Free Florida License Plate Lookup

What is a Florida license plate lookup and what are the benefits?

A Florida license plate search and lookup is a service that allows you to obtain information about a vehicle by entering its license plate number. This service is usually provided by third-party websites or government agencies and can provide a variety of information about the vehicle, such as its make and model, year of manufacture, and owner’s name and address.

The benefits of a Florida license plate lookup are many. For example, if you are considering buying a used car in Florida, you can use this service to check the vehicle’s history and ensure that it is not stolen or has any outstanding liens against it. Additionally, if you have been involved in a hit-and-run accident or need to report a reckless driver to the authorities, a license plate lookup can provide you with the necessary information to do so. Finally, this service can be useful for individuals who want to keep track of their own vehicle’s registration status and ensure that they are in compliance with Florida state law.

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) provides several online services related to motor vehicle registration and titling. Renewing vehicle registration, ordering personalized license plates, obtaining duplicate registration certificates and updating address and other contact information can all be done online. Vehicle owners can also run a license plate check to obtain information about their vehicle, including its history and any outstanding liens or citations. You can directly visit the FLHSMV website here. 

VinCheckPro’s free Florida license plate search offers users access to a range of important information about any vehicle registered in the state. Some of the key information that you can obtain through this vehicle search tool includes:

• • NMVTIS vehicle history report
  • Vehicle specifications
  • Accident records
  • Manufacturer recalls 
  • Junk & Salvage records
  • Lien records
  • Odometer Readings 
  • Total Loss History 
  • Sale history, estimated ownership costs, and market value
  • 60+ Problem Checks – signs of odometer rollback, theft and others
  • Taxi, Lease, Police Use – past occupation or line of business
  • Safety Report – safety reviews by auto experts and consumers

Overall, a Florida license plate search is a valuable tool for anyone who needs to obtain information about a particular vehicle. Whether you are buying a car, investigating a potential fraud, or dealing with the aftermath of an accident, a license plate search can provide the information you need to make informed decisions and protect your interests.

What is a Florida license plate?

The Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) is responsible for issuing license plates, also known as tags, to all vehicles registered in Florida. These metal plates are unique to each vehicle and contain alphanumeric characters that serve as identification and information about the vehicle. In Florida, license plates are only required to be displayed on the rear of the vehicle.

The FLHSMV issues both standard and specialty license plates, with the standard license plate featuring a graphic image of the state outline and the official website, myflorida.com. These license plates are governed by the Florida Statutes, Section 320.06. 

Here are some of the most common ones:

1. 1. Standard license plate: This is the most basic license plate available in Florida. It features a white background with blue lettering and numbers, and the state’s name and motto (“Sunshine State”) at the top.
   2. Personalized license plate: This is a custom license plate that allows you to choose your own combination of letters and numbers (within certain guidelines). Personalized plates can be ordered online or in person at a tax collector’s office.
   3. Specialty license plate: Florida offers a wide variety of specialty license plates that support various causes and organizations. Some examples include the “Save the Manatee” plate, the “Florida State University” plate, and the “Support Our Troops” plate.
   4. Military license plate: Florida offers special license plates for veterans, active-duty military personnel, and members of various branches of the military.
   5. Disabled parking permit: This is not a license plate, but rather a special permit that allows people with disabilities to park in designated accessible parking spaces.

Specialty license plates are categorized and issued to different organizations based on the causes they represent. Vehicle owners have the option to personalize both standard and specialty license plates for an additional fee, which are subject to approval. Personalized plates with a central logo design, similar to the standard plate, can have up to seven characters including spaces or hyphens. On the other hand, plates featuring a logo on the left, such as collegiate specialty plates, can have up to five characters without requiring spaces or hyphens.

In addition, temporary license plates are permitted in Florida and can be used for several lawful purposes. These plates are valid for either 10, 30, or 90 days, depending on the reason for their issuance. The most common use of temporary plates is for motor vehicle dealers to allow customers who do not have transferable plates to drive their newly acquired vehicles off the dealership lot.

How do I get a license plate in Florida?

To get a license plate in Florida, you will need to follow these steps:

1. 1. Obtain a valid Florida driver’s license or ID card.
   2. Obtain valid auto insurance from a Florida insurance company.
   3. Register your vehicle with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) by submitting the required documentation, which includes proof of ownership, proof of insurance, and a completed application form. You may need to provide additional documentation if you purchased the vehicle from out of state.
   4. Pay the registration fees, which will vary based on the type of vehicle and other factors, such as the county where you reside and the type of license plate you choose.
   5. Receive your license plate, either through the mail or in person at your local FLHSMV office.

You can choose from a variety of license plate options in Florida, including standard plates, specialty plates, and personalized plates, as well as temporary plates for certain situations. The process for obtaining a license plate may vary slightly depending on your individual circumstances, so it’s always a good idea to check with the FHSMV or a licensed tag agency for specific instructions.

Can I transfer my Florida license plate to another vehicle?

Yes, you can transfer your Florida license plate to another vehicle as long as the new vehicle is registered in your name and meets all the requirements for the type of license plate you have. To transfer your license plate, you will need to visit a local county tax collector’s office or an authorized tag agency and bring the following documents:

1. 1. Your current vehicle registration and license plate
   2. Proof of insurance for the new vehicle
   3. A completed application for a transfer of license plate
   4. Payment for the transfer fee, which varies depending on the type of license plate and other factors.

Once your application and payment are processed, you will receive a new registration and a new license plate for the vehicle that the transferred plate was originally registered to. It’s important to note that some specialty license plates may not be eligible for transfer to a new vehicle, so be sure to check with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) or a licensed tag agency for specific information on your plate type.

How can I renew my license plate in Florida?

In Florida, license plates must be renewed annually. The renewal deadline is determined by the registrant’s birthdate. For example, if your birthdate is in January, your license plate renewal deadline will be at the end of your birth month.

To renew your Florida license plate, you can do so online, in person, or by mail. Here are the steps for each option:

Online renewal:

1. 1. Visit the Florida of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) website and click on the “Renew Your Registration” link.
   2. Enter your license plate number and last four digits of your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to access your registration information.
   3. Verify your information and pay the renewal fee using a credit or debit card.

In-person renewal:

1. 1. Visit a local tax collector’s office with your current registration certificate, proof of insurance, and payment for the renewal fee.
   2. Provide the necessary documents and pay the fee to complete the renewal process.

Mail-in renewal:

1. 1. Complete the renewal notice that you received in the mail, or obtain a renewal form from the Florida FLHSMV website.
   2. Include proof of insurance and payment for the renewal fee.
   3. Mail the completed documents and payment to the address listed on the renewal form.

It’s important to note that the renewal fees for license plates in Florida vary based on factors such as the type of vehicle and the length of the renewal period. It’s also a good idea to renew your license plate before it expires to avoid any late fees or penalties.

How can I find the owner of a license plate in Florida?

In Florida, the public cannot obtain personal information about the owner of a vehicle or license plate number from the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) due to privacy laws. However, you can report a driver for unsafe driving, reckless behavior or any criminal activity by providing the vehicle’s license plate number to law enforcement authorities.

In certain cases, such as when you are involved in a car accident and need to exchange information with the other driver, you can obtain the name and contact information of the vehicle owner by contacting the police or filing a request with the DHSMV. To obtain this information, you will need to provide the license plate number of the vehicle involved in the accident, your personal information, and a reason for your request.

It’s important to note that the process for obtaining personal information from the FLHSMV is strictly regulated and may require a valid reason, such as for law enforcement or legal purposes. Additionally, sharing personal information obtained from the FLHSMV without a valid reason can result in legal consequences, including fines and potential imprisonment.

Can you look up vehicle records and history by VIN in Florida?

Yes, it is possible to look up vehicle records and history by VIN in Florida. The Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) provides a variety of online services, including a VIN check that can provide information about a vehicle’s history, such as its registration status, title information, and any reported accidents or incidents.

Alternatively, VinCheckPro.com allows you to lookup Florida registered vehicles using the VIN. Simply enter the VIN below to get an instant vehicle history report that includes information such as title and registration history, accident history, mileage records, and more. It’s important to note that while VinCheckpro.com provides valuable information about a vehicle’s history, it may not include all of the information that is available. It’s always a good idea to conduct a thorough inspection of a vehicle and consult with a trusted mechanic or vehicle expert before making a purchase.