A California resident may have a number of reasons for requesting information on another person’s license plate. The person may want to obtain some information about a driver who performed a hit-and-run incident. The person may also have some inquiries about a vehicle’s history, VIN number information, recalls or safety notices. An online California license plate number lookup can reveal information like this and more.
This is because most public information can now be found online with public record websites that can access millions of records with a simple search. If you have a smartphone or computer or tablet that has internet access, you can access perform a California license plate number lookup.
With this type of CA vehicle record search you can find car owner information as long as you have a valid reason to obtain this information according to the CPPA, which is a set of rules that regulate what information is allowed for privacy reasons. Most online vehicle record resources for California will ask you to select a valid reason for running a CA license plate lookup as part of the process.
Once you’ve verified your search is legitimate then you can proceed with your vehicle research. The next step in this lookup is to enter the complete CA plate number, or the 17 digit VIN, into the search fields.
Once the vehicle search results are available, you will want to verify the make and model of the vehicle is accurate, as there are occasional inaccuracies in reporting. Lastly, you will have the option to obtain a vehicle history report, view vehicle title information, CA license plate owner information.
It’s important to note that CA license plate searches can be resourced from a multitude of online public record websites. These inquiries are heavily monitored by state and federal agencies. These type of vehicle related searches are intended for people looking for specific information that is made available via the FOIA and allowed by the state and federal laws. You must make sure your search intent and usage of the information received falls within those state and federal guidelines. If you fulfill the criteria then you’ll be able to access all the vehicle information that is available with your California license plate owner search.
It is also important to note that with some online resources, as of January 2023, you may be required to register your name or business before receiving any sensitive vehicle related or CA vehicle owner information. It is ultimately your responsibility to use the CA license plate search for the reasons you complied with.
Another important piece of information is that in California, a vehicle record search number through a vehicle record database. This means you cannot find someone’s CA plate number or VIN by searching their name. There is a good reason for this as many people buy and sell cars, trucks and SUVs and the data is not always relevant. A reverse license plate search or VIN search is intended to find out relevant information about the vehicle and it’s owner now, not the previous owners. It’s good to keep that in mind when using any public record website that offers access to vehicle related data.
It is important to note that some information may only be available to law enforcement, insurance purposes, or other legal reasons at outlined by California driver privacy laws . Make sure to review the requirements and acceptable reasons for obtaining the vehicle information you’re looking for as it’s your responsibility to maintain compliance. Some information may not be accessible if you’re not law enforcement or have authority to do so. Additionally, some older vehicles that are 40 years old may not have the detailed vehicle records as newer vehicles since not all records have been transferred into modern cloud-based databases.
Many people ask the question if they can run a California DMV license plate lookup, or, access vehicle records directly through the DMV. The short answer is yes, however there are restrictions. You can only access your specific vehicle records and personal information from the CA DMV. This is unless you’re law enforcement, an insurance company or have a legal reason to do so.
If you are interested in acquiring your own vehicle or CA driving records you can do so by either setting up an account online and verifying your identity, and then you can make your requests online and have documents mailed to you. The other option is to visit a branch in person to make your request. You’ll need your driver’s license or another verifiable form of identification and have the correct request form filled out before obtaining any information or documentation. This is the fastest way to lookup your vehicle records or driving records however, some official documentation will need to be mailed to you as it’s processed somewhere else.
Please be advised that the information accessed through SearchQuarry.com searches may not always be accurate or current, as we neither generate nor authenticate the data provided via our service. The reliability and precision of information are primarily contingent upon diverse public sources from which data is compiled. By utilizing SearchQuarry.com, you acknowledge your acceptance of the terms delineated in the SearchQuarry.com terms of service and our privacy policies. Information acquired via SearchQuarry.com must not be utilized for unlawful purposes such as stalking or harassing individuals, or scrutinizing public figures or celebrities. Individuals who contravene these directives may be subject to both civil and criminal legal proceedings and sanctions. It is explicitly stated that SearchQuarry.com does not function as a "consumer reporting agency" as defined by the Fair Credit Reporting Act ("FCRA"), and therefore, does not furnish "consumer reports" pursuant to the FCRA. SearchQuarry.com strictly prohibits the utilization of information garnered from search results (a) for discriminatory practices against any consumer; (b) for assessing a consumer's eligibility for personal credit, insurance, employment, housing, or government licenses or benefits; or (c) in any other manner that may impact a consumer's economic or financial status or standing.
My car got hit while parked at a street. A witness provided me a license plate
trying to get some info on a car i just recently purchased. I just found out that it was in an accident, and the dealership had not informed me thouroughly, I am not asking for names of people just the damage done to the car. It says structural damage, but not very clear
can you help me
Someone hit my car last night and I have the license plate # bit need to know who owns the car to contact. The plate # is California 7MOX397. Please help!
.I have a 1966 VW beetle frame pan and Fiberglas body ! I bought it with no motor with bill of sale no title or license plate . I only have serial number on pan and metal sticker under dash that has serial number and is from Bureau of automotive repair. I believe from California .I’ve checked and it’s not stolen in USA and Mexico!
Can you help me get title ! Thanks David
David, since you do not have the normal documentation or a CA license plate then you will need to discuss your options with the DMV directly
I got robber the other night and here is the license plate number. I need to know some Information so I can tell the police if his car was the robber of my place.
Jade, this is a police matter, unfortunately we cannot assist you with your license plate search inquiry. Please read the privacy laws that apply to California, there are restrictions to this type of information.
If you’ve experienced a hit and run situation your best option is to contact the police or CHP and file a report, then contact your auto insurance company after you file the police report. This will be the best course of action to getting your vehicle fixed ASAP.
How To File a Hit And Run in California
1. Call the police or highway patrol
2. File a hit and run report
3. Contact your auto insurance company
4. Give the insurance company your report
5. The police will contact the other driver
6. Get your vehicle fixed
I have a complete set of California license plate starting with the letters PT they are from 1929 to 1938 can you tell me what they were used for ?
I Was told that PT meant pneumatic tire??
They were all nailed on the inside of an old barn in Shafter California
Permanent trailer
Justin, are you attempting to lookup a permanent trailer that is registered in California?
That is a good question Phil and you are correct. The license plate letters PT on older California vehicles means Pneumatic Commercial. These older license plate numbers were used from 1929-1939.On newer California license plate number, the PT means it’s a permanent license plate that typically belongs to a government vehicle.
The PT on California license plates | Used 1929-1939
If you find an old California license plate with the letter’s PT it refers to Pneumatic Commercial, which means the vehicle had pneumatic tires and was used commercially. Modern California license plate that have a PT have a different meaning. The PT represents a permanent license plate which is typically used by certain government vehicles.
I want to buy a camper from a salvage yard that was abandoned and has a storage bill
Since the abandoned camper you are trying to purchase probably doesn’t have a title but you know the California license plate number and VIN, you can go to the DMV and inquire about purchasing this abandoned vehicle and tracking down the owner. In California the registered owner will be notified by the DMV as well as a notice sent to the sheriff department. This is done to prevent people from taking ownership of a vehicle that was not in fact abandoned or salvaged. This should allow you to legally purchase this abandoned trailer and get the vehicle title put in your name.
How to Get a Title for an Abandoned Vehicle in California
1. Contact the DMV about purchasing an abandoned vehicle
2. The DMV will attempt to reach out to the owner via mail
3. If there is no reply then you can file to purchase the vehicle
4. Fill out the bill of sale and request for a duplicate title
5. You may be asked to sign an affidavit to purchase the vehicle
6. Pay the required transfer fee and get a new title in your name
I’m trying to pay a toll road fee from out of state and don’t know my car tag number. How can I get it to avoid the fines?
Thanks,
Linda Fry
Thank you for reaching out about our California license plate number lookup. In order to find your California Tag number , AKA. California License Plate Number , you can find this on your registration, from the California DMV or from performing a VIN search online.
How To Find My Car Tag Number
1. Lookup the tag number on your registration
2. Visit the Motor Vehicle Department
3. Perform a VIN number search online
Hello
I have a 1968 Mustang that was last registered in California in 1986. I inherited the vehicle and I am having a hard time locating a title. I have last plate # and Vin#. Can you help me?
In order to obtain a duplicate title for your vehicle from the state of California you will need to visit the California DMV in person. Make sure to bring in your previous registration and your driver’s license and you will need to fill out a Statement of Facts Form (REG-256) as well as a Duplicate Title Form ( REG-227) to obtain a Duplicate California Car Title. You can also submit this application for a duplicate title by mail. If you choose to process this application for a duplicate California car title by mail your form must be notarized and processing will take longer.
How To Get a Duplicate California Car Title
1. Visit a California DMV office
2. Fill out the Statement of Facts Form (REG-256)
3. Complete the Duplicate Title Form (REG-227)
4. Pay the fee and receive a Duplicate Title by mail
Hey I just bought a new car and I only have the vin, is there any way I can acquire what my license plate will be before it arrives in the mail?
You will have to contact the California DMV directly about that question. Only they know what your California License Plate Number will be.
California DMV Contact Information
Phone Number: 1 (800) 777-0133
Website: DMV.CA.gov
I am in KY and just received an Amber Alert. It’s a 42-y.o. white male with brown hair having taken a white 5-y.o. little girl. No names are given, so I would think they aren’t related, or someone may’ve just seen him snatch her up. I don’t know.
I think the male must’ve acquired a stolen license plate for KY to just be receiving this Amber Alert today because it’s CA License Plate # 5J83779, which is 2K miles away and you don’t get to this states even in two days by driving.
The car description is quite vague, too, stating only “white Chevy” with no make or model.
I did a search that just gave me a VIN # of 2GCEC19R3T1255725 (or 125?; my ink shows it was either a 7 or a 1; it didn’t quite come out right at the top when I wrote it down because of the ink, and I didn’t notice it before closing that report).
This is the license plate of the car who hit me and ran how do I find out where they live so they can pay my car to get fixed
Marlene, in California there is a procedure to handle these types of hit and run accidents. You should first call the police to file a hit and run report. They will take all your information as well as pictures of the damage and follow up with the vehicle that hit you. Make sure to give them the vehicle description and their CA car plate number. Then you can give that police report to your insurance company and let them know the police are following up on the situation. The insurance company will then guide you from there.
I am curious as to the significance of a four number CA license plate.
Manuel, there are occasions where there are only four numbers in a custom California license plate. Does that answer your question?
8VZU308
Buying vehicle need to know owner is correct and not stollen
Josefin, is that the California license plate number that you are interested in finding out if it is stolen?
I purchased a set of 1934 plates. The DMV shows they were last registered in 2016 but I did not get the release from the last registered owner. I need to get in touch with them to get one so I can register them to my car
John, you will want to contact the California DMV about your release of the vintage license plates. Unfortunately we cannot assist you with this California license plate number search.
I am selling a collection of old license plates for a friend and i would like to know if they are still in the DMV system. That’s all…no other information. I just want to know if they are “DMV clear”. Can i find that information here?
Shannon, you will need to reach out to the California DMV directly about your inquiry
Someone dog bit my dog. And gave me a wrong phone number. I have her plate( im pretty sure it is) and i have the plate of the person ghat was with her (this pne for sure) This was yesterday at tuna canyon topanga. 10, 1030am. The dog that attacked was a black large poodle . Owner gave me wrong phone number. I need to reach her. So she can take care of dog’s vet bill.
Owner’s dog: CB68J32 may/22
Palisades white new car
Please help. How can i get their info with license plates?
Thank you.
Maria, before obtaining any information from our vehicle record resources, you must first go through our terms of service as well as the privacy laws associated with the state you live in. California has very specific conditions when running a CA license plate number. You can also file a police report and have the DMV lookup this person’s contact information.
Om buy a vehical and want to know if im buying from owner
I now own this vehicle in GB
I would like to be able to contact the owner of this license plate since she has my name on her plates and we seem to have thing in common. Chela is not a common name that is why I think she would like to meet or at least talk on phone
NEED COPY OF TITLE ON ON THIS PLATE 5SIG652 NEED TO FIND OUT IF THIS IS STILL UNDER MY NAME
This car is abandoned on a property I intend to purchase, I need to contact the owner to remove, so I need the registered owner to contact.
The plate is California
Lola, to take care of an abandoned vehicle in California, there is a process.
How to report an abandoned vehicle in California
First you will want to call the police and report the abandoned vehicle. They will followup with trying to contact the owner of the vehicle. Then if there is no response you can have the abandoned vehicle towed at the owner’s expense. Another option is you can visit your local DMV to report the abandoned vehicle and they will in turn coordinate with the police to locate the abandoned vehicle owner
My sons RV was stolen.
I’m a bit confused cuz when I look up the license plate nothing shows license plate being California 783 uot
Justine, you might want to file a police report and let them handle tracking down the RV. Our license plate title search resources are not intended for tracking purposes. The only way to track a vehicle is if there is LowJack or Onstar installed and activated on the vehicle itself.
My cousin was abducted and we have the license plate and Vin number of who took her.
Timothy, this sounds like a police matter. You might consider calling the police and reporting this with the CA license plate number and VIN that you have
Hi, a tourist hit my car and he did not speak English. It looked like he was borrowing the car from a friend. Can you help to locate the car owner?
We are looking at a car to buy wanted to make sure this person owns the car. Plate #6eyv183
Jami, in order to use our California license plate and vehicle record resources you must go through and read the terms and conditions for our service plus the California privacy rules
My car and other two viheclels was hit and run we only have the license plate the TOW track that towed the hit run car
Said, you will want to contact the police about this incident and file a hit and run report. They will be able to follow up on the information you have and take the necessary measures to locate the vehicle in question. You will also want this report so that you can file it with your auto insurance company.
Looking for owners of this vehicle for hit and run
7egf763 Toyota sedan blue California
Sheri, we hope everyone is ok. If you have an emergency please call 911. Next, if everyone is ok, you should contact the police and file a hit and run report. They will be able to follow up on the situation and then you can file an auto insurance claim.
My car was hit by the owner of this plate on July 10,2020. How can I find out his insurance info so I can file claim? California License. 7T56737
Lamar, you will want to reach out to your insurance company directly to report this and they have the ability to lookup this information. You may want to also file a police report if this was a hit and run situation.
I need to find the owners name of a recreational vehicle that has been abandoned on my property but there is no license plate on or on the vehicle. I do however have the Vin #. How can I obtain this information?
Angela, unfortunately we only have California license plate information on highway legal vehicles. If you have an issue with an abandoned vehicle you can file a police report and have the vehicle towed off your property at the owners expense.
I was the victim of a hit and run yesterday afternoon, I was able to get the license plate and filed a report with the CHP. Can I find out the owner’s name/address of the car who hit me?
Liela, unfortunately we cannot disclose any personal information on our blog and the reason you submitted is not an acceptable reason to find the information you are interested in via the CPPA or DPPA regulations. You can go through our process and read the acceptable reasons to run a California license plate lookup.
I am looking at a motorhome for sale that made its way from California to Ontario Canada if I have the California plate number how can I find out if there is any liens on said vehicle thank you
Paul, unfortunately our resources do not cover Recreational Vehicles or Motor Homes. You will want to contact the California DMV directly to inquire about the status of the vehicle title and if it’s clean.
I have a CA temp permit number, I’m trying to locate the owner. Are you able to help me.
2015
G0429161
Thank you
David, there are only very specific reasons you can run a California license plate lookup. Please go through our process and read the DPPA requirements to run a California license plate search and see if your reasons are supported for this query.
I have the plate number on a Blue CA license plate on a vehicle I am trying to purchase. When I input the plate number, it comes up plate not found. What does this mean? Plate is 5D31437 on a 1978 Ford F100.
Arlene, since this is an older vehicle we may not have the vehicle information in our California license plate record database. If you have the VIN number you can also try searching as well as use the free government resource SafeCar.gov. This government resources offers vehicle history reports for used vehicle that can be very useful when purchasing a used car in California.
I would like to know the History before purchasing Veh….License plate # 6kyu790.
Maurice, we offer vehicle history reports, you will want to use our Vehicle History tool to perform this. You’ll need the full 17 digit vehicle identification number to begin your search.
A White BMW M4, roughly model year 2014 body style, with license plate “CHUN JAI” (in the black California special plate with yellow writing) is driving insane on the 10East. While i was getting off on the 10E exit from the 405, this car drove into my lane, then swerved back into the lane towards the 10E. Luckily i had two hands on the wheel and noticed this cars speed. I slammed on the breaks and swerved and came ***within 2-3inches*** of the cement wall. Thank god for the technology in my car because it saved my life. I called 911 and left a report that the car was driving toward downtown. I looked up the plates and they’re registered to a 1996 Mazda. This person capped off and didn’t stop. I got a glimpse of the driver, he was an older Asian male. I’m guessing his name is CHUN JAI. oh—- the license plate had korean or Chinese characters around it on the black license plate frame. I have two pictures if needed. Please get this person off the street before someone’s innocent life is taken away by this lunatic. I’m so lucky I’m not in an ambulance or dead right now.
Alex, thank you for sharing your story about this reckless driver. You did the right thing to report this person to the police immediately, hopefully they follow up with this guy since you got his California license plate number. We will post your comment on our website so that others can share in your story and hopefully make them more aware when driving on the freeway.
Can I search for warrants against a WA license plate in LA County?
George, we can run a California warrant search for you by name however we cannot run a warrant search by a California license plate number
I have a reason to believe that I have spotted my vehicle that is currently reported stolen and currently it has a different license plate. I took a picture of the license and will like to find out if the license plate match a stolen vehicle or license plate.
This sounds like a police matter and unfortunately we cannot give out any information without you reading and agreeing to our terms and conditions as well as the DPPA regulations for California
I’m interested in buying a car that was originally sold in California in 1956 but later it was registered in another state.
Is it possible to obtain the original California license plate number?
My question is because if i buy it, I would love to re/register in California with vanity plates bearing the original number.
This is the VIN number: P6FH 202195
Thank you
That is a good question however you will need to contact the DMV about obtaining this California vanity license plate number. Unfortunately we do not have the ability to lookup what license plate numbers are available. You can visit the California DMV in person or contact them @ 800-777-0133
I just found out that my husband has a car with license plates ♡Mywyfe
That sounds like a very sweet Specialized California license plate number, and these are not free and it’s for everyone to see. Thank you for sharing Alms
Hi
Vehicle is no longer registered in CA but I have VIN and last license plate numbers
I want to find out number of CA owners and mileage history
I’m looking to purchase the vehicle
We do offer a vehicle history report that you can access a vehicle history report by VIN, but not license plate number. First, perform the VIN check and then follow up by choosing what type of vehicle history report you would like when prompted. Performing a vehicle history report when buying a used vehicle is always a good idea, it can uncover issues you might not be aware of.
Hello, I sold my car to an agency that takes junk cars. I need to complete the Release of Liability form for CA dmv. I have all the information needed except I don’t know what my license plate was. How do I get it? I can’t find any paperwork.
You can typically use the California license plate number or the VIN to file a release of liability form to submit to the California DMV. The other option if the California DMV wont take just your VIN to file your release of liability is to visit a CA DMV office in person and file the the release of liability and show your driver’s license as proof of identification.
metzkev@att.net
Kevin, is there a specific question we can answer for you about our California license plate lookup or VIN check resources? We also have a multitude of public records we can assist you with.
I was hit by a black or dark blue Ford f150 crew cab, it had California license plates I was only able to get the first four digits of the plate it was a late model truck, believed to be 2008 or so
First, make sure everyone is safe and unharmed. Second, you should contact the California police and your insurance company and file a California police report and let your insurance company know what happened. They will also want a copy of the police report. Make sure you detail as much information, including pictures of the damage to your vehicle.
Aside from that we cannot assist you. Our California license plate number lookup resources need a full license plate number to reference.
I want to check license plates tikets wen i bui a car
We are happy to assist you with a California license plate lookup however, your best option to finding out about a vehicle’s history is running a vehicle history report. A California vehicle history report will give you a lot more information when purchasing a used vehicle than a CA license plate lookup.
I Believe this vehicle may have been involved with a hit and run. How can I get an address to check with the owner?
If there was a hit and run incident involving a vehicle then you will want to report this to the police and give them the California license plate number and vehicle description and a description of who was driving the vehicle if you know all that information. We unfortunately do not have an affiliation with the California law enforcement so you will need to reach out to them directly.
This lady backed into me in a parking lot, I was in a hurry so I just got minimal info from her, eg. Name and Phone# and I jotted down the plate. The phone number she gave me isn’t correct, which leaves me wondering about the name even. So I got a plate number basically. I don’t want to have to call the police, and would like to maybe give her a chance cause she seemed like a nice lady and maybe just made a mistake. Can I look up her info from her plate number?
Unfortunately this does not fall under the terms and conditions of our California license plate lookup. Your best option is to file a police report and if it’s an honest mistake then that lady should be alright. You might also providing your auto insurance company with this accident report if the lady fails to respond to the police inquiry.
I want to search the owner name for licence plate info – see if they own a registered vehicle in California – is this possible?
Unfortunately we do not offer that type of public record search. We can certainly assist you with a vehicle record search but we do not have the ability to locate a California license plate number from a people search.
Can I look up owner by vin number. Or name of owner?
Typically VIN numbers will only produce vehicle information and vehicle history reports. That being said you can sometimes cross-reference the license plate information to obtain additional information such as owner information. Try our Free VIN Decoder and see what results you can find.
Hello, Need to know owner of this vehicle. Parks in the disabled parking space in front of my house that i applied for.
CA #7WLM833
We cannot give you any license plate information until you read and agree to the terms and coditions of our California license plate search. Follow the link below to learn more.
Terms and Conditions of a License Plate Search Online
I want to look up a license plate this person has sat in their car across from Earl Warren Elemtary School every school day I just want to be sure if it’s innocent or not.
Sara,
We can certainly help you with a California License Plate Search but you will need to agree to our terms and conditions before proceeding. I have provided a link for you below to check out our License Plate Search Tool free for 5 days. Please reach out if there are any additional California license plate or VIN number questions we can answer for you. You might also consider contacting the California police department about this as well.
How To Lookup California License Plate Numbers
– Read and agree to the terms and conditions of the license plate search
– Enter the full license plate number and state of registration and search
– View vehicle and license plate number information online.
Hi, is it possible to look up the registered owner of a vehicle by the last known license plate number? It’s a classic I sold 16 years ago and would love to buy back!
Hello Amber,
It is possible to lookup the registered owner of a vehicle by the license plate number. You must agree to the terms and conditions of the vehicle license plate lookup to obtain any owner information. Below is a link to our official license plate lookup where you can read and agree to the terms of the search.
https://www.searchquarry.com/vehicle_records/license-plate-number-records-lookup.phtml?co=ft
Best Regards,
The Search Quarry Team
HELLO Dear Sir/Madam,
13 days ago a bought a car from an Army solder in WA leakwood, when I payed the money he did not gives me the bill of sell told me I will send it to you my mail, after that he did not answer the call or text, I dont know his exact address, just I have the certificate of title it from California, I kindly request from you to help me finding the ower of the car.
Plate Number (7MCT794)
VIN Number (4T1BA32K34U034126)
Hello Mohammad,
Below is a free 5 day trial where you can perform a Free California license plate lookup. You must agree to the terms and conditions before obtaining any information. Owner information is not always available. If you cannot find the California license plate owner information what you want just cancel and there will no obligation.
You can also check with the California DMV for Owner information. This might be the better route as you can explain your situation and find out the correct procedure to move forward. Below is a link to our Free DMV Finder as well as the California DMV website.
https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/dmv/vr
https://www.searchquarry.com/dmv-finder/california-dmv-offices/
Best Regards,
The Search Quarry Team