There are a number of reasons why you may need to look up your license plate number, such as:
- Requesting replacement registration documents or plates.
- Filling out an application of some sort.
- If your vehicle has been stolen or destroyed.
Luckily, there are some easy methods for how you can find your license plate number. We’ll cover them below.
Then, once you have your license plates number and/or VIN, you can use some of our free resources including the:
Where to Find Your License Plate Number
After registering your vehicle and receiving new license plates, there are a number of places where you’ll be able to locate the plate number.
In general, the main places to locate your license plate number include:
- The vehicle title.
- The bill of sale.
- Your registration documents.
- Your car insurance policy documents.
Other, less obvious places where your license plate number may have been recorded include:
- Parking tickets.
- Parking permits.
- Rental applications.
- Employment documents.
- Your dealership or service shop.
If you can’t find your license plate number using any of the items listed above, you may be able to find it by using your VIN.
Find License Plate Number by VIN
If you know your VIN number (What is a VIN number?), you may be able to use it to easily find your license plate.
You can find the VIN in a number of locations on your vehicle itself and your ownership and insurance paperwork.
The main way to use your VIN to find your license plate number is to go through your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
The DMV will offer ways for you to look up your vehicle information. You’ll typically have the option of completing the request:
- In person at your local office.
- Via a self-serve kiosk.
- By mail.
- Online.
In order to find your license plate number by VIN, you’ll usually need to provide the following:
- Your full name and address.
- Your VIN.
- Payment for a service fee, if applicable.
Finally, some vehicle history reports may include the plate number when you run a vehicle history report by VIN. Check with the VHR provider to confirm.