Free Texas License Plate Lookup
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Looking up a Texas license plate? Verify car details, accident reports, and title status in seconds. Start your free search today!
What is a Texas License Plate Lookup?
For other U.S. states, check our Free License Plate Lookup.
Why Use a Texas License Plate Lookup?
Using a free Texas license plate lookup can be helpful in many situations, including:
| Use Case | Benefit |
|---|---|
| 🏎️ Buying a Used Car | Verify the car’s history before purchase. |
| 🚔 Checking for Theft Records | Ensure the car isn’t stolen or involved in fraud. |
| 📝 Validating Ownership | Confirm legal registration details. |
| ⚠️ Identifying Accident History | Detect damage and past insurance claims. |
What is a Texas License Plate?
A Texas license plate is a vehicle registration plate issued to vehicles registered in the state of Texas. Each plate contains a combination of letters, numbers, and sometimes special symbols. These plates must be displayed on both the front and rear of the vehicle. The license plate not only serves as a way to identify a vehicle but also acts as a proof of ownership for the vehicle owner.
License plate issuance in Texas is handled by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). When you register your vehicle in the state of Texas, you will be issued a standard license plate with a unique TX license plate number. If you are interested in obtaining a specialty plate, you can choose from a variety of options offered by the Texas DMV.
The current general-issue plate design is called “The Texas Classic.” Introduced in July 2012, it prioritizes public safety by featuring two high-visibility security threads embedded into the plate sheeting. These threads make it easier for law enforcement to identify legitimate plates.
As of November 1, 2016, Texas no longer automatically replaces license plates after 7 years. However, if your plates need replacement due to cosmetic or readability reasons, you can apply for new ones at your county tax office.
How to Get Texas License Plates
- To start, take your vehicle to a certified inspection station and obtain a passing Texas inspection. Bring proof of insurance as well.
- If you choose to apply in person, visit your local county tax-assessor collector office. You’ll need:
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- Insurance card
- Vehicle Inspection Report
- Proof of ownership (registration or title from your previous state)
- Proof of identification
- Payment for fees
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- If you prefer to apply online, visit the Texas DMV website and follow the instructions for ordering new plates.
- Once your order is processed, your new license plates will be sent to you in the mail.
Remember to attach the plates to your vehicle as soon as you receive them to comply with Texas state laws.
How to Conduct a License Plate Lookup in Texas
1️⃣ Enter the License Plate Number
Input the Texas license plate into the search bar on our website.
2️⃣ Click “Free License Plate Lookup”
Initiate the lookup process.
3️⃣ View the Results
Receive a comprehensive report with details about the vehicle’s history and status.
What information do I get from a Texas license plate search?
When you search a Texas license plate, you can access the following details:
✅ Vehicle Make and Model: Basic information about the car’s design and specifications.
✅ Registration Status: Check if the vehicle is legally registered in Texas.
✅ Accident and Damage History: Identify any reported incidents or major repairs.
✅ Title Information: Verify ownership and lienholder data.
✅ Open Recalls: Find out if the vehicle has unresolved safety recalls.
Need a VIN report instead? Try our Free VIN Check for a detailed vehicle history.
Privacy Laws and Restrictions in Texas
Texas adheres to strict privacy laws under the Driver’s Privacy Protection Act (DPPA). Personal information, like the owner’s name or address, cannot be disclosed unless for permissible uses, such as:
- Law enforcement investigations
- Insurance claims and underwriting
- Vehicle recalls and safety notices
Our lookup tool complies with these regulations, ensuring that only non-restricted information is displayed.
Texas Department of Motor Vehicles
The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles is tasked with providing auto-related government services like the issuance of vehicle registration, title, license plate, temporary permit and placard. Meanwhile, the Texas Department of Public Safety, through its Driver License Division, offers assistance with driver licensing, including renewal and upgrade to commercial driver’s license. The government issues a pair of license plates for each registered vehicle in the state. Since 2012, Texas DMV has issued ‘Texas Classic’ design with a serial format of ‘ABC-1234’ for regular Texas license plates.
What can a Texas license plate number tell you?
A Texas license plate number is a good reference point for vehicle info. It can help law enforcement resolve any crime involving the car. Traffic officers, likewise, can identify traffic violators by checking the plate. But for average car buyers, it can aid them in assessing their prospective cars through a free Texas license plate lookup.
Texas License Plate Lookup
Start your free Texas License Plate Lookup today! Click below to start your search:
Texas License Plate FAQs
What is the difference between a Texas license plate lookup and a Texas VIN check?
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and license plate number are similar. The only difference is the former is provided by the manufacturer, while the latter comes from the state of registration. A Texas license plate lookup and a Texas VIN check use their respective search indexes to gather vehicle info. Both tools are available at Vehicle.report.
What are the types of license plates in Texas?
There are many license plate types in Texas. Each may require a different set of requirements. In Texas, alternative plate designs generally fall into three categories, namely, (1) General Issue, (2) Specialty and (3) Souvenir. Aside from these, applicants may also order a personalized license plate.
Can I get a personalized license plate in Texas?
Applicants must secure vehicle registration before requesting personalized plates. There is no strict limit to the alphanumeric combinations that can be displayed. Texas DMV reserves the right to reject any inappropriate combination. The combination must be unique and not identical to other Texas plate numbers.
How can I apply for a Texas license plate?
New car owners have 30 days to register their vehicles with the Texas DMV. Upon completion, they will be eligible for a pair of Texas license plates. However, before they could be acknowledged as recipients, they need to comply with requirements. They need to present the necessary vehicle documentation to qualify.
Is a license plate search legal in Texas?
Yes, conducting a license plate search is legal in Texas as long as it is done for legitimate purposes and in compliance with state laws and regulations.
Can I find the vehicle owner’s name with a Texas license plate lookup?
No. Due to privacy laws, personal details of the owner are not publicly available unless you have a legal reason (e.g., law enforcement, insurance claims).
Important Links for Texas Car Owners and Drivers
Texas VIN Check
Search our comprehensive vehicle history database using any Texas VIN