Free Florida License Plate Lookup

Search for your vehicle’s history using its license plate. Get insights on accidents, flood damage, and more.

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Are you looking to gather information about a vehicle in Florida but only have the license plate number? A Florida license plate lookup is a service that allows individuals to search for information associated with a specific license plate in the state of Florida. This can include details such as the vehicle’s make and model, registration status, and any history of violations. It can also provide you with valuable details about a vehicle’s history, ownership, and more.

What is a Florida License Plate?

A Florida license plate is a metal plate attached to a vehicle’s front and rear, displaying the vehicle’s registration information and a unique combination of letters and numbers. In Florida, license plates are issued by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) and are required for all vehicles operating on public roads. All Florida license plates are currently valid for a period of ten years.

The current standard Florida license plate features a white background with an outline of the state in orange. “Florida” is written in large blue lettering at the top, and the county name or a “Sunshine State” or “In God We Trust” slogan appears at the bottom.

Florida offers over 100 specialty license plates beyond the standard options. These plates support various organizations and causes, often featuring unique designs. Owning a specialty plate typically comes with an additional fee, part of which goes to the supported organization.

How to Get a License Plate in Florida

To get a license plate in Florida, follow these steps:

    1. Register your vehicle: Visit a local Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office or a authorized tag agency with:
        • Proof of Florida insurance
        • Vehicle title or proof of ownership
        • Identification (FL driver’s license or ID card)
        • Proof of Florida residency
    2. Fill out the registration application: Complete the “Application for Certificate of Title With/Without Registration” (HSMV 82040)
    3. Choose your license plate: Select from standard issue, specialty, or vanity plates
    4. Pay registration fees: Pay the registration fee, title fee, and any additional fees for specialty plates
    5. Get your license plate: Once registered, you’ll receive a new Florida license plate

Additional requirements:

    • Vehicle inspection: If your vehicle is new to Florida or has never been registered in the state, you may need a vehicle inspection
    • Emissions testing: If your vehicle is registered in certain counties, you may need to pass an emissions test

Note: You can also register your vehicle online or by mail, but you’ll still need to visit a DHSMV office or tag agency to obtain your license plate.

How to Perform a Florida License Plate Lookup

    1. Enter the Plate Number:
      Use the tool by typing in the license plate number in the search bar.
    2. Review Vehicle Records:
      Get access to: 

      • Vehicle specifications (make, model, year).
      • Accident history and title details.
    3. Understand the Privacy Rules:
      Florida adheres to Driver’s Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) regulations, limiting access to personal information like names or addresses.

      What Information Can You Access with a Florida License Plate Lookup?

      Using our tool, you can retrieve:

        • Vehicle Details: Make, model, year, and body type.
        • Accident History: Any reported collisions or insurance claims.
        • Ownership Transfers: View non-personal ownership records.
        • Title Information: Clean, salvage, or rebuilt status.
        • Vehicle Recalls: Check if the vehicle is subject to safety recalls.

          Can I look up the owner of a Florida license plate?

          In Florida, license plate information is confidential and exempt from public disclosure, as per Florida Statute 119.071(2)(a). This means that you cannot look up the owner of a Florida license plate through public records or online databases. However, law enforcement agencies and other authorized entities may access this information for official purposes, such as:

              • Investigating crimes or accidents
              • Enforcing traffic laws
              • Conducting vehicle safety inspections
            Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles

            Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles

            In Florida, the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) is the office to go to if you want to title and register your vehicles as well as get a new license plate. The state requires you to have only one license plate displayed on the rear of your vehicle with the current registration decal properly attached. A license plate is required to be replaced every ten years.

            Florida License Plate Lookup

            Ready to uncover critical vehicle details? Enter a Florida license plate now to begin!

            Florida License Plate FAQs

            Answers to the most frequently asked questions on license plate lookup

            What is the difference between a Florida license plate lookup and a Florida VIN check?

            License plate lookups are simpler and often Florida-specific. VIN checks provide a deeper dive into vehicle history, including service records and detailed ownership.

            What are the types of license plates in Florida?

            More than 100 license plates are available to Florida drivers. Along with the standard license plates, there are special plates that represent different categories and groups such as collegiate, environmental, military, sports, governmental, native american, historical, diplomatic, front end for emergency personnel, disabled, special interest and miscellaneous.

            Can I get a personalized license plate in Florida?

            You can order a personalized license plate for your car and motorcycle in Florida. A personalized licence plate can have up to 7 characters which may contain any combination of letters and numbers. Personalized plates cost a small fee in addition to the vehicle registration fees.

            How can I apply for a Florida license plate?

            You can apply for a license plate in Florida after completing a vehicle registration at the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). Before you can get your license plate and registration certificate, you must get Florida insurance and have a Florida Certificate of Title to show proof of ownership.

            Can I lookup Florida license plates if I’m out of state?

            Yes, the tool works regardless of your location.

            Is it legal to perform a Florida license plate lookup?

            Performing a Florida license plate lookup is legal as long as you have a valid reason for doing so, such as verifying vehicle information or conducting a legitimate investigation. It is important to comply with state laws and regulations regarding privacy and data protection.

            Are there any restrictions on accessing information through a Florida license plate lookup?

            Accessing information through a Florida license plate lookup may be restricted to certain authorized entities, such as law enforcement agencies, insurance companies, and licensed investigators. The general public may have limited access to certain details.

            Important Links for Florida Car Owners and Drivers

            Other related resources you can access for free

            Florida VIN Check

            To get a comprehensive vehicle history report, you can also run a Florida VIN Check