What information can you find with a Michigan license plate search?

Our Michigan license plate search can provide you with important available vehicle info, which may include: Market value, Estimated ownership costs, Accident history, Past ownership, Lien information, Salvage and other branded title info, Manufacturer recalls, Equipment and trim specifications, Sales history. When you use Bumper, you can gain access to key data that can help you determine the best course of action to take in your vehicle ownership journey.

What makes our Michigan license plate search different?

With our online license plate search tool, you can run a Michigan license plate search to gather specific info about a Michigan vehicle you’re interested in learning more about. Our search tool utilizes a massive database of public records provided by the Michigan Department of State at Michigan.gov , NMVTIS and other third-party data sources like J.D. Power.

How can a MI license plate lookup help you?

Whether you live in or around the Detroit area or you’re a Yooper, our MI license plate search results can help you determine your vehicle’s market value in Michigan so you can set a reasonable asking price. And if you’re not buying directly off of the factory floor in MoTown, our license plate search can provide you with important details on a vehicle’s history. Some of this might include any impact to a vehicle from an accident or lemon law designation, as well as salvage title issues caused by hail, tornadoes, flooding, or Michigan’s notoriously harsh winters.

Why use our Michigan license plate search?

At Bumper, we can guide you through the challenging waters of vehicle research. Rather than using more expensive competitors or combing through various databases of public records, you can use our Michigan license plate lookup. We’ll do all the legwork for you and compile information you may need to know about a particular Michigan vehicle—all in one online dashboard, iOS and Google mobile apps, and downloadable PDF form.

Do you need front and rear license plates in Michigan?

Yes, you need front and rear license plates in Michigan, although there may be exceptions for motorcycles, mopeds and some commercial trucks or trailers. The dual-plate requirement is common in many states because it makes it easier for law enforcement to identify vehicles. It’s also helpful in instances of motorist liability issues. But if you see a vehicle with a license plate from a neighboring state, such as Wisconsin , Illinois , Indiana , Ohio , Pennsylvania , or even New York , we can help you look up its info too! Front and rear plates also make it more convenient to find the license plate number of Michigan-registered vehicles you might be interested in learning more about. However, if you already have a vehicle’s identification number (or VIN), we can help you run a VIN search !

Michigan License Plate Lookup

Enter a Michigan license plate number to learn all about a vehicle registered in the Great Lakes State!

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Enter a Michigan license plate number to learn all about a vehicle registered in the Great Lakes State!

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What is a Michigan license plate lookup?
Types of license plates in Michigan
How to use license plate lookup services
Privacy concerns
Additional online vehicle services

In the state of Michigan, license plates and vehicle registration play a pivotal role in the regulation and identification of motor vehicles. Conducting a Michigan license plate lookup can help provide a wealth of information that aids in making informed decisions, whether you’re purchasing a used vehicle or trying to verify the history of a vehicle already owned. This article explores the various facets of Michigan license plate lookups, highlighting its benefits and practical applications.

Consider the scenario where you’re looking to buy a pre-owned car. A license plate lookup can reveal the vehicle’s accident history*, title issues, and any major repairs. This knowledge can save you from unforeseen expenses and potential safety issues. If you’re a buyer investigating a vehicle, knowing its history could help provide the peace of mind that your investment is sound.

Existing vehicle owners also benefit from this service. By regularly checking their vehicle details, owners can try to confirm the accuracy of their registration records and stay informed about any updates or discrepancies that may need to be addressed. This proactive approach helps in avoiding potential legal implications related to vehicle ownership.

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What is a Michigan license plate lookup?

A Michigan license plate lookup can be conducted with Bumper’s tool that allows individuals to try and access detailed information about a vehicle simply by entering its license plate number. This process may reveal a detailed range of data critical for various stakeholders.

Types of information:

Vehicle history: The lookup provides detailed vehicle history, including past accidents*, title issues, sales records, and major repairs.
Ownership records: It tracks ownership history of the vehicle, including number of owners and known sales history..
Legal issues: This tool can uncover legal issues associated with the vehicle, such as liens, recalls, traffic violations, or if the vehicle has been reported stolen.
Rebuild and repair records: Information on any title brands or mechanical repairs that may have occurred over the vehicle’s lifespan is also included.
Traffic court records: Details insights into any traffic violations or accidents* the vehicle may have been involved in, providing a complete picture of its road history.
Public records: Reveals any public records related to the vehicle, such as arrest warrants associated with it.

The lookup tool accesses official databases maintained by the Michigan Department of Motor Vehicles, ensuring the information is reliable and legally permissible under the Driver’s Privacy Protection Act (DPPA).

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Types of license plates in Michigan

Standard plates

Michigan offers a number of standard plate designs that give residents a chance to personalize their plates without ordering speciality plates.

Pure Michigan

The Mackinac Bridge Plate showcases one of Michigan’s most iconic landmarks, offering residents a way to express state pride with a beautifully rendered design. The plate features a white background and flat blue text and secondary elements.

Mackinac bridge

The Mackinac Bridge Plate showcases one of Michigan’s most iconic landmarks, offering residents a way to express state pride with a beautifully rendered design.

Water-winter wonderland

First issued in 1965 and reissued in 2021, the Water-Winter Wonderland plate emphasizes Michigan’s four-season appeal. A unique feature is that the registration tab is placed in the lower right corner instead of the upper right. The plate features a deep blue background and yellow text.

Personalized plates

Personalized plates can be customized with up to 6 or 7 characters depending on the plate type. They allow for a range of letters, numbers, and spaces and can be checked for availability online. An additional fee of $30 is assessed for personalization on top of the registration cost.

Special cause fundraising plates

Michigan’s special cause fundraising plates, priced at $35 plus registration and personalization fees, contribute $25 to the designated cause for each plate sold. These plates support diverse causes including sports foundations, veterans, environmental efforts, and health initiatives. By purchasing a plate, you help fund the specific cause represented, turning your vehicle into a symbol of support for these important organizations.

University fundraising plates

Michigan’s university license plates, priced at $35 plus registration and personalization fees, support universities across the state. For each plate sold, $25 is donated directly to the university featured on the plate. These plates provide a way for alumni and supporters to show their pride while contributing funds that benefit the university’s programs and initiatives.

Military and veteran plates

Michigan offers specialized license plates for military service members, veterans, and in some cases, their family members. These plates recognize various branches of the military and specific conflicts, allowing individuals to display their service or honor a loved one’s military achievements. Each plate serves as a tribute while providing a way to support and acknowledge the sacrifices made by those who have served.

Amateur radio and special organization plates

Michigan offers specialized plates for amateur radio operators and members of select nonprofit and public service organizations. Amateur radio plates are exclusively available to licensed ham radio operators, allowing them to showcase their call signs. Special organization plates are designed for members of groups such as firefighters, police associations, and Freemasons. Each plate incurs a regular registration fee plus a $25 service fee, supporting these dedicated organizations and their communities.

Upcoming and new designs

Starting January 27, 2024, Michigan will reintroduce the green and white “Water Wonderland” plate, providing a nostalgic option for residents. This classic design celebrates Michigan’s history and will be available for order online.

How to use license plate lookup services

Users can enter the license plate number and state into a designated online service to retrieve various records. The information pulled varies from case to case, but can provide an overview of vital details such as the vehicle’s make, model, year, and color. It may also include the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), registration status, past accidents*, service records, title information, odometer readings, liens, theft recovery records, previous ownership details, and emission inspection results.

Searching with a license plate number, especially when a VIN is unreadable or absent, is practical and efficient. Online services like AutoCheck allow users to input the license plate and state to acquire necessary vehicle history records, making it a useful alternative to VIN searches.

For more detailed data, third-party websites often provide deeper insights than free services, which typically only offer basic vehicle information. These paid services can offer more detailed reports, such as the vehicle’s title issue date, driver’s license number of the past owners, and lien information, which could be crucial for verification and identification purposes.

While using online services, privacy laws and ethical guidelines must be adhered to. According to the Driver’s Privacy Protection Act (DPPA), retrieving personally identifiable information from a license plate lookup must have specific permissible purposes, such as verifying a car owner’s information in a business transaction or investigating vehicle theft.

Public databases and government websites can also be used for checking if a vehicle is stolen or involved in legal issues, offering an additional layer of safety and security. These resources collectively ensure a reliable and user-accessible method for conducting thorough and privacy-compliant vehicle checks.

Privacy concerns

Privacy and legal guidelines

While performing a license plate lookup in Michigan, strict privacy laws are enforced to ensure individual privacy rights are protected. Any collection, use, and accessibility of data must comply with federal and state regulations. The Administrative Procedure Act of 1946 (APA) requires agencies to justify regulatory decisions based on data and analyses, making the process transparent and accountable.

Additionally, regulations such as the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) mandate that agencies provide clear justifications and demonstrate the necessity of any data collection. Agencies must obtain approval from the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) before collecting information from the public, ensuring that the process is the least burdensome.

These legal frameworks serve a dual purpose: they protect the public’s access to vehicle information for legitimate purposes, such as buying a used car or verifying ownership, and safeguard individual privacy rights against misuse of the data. This balance maintains trust in the system while upholding the legal protections required.

Additional online vehicle services

Michigan offers an array of online vehicle services beyond license plate lookups, significantly enhancing the user experience for vehicle owners and buyers. For instance, vehicle owners can renew their vehicle plates and watercraft registration online. This process requires basic information such as the last four digits of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and a valid payment method. Following the renewal, users can print their updated vehicle registration directly from their browser.

For those needing to update their addresses, change their mailing addresses, or order a new license plate, they can seamlessly do so by creating or logging into their Secretary of State online account. Additionally, Michigan’s Online Services portal offers the convenience of replacing Graduate Driver Licenses and submitting a change of address request.

Another valuable service is the ability to check the availability of personalized license plates. Users can navigate to the “Check Personalized Plate Availability” section to confirm that their chosen combination is unique and acceptable.

Michigan also provides a system for ordering vehicle and driver records online. Users must select the Record Sales Services under “Additional Services” and follow prompts to request vehicle title and registration records. Required to have a permissible use for the information, individuals pay with a debit or credit card, or an e-check/bank account number.

These detailed online services cater to various needs, offering added support to vehicle owners and prospective buyers in managing and understanding their automotive needs efficiently. The ease of performing these tasks online reduces the need for in-person visits, ensuring a more streamlined and convenient experience.

Using Michigan license plate lookup tools may offer substantial benefits for prospective car buyers, current vehicle owners, and law enforcement agencies. By revealing vital vehicle history, sales history, legal issues, and public records, these lookups could provide crucial insights that can prevent costly mistakes and enhance safety. Whether it’s for trying to verify details before purchasing a used car, keeping tabs on one’s own vehicle registration accuracy, or aiding in the recovery of stolen vehicles, the lookup process is an invaluable resource.

Disclaimer

* Bumper reports are based on data available and may not include historical accident records in all states.