Free Michigan License Plate Lookup – Check Vehicle History Fast

Buying a Used Car in Michigan? Start with a Free License Plate Lookup

Michigan’s harsh winters and heavy use of road salt can lead to serious vehicle issues—making it essential to check for hidden damage before you buy. With over 2.5 million registered vehicles and more than 90% of households owning at least one car, the state’s used car market is thriving—but not without risks. Title fraud, odometer rollbacks, and undisclosed accidents are more common than you might think.

That’s where a 100% FREE Michigan License Plate Lookup from VinCheck.info comes in. Whether you’re using it for peace of mind or pre-purchase investigation, this tool helps you uncover a vehicle’s full history—ownership records, mileage, title brands, and more.

✅ No email or credit card required
✅ Pulls data from NMVTIS, NICB, NHTSA, and other trusted sources
✅ Works even if you don’t have the VIN

You can also perform a Michigan plate check directly with the Michigan Department of State for official records or additional DMV-related services.

What Can You Find with a Michigan License Plate Lookup?

Our MI License Plate Lookup reveals important information about the vehicle tied to that tag. With just a plate number, you can get:

• Vehicle Specs: Year, make, model, trim, and engine details
• Title Brands: Salvage, junk, rebuilt, flood, and lemon history
• Accidents & Damages: Insurance-reported crashes, repair history, airbag deployments
• Odometer Readings: Detect rollback or mileage inconsistencies
• Theft Records: See if the car was reported stolen
• Recall Alerts: Open safety recalls and manufacturing defects
• Market Value: Estimated value based on age, condition, and mileage
• Ownership & Sales History: Number of owners, state transfers, time held
• Sales & Auction Data: Price history and auction results

Michigan Plate Serial Format:
ABC 1234

Using the Michigan license plate search can help you avoid scams and make smarter car-buying decisions.

Sample Vehicle History Report

Michigan License Plates & Placards

Michigan License Plate and Registration Requirements

Need to drive a vehicle short-term in Michigan? You can apply for a 30-day or 60-day temporary registration permit.

• 30-day permit: $20 or 1/10 of the annual fee (whichever is higher) + $10 service fee
• 60-day permit: $40 or 1/5 of the annual fee (whichever is higher) + $10 service fee

To apply, visit a Michigan Secretary of State office with:

• Proof of ownership (title or expired registration)
• Proof of valid Michigan No-Fault insurance (not needed for trailers)
• Payment for applicable fees

✅ Vehicles with GVW plates may use temporary permits if they’re not carrying loads.

Types of Michigan License Plates

The Michigan SOS offers various plate types for different needs. Luckily for you, all these plate types are compatible with our Michigan Tag Lookup:

• Standard Plates – Pure Michigan, Mackinac Bridge, and more. Start at $5 + registration.
• Personalized Plates – Custom letter/number combos. Fees vary.
• Legacy Plates – Retro styles that support road funding.
• Fundraising Plates – Benefit causes like Donate Life or local universities.
• Military & Veteran Plates – For service members and families.
• University Plates – Support MSU, U-M, and others.
• Collector Plates – For display only; not street legal.
• Historical Plates – For 26+ year-old vehicles used occasionally.
• Disability Plates – Include accessibility symbol for legal handicap parking.
• Industry Plates – For commercial/farm/fleet use; may need in-person renewal.
• Amateur Radio & Org Plates – For ham radio operators and nonprofits.
• Digital Plates – From private vendors; still require SOS registration.

Transferring of License Plates in Michigan

To transfer a plate, bring the following to a State of Michigan Office:

• Your current vehicle registration (plate number is enough if it’s on file)
• The vehicle title for the car receiving the plate (or a title application copy if recently submitted)
• A valid Michigan driver’s license or ID

⚠️ Altered titles (e.g., names crossed out) are not accepted.

Titling Requirements and Procedure in Michigan

A vehicle title proves legal ownership. When buying or inheriting a car, the title must be transferred to your name to complete the ownership process.

Title Transfers After a Sale
Dealerships handle title transfers. For private sales or gifting, the buyer and seller must complete the title together at a Secretary of State (SOS) office. Bring the original title (no copies) and include:

• Odometer reading
• Buyer/seller sections filled and signed
• Sale date and price
• Lien release if applicable

NOTE: Altered titles are not accepted.

Transferring Title from a Deceased Owner
If the estate is not probated, the surviving spouse or next-of-kin may transfer the title using:

• Original title
• Death certificate
• Valid ID
• TR-29 (Heir Certification)
• TR-34 (for those waiving interest)
• Proof of Michigan No-Fault insurance

If multiple heirs inherit, all must complete forms. Adding a co-owner who isn’t a close relative triggers 6% sales tax.

If probated, the Personal Representative (PR) must provide:

• Title signed by PR
• Letter of Authority (copies accepted)
• Valid ID
• Insurance proof if registering

Need a Duplicate Title?
Order a replacement title online. It costs $15. If there’s a lien, the title goes to the lienholder.

Correcting or Converting a Michigan Title
Visit an SOS office to:

• Add/remove a name
• Correct a name or address
• Remove a lienholder
• Convert an out-of-state title

All owners listed must be present with ID. Title correction fees are $15.

Frequently Asked Questions