Free License Plate Lookup & VIN Finder
Don't have the VIN? Enter the plate number and state to instantly decode the VIN and view the vehicle's history report.
How to Find a VIN from a License Plate
Most free history tools require the 17-digit VIN. But what if you only see the car from the outside?
Select State
Choose the state where the vehicle is currently registered.
Reverse Lookup
Our partner's database matches the license plate to the VIN on file.
Get the History
View the full report: accidents, title status, specs, and more.
Is License Plate Lookup Legal?
Yes. ZipVIN and our partners operate in strict compliance with the Driver's Privacy Protection Act (DPPA).
What you WILL see:
- Vehicle specifications (year, make, model)
- Accident history records
- Title branding (salvage/rebuilt)
- Lien records
What you WON'T see:
- Owner's name
- Home address
- Phone number
- Personal info is protected by federal law unless you have a valid permissible use (e.g., insurance claims, law enforcement).
Why Use This Tool?
Used Car Buying
The seller didn't list the VIN? Check the plate from the photos to see if it's legitimate.
Hit & Run / Safety
Verify if a suspicious vehicle is stolen or has a checkered past.
Motorcycles
Bike VINs are often hard to reach or hidden. The license plate is the easiest way to start your check.
Supported States
We support license plate decoding for all 50 US states:
Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming.