How to Find the Registered Owner of a Vehicle

Whether you’re buying a used car, investigating an incident, or verifying a seller’s legitimacy, knowing how to find the registered owner of a vehicle can be incredibly important. However, strict privacy laws limit public access to personal information, meaning this process requires proper legal grounds.

Below, we explain why you may need this information, the legal requirements, and the safest methods for conducting a vehicle owner lookup properly.

Why You Might Need to Find a Vehicle’s Registered Owner

There are valid reasons someone may need this information:

Verify ownership before buying a used car — ensures the seller is legitimate.

After an accident or hit-and-run — to help identify the vehicle involved.

Suspicious or illegal activity — for investigative purposes.

Handling abandoned vehicles — needed by authorities or property owners.

Legal Considerations: Privacy Laws & the DPPA

In the U.S., the Driver’s Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) restricts access to DMV records that contain personal information such as name and address.

Permissible reasons include:

• Legal investigations
• Insurance claims and fraud prevention
• Employment background checks for driving roles
• Recall or emissions-related issues

Unauthorized access can lead to penalties.

Methods to Find the Registered Owner of a Vehicle

1. Contact the DMV

The DMV holds the official registration record. To request ownership info, you must:

• File the correct DMV form

Provide a DPPA-permissible reason

• Pay any applicable fees

Each state follows its own process.

2. Use a License Plate Lookup Service

Online plate lookup tools cannot reveal personal information, but they can provide:

• Vehicle make, model, year
• Registration status
• Theft or salvage history
• Basic title details

Only law enforcement and authorized professionals can legally access owner identity.

3. Hire a Licensed Private Investigator

For complex or legal cases, PIs have access to specialized databases and understand privacy regulations.

4. Check a Vehicle History Report

Reports from Carfax, AutoCheck, or similar platforms include:

• Number of previous owners
• Title changes
• Accident or damage records
• Registration history

These help you verify whether a seller’s story matches the documentation.

5. Request Assistance from Law Enforcement

If you are involved in a crime, accident, or suspected fraud, police can legally access DMV ownership records.

The Role of VIN Decoding in Owner Lookup

A VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) will not show the owner’s identity, but it can reveal:

• Make, model, engine type
• Title history
• Recall and warranty info
• Reported accidents or flood damage

Using VIN data alongside DMV and investigative steps helps build a complete picture of the vehicle’s legitimacy.

Use VinCheckPro’s Free VIN Decoder

While you cannot get the owner’s name from a VIN decoder, you can get valuable background information that helps verify a vehicle before purchasing.

➡️ Try VinCheckPro’s free VIN decoder:

VIN decoder

This tool provides specifications, accident checks, title flags, and more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I find out who owns a car for free?

No. Owner information is private and requires a legal reason to access through the DMV.

Is it legal to look up an owner using a license plate?

Yes — only if your reason complies with the DPPA.

Can a VIN decoder show who owns the car?

No, VIN decoders do not reveal ownership details.

Are online plate lookup services accurate?

They provide basic vehicle info, but not personal owner data unless legally authorized.

What if I suspect illegal activity involving a vehicle?

Report the incident to law enforcement. They can access DMV ownership records legally.

Final Thoughts

Finding the registered owner of a vehicle requires careful adherence to privacy laws. While public access is limited, there are legal methods available when you have a legitimate need.

For initial due diligence, start with a reliable VIN lookup:

➡️ Use the free VIN decoder from VinCheckPro to uncover essential vehicle history and specifications.

Combining VIN data, DMV records, and professional support (when appropriate) ensures you can confidently verify a vehicle’s background before buying or investigating further.