How to find the owner of a car
You can find the registered owner of a car through your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), but the process and what information you can access depends on why you need it and which state the car is registered in. Most states will not release owner information to the general public for privacy reasons, but they will release it to people with a legitimate reason — such as someone involved in a traffic accident, a property owner dealing with an abandoned vehicle, or someone who witnessed a hit-and-run.
If you have a legitimate reason to find an owner, your first step is to contact your state's DMV directly with the vehicle's license plate number or Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Some states also allow you to request this information online through their DMV website, while others require you to visit in person or submit a written request. A few states will release basic owner information to anyone who asks, but these are the exception.
Key Takeaways
- Most states require you to have a legitimate reason to request owner information from the DMV, such as being involved in an accident or reporting an abandoned vehicle.
- You will need either the vehicle's license plate number or its VIN (a 17-character code found on the dashboard or vehicle documents) to submit a request.
- Some states allow online requests through their DMV website, while others require you to visit in person, call, or mail a written request with proof of your reason.
- If you witnessed a hit-and-run or accident, police can request owner information on your behalf, and you should file a report with them instead of contacting the DMV directly.
- Private services that claim to reveal owner information may charge fees and often cannot access the same records as the DMV.
When the DMV will release owner information
States vary in what situations they consider legitimate reasons to release a car owner's name and address. Common reasons that most states accept include: you were in a traffic accident with the vehicle, you witnessed a hit-and-run, the car is parked illegally or abandoned on your property, or you need the information for a court case or insurance claim.
Some states are more restrictive and will only release information to law enforcement, attorneys, or insurance companies. Others are more open and will provide basic information (name and address, but not phone number) to anyone who asks. A few states, like New Hampshire, allow anyone to look up owner information online with just a license plate number, though even these states may limit what they show.
If you were hit by a car and the driver left the scene, do not contact the DMV yourself. Instead, file a police report and give the officer the license plate number. Police have direct access to owner information and can contact the driver on your behalf.
How to request owner information from your state DMV
Start by visiting your state's DMV website and looking for a section on public records requests, vehicle information requests, or owner lookup. Some states have an online form you can fill out when ready. Others will direct you to mail a written request or visit a local DMV office in person.
When you submit a request, you will typically need to provide: the vehicle's license plate number or VIN, your reason for requesting the information, and proof of your identity. Some states ask you to sign a statement under penalty of perjury that your reason is legitimate. If you are requesting information because of an accident, you may need to provide a police report number or the date and location of the accident.
Processing times vary by state. Some DMVs respond within a few business days, while others take two to four weeks. A few states charge a small fee (usually between $5 and $15) for this service, though many do not.
Finding the VIN if you only have a license plate
If you have the license plate number but not the VIN, you do not need to find the VIN first. You can submit your request to the DMV using just the license plate number. The DMV will use the plate to look up the vehicle's registration and find the owner.
However, if you need the VIN for another reason — such as checking the vehicle's history or maintenance records — you can sometimes find it by looking at the vehicle itself. The VIN is stamped on the dashboard on the driver's side, visible through the windshield. It is also printed on the vehicle's registration documents and insurance card. If you have access to the car's title or registration, the VIN will be there.
What private vehicle lookup services can and cannot do
You may see advertisements for private services that claim to reveal car owner information for a fee. These services vary widely in what they can actually provide. Some have access to public records and can tell you general information like the vehicle's make, model, and year. Others cannot legally access DMV records and instead piece together information from public sources like court records, property records, or business databases.
Private services cannot access the same confidential DMV records that the state itself protects. If a service claims it can when ready reveal a private owner's name and address, it is either using outdated information, accessing public records that may not be current, or making claims it cannot back up. Using the DMV directly is more reliable because the information comes straight from the source and is current.
What to do if the DMV denies your request
If your state's DMV denies your request, it means they determined your reason was not legitimate under that state's law. You have a few options depending on your situation.
If you were in a traffic accident, contact the police non-emergency line and file a report. The police can obtain the owner's information and may be able to contact the driver on your behalf or provide you with a report number that you can use to request the information again from the DMV.
If the vehicle is abandoned on your property, contact your local code enforcement office or police department. They can investigate and contact the owner. If you need the information for a legal matter, an attorney can often request it on your behalf, as courts and lawyers have broader access to DMV records than the general public.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I find a car owner's information using just a photo of the license plate?
No. You need the actual license plate number (the letters and numbers, not just a photo). Even with the plate number, most states will not release owner information unless you have a legitimate reason. The DMV will not provide information based on a photo alone.
What if the car is registered in a different state than where I live?
You will need to contact that state's DMV, not your own. Each state maintains its own vehicle registration records. You can usually find contact information and submission instructions on the other state's DMV website. The process and fees may differ from your home state.
Can I find owner information if the vehicle has out-of-state plates?
Yes, but you will need to contact the DMV of the state where the vehicle is registered. The license plate will show the state abbreviation, which tells you which DMV to contact. Follow that state's process for requesting owner information.
Is it legal to use a private lookup service to find a car owner?
Using a private service is legal, but the information you receive may not be accurate or current since these services do not have direct access to DMV records. If you have a legitimate reason to find an owner, contacting the DMV directly is more reliable and often free or low-cost.
What happens if I give the DMV a false reason to get owner information?
Many states require you to sign a statement under penalty of perjury when you request owner information. Providing false information can result in criminal charges for perjury or fraud. Only request this information if you have a genuine, legitimate reason.