Florida License Plate Lookup

Free Florida License Plate Lookup

Check Any FL License Plate Number and Get a Free Vehicle History

 

Buying a used car in Florida has its risks, like title washing, odometer rollbacks, dealing with unlicensed dealers, title fraud, VIN cloning, online scams, and “as-is” sales. To steer clear of these pitfalls, it’s important to stay alert and do your homework. A key part of that is running an FL license plate lookup and getting a vehicle history report.

License Plate Search tools allow you to find information about a vehicle using an FL license plate number. This tool is really useful if you’re looking to buy a used car in the state. As a buyer, it’s important to do your homework before making a purchase. With plenty of resources available online, researching a vehicle has never been simpler, especially when you know where to look.

As of 2022, 94% of Florida residents own at least one car. The Panama City, Florida, metropolitan area boasts the highest rate of vehicle ownership nationwide, with 98.1% of households owning at least one vehicle in 2022. With these in mind, Florida plate check helps ensure that you likely make a wise investment amidst these hazards. 

Fortunately, VinCheck.info has a Free Florida License Plate Lookup tool. It lets you check out any vehicle registered in FL without any charge. Just enter the license plate into the search box to start your vehicle search.

Florida HSMV License Plate Search and Vehicle Lookup Services

In Florida, you can check vehicle information through the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FHSMV). They offer several car report lookup services for registered vehicles, which you can easily access on their official DHSMV  website. Here are some options similar to the Florida Free License Plate Lookup:

  1. Vehicle Information Check: The FHSMV offers an online tool called “Vehicle Information Check” where you can get basic details about any vehicle registered in Florida, like its year, make, model, and body style, much like a regular VIN check. Just go to the FHSMV website and enter the VIN or title number to use the service.
  2. Driver License Check: While not specifically a vehicle lookup service, the FHSMV also offers a “Driver License Check” service that allows you to verify the status of a Florida driver’s license. This service can be useful if you need to verify someone’s driving privileges or check the validity of a driver’s license.

It should be noted these free VIN lookup services offer basic vehicle details only—they won’t give you personal info about the owner or detailed VIN history report. If you need more specifics or a detailed report, you might want to check out commercial services or reach out to the Florida DMV directly for more help.

Page Overview

Florida HSMV  Services
Florida License Plate Lookup Information
FAQs: Vehicle Registration and License Plates
Standard and Specialty Plates
Vehicle and License Plate Registration
License Plate Transfer
License Plate Replacement
Vehicle Insurance Requirements
Driver’s License Requirements
Vehicle with Liens
Vehicle Owner Lookup

 

 

 

To contact the Florida DMV:

Florida Highway Safety and
Motor Vehicles
Customer Service:
850-617-2000
Monday – Friday,
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., (EST)
www.flhsmv.gov

What Information Can You Uncover With a Florida License Plate Lookup?

VinCheck.info offers a free service that lets you get a vehicle history using the FL license plate. You can find information such as:

  • Vehicle Information: The report includes details about the vehicle associated with the license plate, such as the make, model, year, and VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). This information can be useful for verifying the identity and history of a vehicle.
  • Vehicle History: A vehicle history report is essential when buying a used car as it provides vital information about the vehicle’s past, including accident history, ownership records, title issues, service and maintenance details, recalls, mileage verification, and more. This car report ensures transparency, helps assess potential risks, and aids buyers in making informed and confident purchase decisions.
  • Title Status: In Florida, cars can carry various title status designations like salvage, rebuilt, flood-damaged, and lemon titles. To ensure a seamless transaction and avoid potential legal complications, it’s advisable to verify the title status before purchasing a Florida-registered car.
  • Accident Information: In 2022, Florida recorded a staggering 381,156 total crashes, as reported by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. For prospective buyers of used vehicles, ensuring that the intended purchase hasn’t been involved in a severe accident becomes a critical consideration.
  • Lien Information: You will also find out if there are any outstanding liens or loans against the vehicle. Buying a car in Florida with a lien carries risks, including ownership hurdles, potential financial liabilities, legal disputes, registration issues, and reduced vehicle value. Resolving any existing liens before purchase is crucial to avoid these complications.
  • Recalls and Safety Issues: This service also provides information on recalls and safety issues related to the vehicle, allowing you to check for any unresolved safety concerns.
  • Vehicle Market Value: You will also learn the vehicle’s current fair market value, which is the price it can reasonably be expected to sell for in the open market. The market value depends on factors like the vehicle’s make, model, age, condition, mileage, and market trends. Knowing the market value helps ensure you are not overpaying for the vehicle you are interested in.
  • Manufacturer’s Warranty Status: The report also includes information about the current condition of the warranty that a vehicle originally came with when it was brand new from the manufacturer. It tells you whether the vehicle is still covered by the warranty provided by the car’s manufacturer.
  • Cost of Ownership: This is the estimated cost of comprehensive expenses associated with owning and operating the vehicle over 5 years.
  • Inspection Checklist: The inspection checklist is a detailed list of items and components that you should assess when considering the purchase of a pre-owned vehicle. It helps you thoroughly inspect the vehicle’s condition to ensure that it meets your standards and doesn’t have hidden issues.
  • Auto Insurance: This is an estimate provided by an insurance company that outlines the cost of an insurance policy to cover your vehicle. Before using this free license plate search service, make sure to research and understand the service’s terms and privacy policy, and use the information obtained for lawful and legitimate purposes.

FAQs: Vehicle Registration and License Plates in Florida

What are the types of license plates in Florida?

Florida license plates are those metal or plastic tags you see on all registered vehicles. They’re issued by the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) and basically help identify each vehicle and link it to its registration details. Each plate has a unique combo of numbers and letters. They must be displayed on both the front and rear of the vehicle and be readable from a reasonable distance. Any violation of this can result in fines.

The FLHSMV offers two main types of license plates:

  • Standard license plates, mandated by Florida Statutes (Section 320.06), are available on any of these plates: the “In God We Trust” plate, the “Sunshine State” plate, and the “County Name” plate (only in some counties). The plates feature a graphic image of the state outline and the state’s official website, myflorida.com.
  • Specialty license plates are plates supporting various organizations and personalized plates for special interests. You can apply for a specialty license plate for approval by the Florida DMV. If you want to apply for personalized plates, you can check what is available on the Florida DMV website.

 

Florida License Plate

Florida License Plate Serial Formats:
ABC D12
A12 3BC
12A BCD
123 4AB
AB1 2CD

How can I register a vehicle and get an FL license plate?

If you’re driving in Florida, your vehicle needs to be registered and have an up-to-date Florida license plate. When you get your plate, you also get a regular validation decal.

Dealerships usually take care of all the title and registration paperwork. But if you’re buying from a private seller, you’ll need to handle the vehicle title and registration yourself, which you can do all at once.

You have 30 days from the date of purchase or moving to Florida to register your vehicle at the local DHSMV office. Here’s what you’ll need to bring:

  • Proof of identity
  • Proof of car insurance
  • Completed VIN inspection and odometer reading form (for a new resident)
    OR
  • Completed application for Certification of Title (HSMV Form 82040)
  • Payment for applicable fees according to Florida HSMV
  • Vehicle title with the transfer section completed by the seller

Vehicle registrations in Florida typically expire at midnight on the owner’s birthday within a year or two of the registration date. You can renew your registration up to three months before the expiration date.

How can I transfer a Florida license plate?

You can retain your FL license plate when registering your new vehicle, as long as the registration remains in the same owner’s name. Florida personalized license cannot be transferred to another individual. According to Section 320.0609(1)(a) of the Florida Statutes, FL registration plates and certificates of registration must be issued to and retained in the name of the vehicle’s owner.

How can I get a replacement for a damaged or stolen Florida license plate?

If you lose, have stolen, or damaged your FL license plate or decal, you can get replacements or duplicates. If it was stolen and you’ve reported it to the police, the replacement is free. Just apply for a replacement Florida plate or decal at your license plate agency—they’ll handle the process for you.

What are the minimum vehicle insurance requirements in Florida?

In Florida, you need to meet the state’s minimum vehicle insurance requirements to make sure you’re covered in case of an accident. If you already own a vehicle and have just moved to Florida, you have 10 days to get your vehicle insurance sorted after becoming a resident.

The state mandates the following minimum coverage:

  1. Personal Injury Protection (PIP):
    • $10,000 per person per accident
    • This covers your medical expenses and a portion of lost wages regardless of who is at fault in an accident.
  2. Property Damage Liability (PDL):
    • $10,000 per accident
    • This covers damage you cause to another person’s property in an accident.

What are the requirements for getting a Florida driver’s license?

Getting a driver’s license in Florida is a straightforward process if you meet the eligibility criteria and follow a few steps. Here’s a quick rundown of what you need to do:

  1. Learner’s Permit: Must be at least 15 years old.
    OR
  2. Driver’s License: Must be at least 16 years old and have held a learner’s permit for at least 12 months without any traffic convictions.
  3. Proof of Residency (e.g. utility bills, bank statements, rental contract, etc.) 
  4. Proof of Identity (e.g. birth certificate, SSN, etc.)
  5. Parental Consent (if under 18): A parent or legal guardian must sign the parental consent form.
  6. Proof of Insurance
  7. Fees

How to handle the registration and title of a vehicle with liens?

If your out-of-state vehicle title is held by a lienholder outside Florida, contact them to transfer the title to Florida. Regardless of the lienholder’s decision, you need to register your vehicle in Florida.

Conditions:

  1. If the lienholder agrees to transfer the title to Florida, visit a motor vehicle service center to complete the Application for Certificate of Title With/Without Registration (HSMV form 82040).
  2. If the lienholder refuses to transfer the title to Florida, ask them to provide a written statement on letterhead confirming their decision. This could help with registering or titling a vehicle with liens.

Once you have the completed application or written confirmation, take it to a local motor vehicle service center to apply for vehicle registration.

Can I check the vehicle owner through Florida license plate search?

With VinCheck.info’s free Florida license plate lookup, you won’t find access to the owner’s name and address. Instead, you get a vehicle owner lookup that can function like the free Florida license plate search that shows info on ownership history, frequency of changes, and transfer dates.

The Driver’s Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) limits access to personal details. In compliance with the DPPA, the Florida DMV automatically blocks personal information in all motor vehicle and driver license records.

If you have valid reasons that comply with DPPA and state rules, you might be able to request owner information even without using a Florida DMV license plate check. You can do this by contacting an authorized agent from the Florida DHSMV and ensuring you clearly communicate your request for motor vehicle records.

More Resources for Florida Drivers

Besides checking the FL license plate lookup, here are some other sources that can assist you with your vehicle search.

Buying a used car in Florida?  Don’t make a costly mistake. Run a Free Florida License Plate Lookup for your Florida-registered vehicle!

  1. Check for accidents. Every year, approximately 400,000 vehicle accidents are reported by the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
  2. Check for title brands. Flood, hail-damage, and salvage titles are examples of critical title brands.
  3. Check for special purpose designations, including taxi-use, rental-use, or police-use.
  4. Check for thefts. Lookup a Florida license plate to check for an active theft or previously recovered theft record.

 

Run a free Florida license plate check to uncover the full story of your Florida-registered vehicle.

Enter a Florida License Plate Number: