A license plate lookup helps users obtain valuable information about a vehicle. It is convenient, especially since there are over 8.6 million registered Michigan vehicles in 2024. This number includes automobiles, light trucks, motorcycles, and more.
Buyers, insurance agencies, and law enforcement use these lookup services to confirm vehicle specifics. Through a Michigan license plate search, users can access basic details and comprehensive information on title records, accident history, and recalls.
Although the Michigan Department of State (MDOS) manages official records, additional resources, such as approved providers, are available so residents can access the necessary information.
Why Run a License Plate Search in Michigan?
License plate searches provide various insights about vehicle ownership and history in Michigan. Whether for personal, legal, or investigative purposes, running a license plate lookup can uncover critical information. Below are reasons why individuals run a vehicle plate search:
- Reveal the full history of a vehicle, including past ownership records, accident history, and any reported damage.
- Retrieve major accident details associated with the vehicle.
- Verify the ownership of a vehicle.
- Discover outstanding liens or title discrepancies.
- Track stolen vehicles.
- Investigate criminal activity associated with a vehicle.
- Verify driver and vehicle compliance with state laws.
Is it Legal to Perform a License Plate Lookup in Michigan?
In Michigan, conducting a license plate lookup is legal under specific conditions regulated by the Driver Privacy Protection Act (DPPA), Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), and Michigan Court Rule 8.119(E). These regulations protect vehicle and driver information while providing access for permissible purposes.
Under these laws, access to personal information can be allowed if it falls under one of the permissible uses outlined by the DPPA. Otherwise, the sensitive information is redacted. These uses include:
- Governmental and law enforcement functions
- Private entities acting on behalf of the government, such as collecting unpaid tickets or tracking stolen vehicles
- Vehicle and driver safety during recalls, emissions monitoring, and analyzing market trends for vehicles
- Business verification in the accuracy of personal information submitted by individuals
- Legal proceedings for civil, criminal, or administrative cases
- Research and reporting for academic studies by research organizations
- Insurance and claims investigations and assessment of risks for underwriting purposes
- Vehicle recovery and towing services on abandoned vehicles to notify the vehicle’s owner
The DPPA prohibits the disclosure of personal information except for legitimate, legally defined purposes. This personal information often refers to all details that identify an individual, such as:
- Complete name
- Physical and email addresses
- Insurance policy number
- Bank information
- Contact information
- Biometric data
- Pictures of the individual
- Social security number
- Driver’s license number
- Medical information
Penalties for Misuse of License Plate Information
Individuals and entities who access information and use it to defraud other people violate the DPPA and Michigan state law. Misuse of the obtained restricted or personal information can result in legal penalties.
Penalties may include fines and civil damages. Fines are up to $5,000 for first-time offenders and $15,000 for repeat offenders.
In cases of severe misuse, criminal charges may be filed, leading to possible imprisonment. Usually, charges may include felony, which includes imprisonment of up to 5 years. However, subsequent conviction may reach up to 15 years of imprisonment.
How Can You Conduct a Michigan License Plate Lookup?
To conduct a Michigan plate lookup, a requester can use a tool offered by a government agency or a third party. Depending on the method used, fees for such service may vary.
Michigan Department of State (MDOS)
The MDOS does not provide an online tool for conducting license plate lookups. Individuals can call the MDOS through their official contact (888-767-6424) for specific instructions on how to obtain this information.
Individuals may also schedule a visit to any of the MDOS branch offices for immediate assistance with plate number search. They can secure a scheduled visit several months in advance.
On the other hand, mail requests are available through the MDOS and are subject to provisions of the public records law and DPPA (Drivers Privacy Protection Act). Through the mail request, individuals fill out section 5 of the request form and other important details that will help expedite the process.
Businesses and agencies that use vehicle records regularly may want to email the record sales section of MDOS for more information.
Approved NMVTIS Data Providers
The MDOS provides access to vehicle history information through National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) approved data providers.
NMVTIS is a national database aggregating all vehicle information submitted by participating states. To ensure that access to this database is fair and per local laws, NVMTIS accredits third-party providers.
These platform providers allow users to obtain vehicle-related data using a license plate number, but fees apply. Some key providers include:
- GoodCar.com
- InfoTracer.com
- RecordsFinder.com
- StateRecords.org
Some providers emphasize extensive coverage of insurance claims and weather damage incidents. Others are geared towards revealing lien information and legal issues tied to the vehicle. On the other hand, several platforms highlight odometer readings.
These third-party services provide users with a broad range of information, though the level of detail may vary by provider. All reports must comply with the DPPA’s provisions.
What Information Can You Obtain from a Michigan License Plate Lookup?
The type of data available when conducting a Michigan license plate lookup depends on the method used and the report level requested.
A basic license plate lookup can provide key details about the vehicle, including:
- Make, model, and year
- Type specification (sedan, sports, truck, SUV, convertible)
- Drive types (four-wheel, front-wheel drive)
- Transmission type (automatic or manual)
- Engine type
- MSRP (Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price)
- Warranty details
For those requesting a more detailed report through NMVTIS-approved providers or the MDOS, the following information may be available:
- Current and historical title information, including title transfer dates and previous ownership records
- Alerts for salvage titles, rebuilt vehicles, flood damage, and lemon status
- Reports on severe accidents, total loss, and other major incidents
- Manufacturer’s recalls or safety defects related to the vehicle
- Odometer readings from title transfers and inspections
- Details on any outstanding liens or loans on the vehicle
- Information on vehicle repossession or claims due to accidents, theft, or weather-related damage
- Basic vehicle ownership and registration status
- Reports on recent inspections, emission tests, and safety checks
- Weather damage history caused by severe weather conditions (e.g., hail, flooding)
What Does a Michigan License Plate Look Like?
Before conducting a license plate lookup, individuals should confirm that the plate is from Michigan and not from another state. Michigan license plates have distinct designs that make them easy to recognize.
The standard license plate features a simple white background with blue text and the state's "Pure Michigan" tagline across the top.
Michigan is continually updating its specialty plate offerings. However, no significant changes are planned for the standard plate design. Any changes in plate options or design updates will be communicated through the official website of the MDOS (Michigan Department of State).
License Plate Types in Michigan
The type of license plate a vehicle has may affect the lookup process. Michigan offers a wide variety of plates beyond the standard ones, and each type serves a specific purpose or reflects the owner's affiliation.
Specialty plates range from military to historical, collector to special organization plates. On the other hand, personalized plates allow vehicle plate owners to customize them with letters and numbers, except for symbols.
Digital plates are usually sold by private companies and will be discontinued by 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are answers to questions about Michigan license plate lookups, including process times, options for free searches, and methods for checking custom plates:
Can I Look Up MI License Plates for Free?
The MDOS (Michigan Department of State) does not provide free online license plate lookups. However, third-party sites may offer limited free service on basic vehicle data. Individuals who want comprehensive details might want to consider a paid subscription.Do All Michigan License Plate Lookups Work for Custom or Personalized Plates?
The MDOS registers and tracks personalized plates in the same way as standard plates. However, some third-party databases may not store vanity plate information if it's too unique or recent. For additional details on a personalized plate, contacting the MDOS may be helpful.How Long Does a Typical Michigan License Plate Lookup Take?
The processing time for license plate lookups varies. Depending on processing demands, in-person or mail requests with the MDOS can take several business days to weeks. Third-party NMVTIS providers, however, offer instant or near-instant reports online.Can I Perform Bulk License Plate Lookups in Michigan?
Some commercial NMVTIS providers offer bulk lookup options. These third-party services typically require a paid subscription or per-record fee for high-volume searches.Are There Any Alternatives to a License Plate Lookup for Obtaining Vehicle Information in Michigan?
Michigan residents can also use a VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) lookup to obtain vehicle information. Approved NMVTIS providers, such as GoodCar.com or InfoTracer.com, offer VIN checks as a reliable alternative to a license plate lookup. These services typically incur a fee that may vary depending on the depth of the report provided.