

      Reply

  5. THR 9371 has been sitting in my parking lot for months with 2 flat tires, don’t want to have if towed.

    Reply

    1. North Carolina Abandoned Vehicles

      If you want to report an abandoned vehicle in North Carolina or if an abandoned vehicle is on your property, you must first contact your local police and file a report. The police will come and take the NC license plate number and VIN and attempt to contact the owner’s of the NC registered vehicle. If it’s not possible to reach or get ahold of the NC license plate owner then it’s possible to take possession of the vehicle or have it towed off your property at the expense of the owner

      Reply

  6. Where is my tag. I had inspection and paid tax. Sent check three weeks ago. Check has not been cashed.

    Reply

    1. Elvyn, you will need to reach out to the North Carolina DOT directly to inquire about your NC license plate tags. Unfortunately we do not have the ability to look this up for you as we are not affiliated with this government agency. You can contact them online or over the phone about your NC vehicle registration renewal

      Reply

  7. I was misled. I typed in the license plate and paid the money to get the identity of the owner. And I received none of that information and was asked for another $10 for further information.

    Reply

    1. We apologize for your inconvenience when performing a NC license plate lookup Hillary. Please give us the name and email address you signed up with and we will issue you a full refund.

      Reply

  8. Liscense plate # dmp 2137 ran us off the road dont have a phone to call it in

    Reply

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Last Updated: 2023-06-24

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