Washington License Plate Lookup

Name Phone Number License Plate VIN
Name Phone Number License Plate VIN

How to Run a Washington License Plate Lookup

A common questions among residence of Washington is how to lookup information on a vehicle? There are a multitude of online public record website where anyone can do just that. All a person needs to begin their search is have the full Washington license plate number and enter it into the search form. Then after the vehicle has been located the user is directed to choose a valid reason for obtaining the information they’re after, as only certain vehicle information is available for specific reasons as outlined by Washington driver privacy laws. Then, once those first couple steps have been satisficed, the user can obtain a multitude of vehicle information such as the history of the vehicle, the details of the license plate owner, fining out if the title is clean, the vehicle specifications and options and much more. Many people resource vehicle records for researching a used car, truck or SUV they want to buy.

Washington License Plate Lookup Results May Include

  • Vehicle Owner Details
  • The History of the Vehicle
  • Manufacturer features and options
  • Vehicle Title Status Checks
  • Vital Statistics of The Vehicle  
  • Salvage and Junk Records  
  • Accident and Damage Records  
  • Total Loss Records 
  • Odometer Verification 

Vehicle record searches, such as a Washington license plate check, are valuable research tools for accessing a vehicle’s history, finding out about the vehicle safety features, if there are any recalls or major accidents. Many people in the state use these resources on a regular basis when researching a used vehicle they want to purchase. Some information such as Washington vehicle owner details are restricted under federal and state laws that only allow certain entities such as law enforcement, insurance purposes or legitimate business to business inquiries allowable.

Why Run a Washington License Plate Lookup?

With nearly 3 million vehicles on the road in Washington state as of January 2023, there is a large demand for vehicle related services. One of those vehicle services is being able to lookup and access Washington vehicle records. One of most common reasons for accessing vehicle information in Washington state is for people doing research on a used car, truck, van, SUV, motorcycle or RV they’re interested in buying. A quick vehicle record search with the SearchQuarry.com license plate lookup or VIN check can help people make a more informed decision and find out if there are any issues that may not be disclosed by the seller of the used car. Issues that can greatly affect the value of a used car can be if there is a salvaged title or if the car was in a major accident, to name a couple. One of the benefits of using this type of plate number look up tool is it can be accessed on the fly from any device that has an internet connection. Here are some other important reasons this type of search is resourced:

  • Purchasing a Used Car: Prospective buyers can lookup the vehicle’s history and any potential issues before handing over any cash. 
  • Insurance Purposes: Auto-Insurance companies in Washington state can use this information to assess risk and determine premium rates for new customers. 
  • Law Enforcement: Authorities use this information during investigations or to check for legal compliance. 
  • Vehicle Recoveries: In cases of theft, a Washington license plate lookup can help track and recover vehicles. 
  • Legal Proceedings: In lawsuits or other legal matters, vehicle information can serve as crucial evidence. 
  • Debt Collection Purposes: Lienholders, banks, or debt collectors use this information to locate debtors. 
  • Rental Services: Car rental companies use this information to maintain their vehicle fleet. 
  • Recall Awareness: Consumers can check if their vehicle has been part of any safety recalls or if the vehicle was reported as a lemon. 
  • Personal Safety: Individuals can verify the legitimacy of vehicles used for private transport or various ride-sharing services. 

Car Owner Search

History of Washington State License Plates and Registration

The state of Washington began issuing license plates in 1905. Initially, Washington vehicle owners had to provide their plates, they were not provided by the state. It wasn’t until 1916 that the state began officially issuing embossed metal plates. Over the years, the design and numbering scheme of Washington State license plates have changed multiple times, which followed the state’s growth and highlighted aspects of the state’s ecology, history and culture. 

Privacy Concerns Related to Washington State License Plate Checks

While license plate checks are an important tool that allows people to research a vehicle’s history and find out more about their own vehicles. However, they also raise concerns about privacy and data security. Unauthorized access to personal data is a legitimate concern, so it is very important to follow the guidelines set forth by the federal Driver’s Privacy Protection Act and Washington state’s privacy laws. The state has stringent measures to ensure that only authorized individuals or entities can access sensitive information. 

Lookup Vehicle Information In Other States

Washington License Plate Lookup


Washington License Plate Search FAQs

Is there a free Washington license plate search?

There are some free vehicle records that you can find but they are not very comprehensive. You will most likely get very basic information for free such as make and model of the vehicle and manufacturing specs and options. More detailed vehicle reports will cost a few bucks.

Can I find the vehicle owner with a Washington license plate check?

Personal information is highly restricted in the state of Washington. While some authorized entities can lookup Washington vehicle owner information, it is not publicly available to everyone.

How can insurance companies use Washington license plate checks?

Insurance companies use this information to assess risk, determine insurance premiums, and process claims.

Can I lookup recalls with a Washington license plate check?

Yes, if the vehicle has been part of any recalls or safety notices, these can be found with either the license plate number or the VIN.

Can a Washington license plate check help me if I'm buying a used car?

Definitely, it can provide a lot of valuable information about the vehicle's history, title status, accidents, recalls and safety issues. This can help you make a more informed purchase.

Can a Washington license plate check show me the vehicle accident history?

Yes, depending on what website you are using, a license plate check or VIN check can show you accident history as well as the title status if it has been junked or salvaged.

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Responses to “Washington License Plate Lookup

  1. Juan ubaldo martinez coello says:

    I am trying to findthe address of a person who signed a promissory note 25 years ago and has made no payments.1

  2. squarryadministrator says:

    Gary, you should contact the police about this matter and provide them with the Washington license plate information you’ve provided us. If you are interested in finding out more information about a specific vehicle you must go through the proper channels and read and agree to the DPPA regulations and stipulations on obtaining any information from a Washington license plate lookup

  3. Gary J Zacher says:

    The owner of the vehicle attached to these plates may have stolen the family dog while were away from our home in January.

  4. squarryadministrator says:

    You might want to file an abandoned vehicle report with the Washington Department of Licensing. You might also be able to find some contact information for the registered owner of that abandoned vehicle.

    Abandoned Vehicles on Property in Washington

    An abandoned vehicle on your property in Washington state can not be purchased or sold unless by the original owner. You may have a registered tow truck vehicle remove the vehicle from your property.

  5. SILVIA RODRIGUEZ says:

    A Rio Kia lic plate ATT8604 was left abandoned in my driveway with no registration info. I have the VIN# and can\’t seem to find owner\’s info for free. Can you help?

  6. squarryadministrator says:

    In order to find out about the registration status of your vehicle registration, you can make an inquiry with the Washington DMV online but you might not get an immediate response. The Washington DMV will want to verify your information before giving you sensitive information. Your best option might be to call them and inquire if they will give you this information over the phone. The last option is to visit the Washington DMV in person and wait in line to talk to someone.

    Washington DMV Phone Number

    WA DMV Phone Number: 360-902-3770

  7. Sergio Contreras says:

    I bought a car a few weeks ago and got a TemporaryRegistration that was due yesterday Dec 11/2018

    Is there a link where I can check the status of the registration online ? Do I need to go to the DMV to get a renewal while I get the plates ?

    Thanks much

  8. squarryadministrator says:

    Typically you need the full 17 digits to run a Washington VIN check, however since your vehicle is older and there aren’t 17 digits in your vehicle identification number, you can try the link below. Please let us know if we can be of further assistance or help you with a Washington license plate lookup.

    Click here to perform a VIN Check with fewer than 17 digits

  9. John Varcoe says:

    Hi there, I’m looking to do a VIN check on a 1969 classic car that has fewer than 17 numbers in its VIN. How do I go about that as the online search tools require a 17 digit VIN?

  10. squarryadministrator says:

    This is a Washington police matter. You should contact the Washington police and request to file a police report and provide the Michigan license plate number and as much detail as you can give them. You should also contact you insurance company to document the report and file a hit and File a Police Report with the Washington Department of Licensing, also known as the Washington Department of Motor Vehicles or Washington DMV.

    How to File a Hit and Run Report

    1. Call The Police & File a Hit and Run Report
    2. Identify Any Witnesses or Camera Footage
    3. Document As Much Information As Possible
    4. Notify Your Auto Insurance Company
    5. Pay Your Deductible and Get Your Vehicle Fixed

  11. José Tapia says:

    I was parked in a Goodwill parking lot and a white van hit me and dented my car. All I got was the plate number. It was a Washington plate, number BFC 8503.

  12. squarryadministrator says:

    In order to lookup a Washington motorcycle license plate by name to find out who it’s been sold or registered to you will want to contact the Washington Department of Licensing. Unfortunately we cannot lookup the registration or title information of the motorcycle with our Washington license plate lookup. You might also consider that your motorcycle was abandoned or stolen. See below for more information about Washington abandoned vehicle and the rules and regulations surrounding such.

    You can contact the Washington DOL to find out additional information about the status of the vehicle registration or title. You will need to provide the Washington DOL with your driver’s license number and your vehicle’s Washington license plate number.

    Washington Abandoned Vehicle

    An abandoned vehicle in Washington state is considered any vehicle that has been impounded or recovered by a Washington licensed tow truck operator and held for 5 days or more.

  13. Kevin grenz says:

    I have lost a motorcycle and the title papers. Its a 1980 suzuki GS850L. The vin plate showed that it was made in 1979. That is all that remember of it. It was rigisted in whitman county. I had it parked in a garden shed, while i was in prison for 6 years and when i got out, it was gone. Is there any way that you can look for the records of all motorcycles that registor in whitman county and try to find the records for a motorcycle that in my name? .. I don’t know if it was stolen or if my sister hid it. She won’t tell me nothing. My name is kevin grenz. Thank you. – Kevingrenz6@gmail.com

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Last Updated: 2023-07-16

Please be aware that the information obtained using SearchQuarry.com searches may not always be accurate and up to date as we do not create, verify, or guarantee the accuracy or the amount of information provided through our service. Data availability is largely dependent on various public sources from which the information is aggregated. SearchQuarry.com is not a consumer reporting agency as defined by Fair Credit Reporting Act and should not be used to determine an individual’s eligibility for personal credit or employment, or to assess risk associated with any business transactions such as tenant screening. By using the services offered through this website you agree to comply with all of the conditions set forth in our terms and privacy disclosure. The information obtained from our searches is not to be used for any unlawful purposes such as stalking or harassing others, or investigating public officials or celebrities. Violators may be subject to civil and criminal litigation and penalties. All searches are subject to our terms and applicable laws.