Check a Vehicle’s History Using an Alabama License Plate Lookup

Do a quick and easy license plate lookup with our Alabama license plate lookup service! Get a detailed report that highlights important information about the vehicle’s past, like accidents, auctions, damages, title, and warranty records.

10% OFF

Why do we need your phone number?

We'll send your vehicle report or sticker link via text for easy access.

Our support team may contact you if we find issues with your report or sticker.

Your data is never shared with third parties.

Get 10% off your purchases by providing your phone number.

What is an Alabama License Plate Lookup?

An Alabama license plate is issued by the state for passenger vehicles, trucks, motorcycles, trailers, and specialty vehicles, serving as an official identifier that links the vehicle to its registration and title records.

An Alabama license plate lookup is a service that allows buyers and sellers to check a vehicle’s background using the plate number before completing a used car transaction.

Through an Alabama license plate search, a vehicle history report can show details like the model year, make, engine type, accident records, title status, liens, mileage history, and other key data that help reduce legal and financial risks.

Why You Should Search the Alabama License Plate

Looking up an Alabama license plate before a transaction helps confirm important details that may not be obvious at first glance. Below are common situations where a plate lookup is useful.

When Buying a Used Vehicle

Before you decide to purchase a used car, it is important to know the vehicle’s past, especially for privately sold or older cars.

Review Title and Ownership Records

A plate lookup helps confirm how many times the vehicle changed hands and whether the title is clean, rebuilt, or marked as salvage.

Identify Past Problems

Accident records, damage reports, or mileage gaps can appear in the report, even if the car looks fine during inspection.

Selling a Vehicle

Sellers can also benefit from using our Alabama license plate lookup service. As a seller, it’s crucial to know the vehicle’s background information before you put it on sale.

Strengthen Your Listing

Sharing verified vehicle data helps answer buyer questions and shows that the listing is backed by facts, not assumptions.

Reduce Buyer Hesitation

Clear records help you to overcome the buyer’s hesitation and earn their trust because you provide a legit vehicle history report.

Checking Auction or Private Listings

Vehicles sold through auctions or private parties may not always come with full disclosures.

Match the Listing With the Records

A license plate lookup allows you to compare advertised details with official records to spot inconsistencies.

Detect Missing Information

If the basic details are left out or do not align, it is better to rethink the buying process, just in case there might be a VIN-tampering issue.

Preventing Fraud and Costly Mistakes

Running an Alabama license plate lookup helps reduce the chance of buying a vehicle with serious legal or mechanical issues.

Confirm Legal Status

Checking the plate can help identify stolen records or title problems that could cause trouble after purchase.

Check for Hidden Damage

Some damage from accidents or natural events may not be visible. That is why you need to look up the Alabama license plate number to help see any hidden damage caused by fire, accident, or natural disaster.

Information Included in Our Alabama License Plate Report

An Alabama license plate lookup report provides both basic vehicle details and deeper historical records. From technical specifications to ownership, title, and accident data, the report helps build a clearer picture of the vehicle before any decision is made.

Vehicle Specifications

This section outlines the vehicle’s core specifications, including engine type, fuel system, transmission, and country of origin. These details help confirm whether the vehicle suits driving needs, personal preferences, and budget expectations.

Ownership History

An Alabama license plate search shows how the vehicle has changed hands over time. You can see past ownership periods, the length of ownership, and previous registration locations. Personal details such as names or contact information are not displayed due to privacy laws.

Title Status

Checking the title status helps prevent legal issues later on. This section shows whether the vehicle holds a clean title or carries branding such as salvage, rebuilt, or lemon. Make sure to purchase a vehicle with a clean title only.

Theft Records

This part confirms whether the vehicle has ever been reported stolen. When available, it includes the date and location of the theft. Buying a stolen vehicle can lead to seizure by authorities, even if you purchase the vehicle unknowingly.

Accident Records

Reported accidents are listed with dates and locations, along with the number of incidents on record. Reviewing this section helps assess whether the vehicle has a history of collisions that may affect its value or condition.

Mileage Verification

Mileage records are compared across different points in time to spot inconsistencies. You can review early and recent mileage entries with dates to reduce the risk of odometer rollback.

Auction Insights and Photos

If the vehicle was sold at auction, this section gives you the detailed information. It includes auction dates, locations, sale prices, vehicle condition, and, when available, up to ten photos taken during the auction process.

Lien or Loan Information

This section highlights any outstanding loans or financial claims tied to the vehicle. Active liens can delay or block ownership transfer, so it is important to confirm that all debts are cleared before you purchase or put the vehicle on sale.

Warranty Coverage

You can determine whether factory or extended warranties are still valid. The report includes mileage limits, coverage periods, and details for warranties such as roadside assistance, corrosion protection, or manufacturer-backed plans.

Damage Records

Damage caused by accidents, floods, fires, or other events may appear in this section. Reviewing these records helps determine whether repairs were needed and whether they were properly addressed.

Service and Maintenance Records

Service history offers insight into how the vehicle was cared for. This section shows service dates, locations, and the type of maintenance or repairs performed. Also, you can be informed if there’s an upcoming or missed maintenance schedule.

Recall Information

Manufacturers issue recalls when safety or mechanical concerns are identified. In the report, you can find the complete information on recalls, including the issues, date, how they are fixed, and the recall status (open/closed).

How to Search an Alabama License Plate

Using our license plate lookup in Alabama service is simple and only takes a few steps. Follow these simple steps to get it done:

Find the License Plate

Find the license plate number on the vehicle itself or request it from the seller. It may also appear on paperwork like registration or the bill of sale.

Enter the Plate Details

Enter the license plate number into the lookup form and select Alabama as the state. Then click the search button to begin.

View the Vehicle Report

After a short wait, a preview with basic details will appear. You can then proceed to access the complete vehicle history report after payment.

Can You Look Up an Alabama License Plate for Free?

A free Alabama license plate lookup allows access to basic vehicle information before making a purchase decision. With a free Alabama license plate search, you may see this information:

Alabama Laws on License Plates

In Alabama, the license plate is required to be placed on the rear side of the vehicle; the license plate must be kept clean with no cover, and a recent registration sticker must be affixed.

Furthermore, every vehicle owner in Alabama must adhere to the license plate sizing standard, e.g., 6″ × 12″ format for cars. These standards may change over time, and violations can result in fines or even driving suspension.

Security of Information

The Alabama Department of Revenue restricts access to personal details such as names, addresses, and contact information. Only authorised parties, including law enforcement, insurers, courts, and approved agencies, may legally access this data for specific purposes. Public license plate searches cannot be used to obtain private owner information.

Alabama License Plate Design and Formats

Alabama license plates display the state name at the top, a unique letter and number combination (e.g., 1AB1234 for some counties), and a recognised slogan such as “Heart of Dixie.” Standard passenger plates are 6×12 inches, use high-contrast colours, and now feature a coastal design with the state tourism website.

Format and Serialisation

Alabama license plates use a standard alphanumeric format assigned by the Alabama Department of Revenue. The serial format varies by plate type, year of issue, and county, and is used to uniquely identify each registered vehicle.

License Plate Design

In Alabama, every vehicle owner gets to choose which license plate they get, as Alabama has a few other types of plates aside from the standard design.

Standard Design

The standard Alabama passenger plate features the state name at the top, a county identifier, and a unique serial number.

Custom and Specialty Designs

Alabama offers a wide range of specialty and personalised plates, including collegiate, military, organisational, and personalised options.

Types of License Plate in Alabama

In Alabama, there are plenty of plate selections you can choose from. Options include standard plates, personalised plates, and a large range of specialty designs supporting causes, organisations, and institutions across the state.

Format and Serialisation

Alabama’s standard passenger vehicle plate features the current base design introduced in 2022.

Personalized License Plates

Personalised plates allow drivers to choose custom letter and number combinations, usually up to seven characters.

University and College Plates

Alabama offers plates representing major universities, including Auburn University and the University of Alabama.

Military and Veteran Plates

These include branch-specific designs, Disabled Veteran plates, and recognition plates such as Purple Heart, POW, and Bronze Star.

Charity and Cause Plates

Support charitable organisations and awareness campaigns. Examples include Children’s of Alabama, Cystic Fibrosis research, Breast Cancer Awareness, and Alzheimer’s awareness.

Professional and Organisational Plates

Professional plates are available for recognised groups and organisations, such as Educators, Retired Educators, and the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP).

Hobby and Interest Plates

Including Freshwater Fishing, Alabama Audubon, and Alabama Home Builders, allowing drivers to show state pride or personal passions.

License Plate Lookup by States

Our license plate lookup service is available statewide; you can check any other license plate from different states!

Alabama

FAQs About Alabama License Plate Lookup

Can I look up an Alabama license plate?

Yes, an Alabama license plate can be checked for vehicle history or specific records. You can use our license plate lookup service and get the vehicle history reports. Access to personal owner details is restricted under the Driver’s Privacy Protection Act.

Can you look up a vehicle by plate number?

Yes, a vehicle can be searched using its plate number, but the results depend on the purpose and the service used. Some platforms show basic vehicle history, while access to owner information is limited and controlled by privacy laws like the DPPA.

How to check if a personalized plate is available in Alabama?

To check personalized plate availability in Alabama, use the Alabama Department of Revenue’s Plate Reservation and Ordering System. If the plate is available, it can be reserved for a short period and completed at a local licensing office for an additional fee.

Can I run an Alabama license plate lookup for free?

A basic Alabama license plate lookup can be done for free through some online tools to view general vehicle details. More detailed records, such as accident history or liens, usually require a paid report, with official plate records managed by the Alabama Department of Revenue.

Will an Alabama license plate lookup show the vehicle owner’s name?

No, a public Alabama license plate lookup does not show the owner’s name. Personal information is protected by the DPPA and only accessible to authorised parties. However, vehicle history details can still be checked through services that link the plate to a VIN.

How many license plates does Alabama require on a vehicle?

Alabama is a single plate state for most passenger vehicles, meaning only a rear license plate is required. The plate must be clearly visible, properly mounted, and display valid registration decals. Certain vehicles, such as truck tractors, may have different plate requirements.

What are the different types of Alabama license plates?

Alabama provides several license plate options, including standard plates and a wide range of specialty plates. These include collegiate, military, organisational, personalised, and disabled veteran plates, many of which carry extra fees that support specific causes or affiliations.

How soon do I need to get Alabama license plates after moving to the state?

New residents must register their vehicle in Alabama within 30 days of moving to the state. This includes obtaining an Alabama driver’s license first, then visiting a county licensing office with the out-of-state title, insurance, and required documents. Penalties may apply after the deadline.

How to confirm ownership of an Alabama vehicle?

To verify vehicle ownership in Alabama, official title and registration records can be requested through the Alabama Department of Revenue. Requests may be made online or by mail using the proper forms. Basic title and lien checks are also available through ALVIN or NMVTIS-based reports.

What to do if my Alabama license plates are stolen?

If an Alabama license plate is stolen, report the theft to local law enforcement and obtain a police report. Then visit your local licensing office with the required replacement form, registration documents, and payment to receive new plates and decals.

How accurate are Alabama license plate search reports?

Alabama license plate report accuracy can vary by source. You can use our Alabama license plate search to look up the license plate. Because personal details are restricted by privacy laws, accuracy often depends on how current the data is, so checking more than one reliable source is recommended.

Can I check the vehicle owner’s personal information through an Alabama license plate lookup?

No, a standard Alabama license plate lookup does not provide a vehicle owner’s personal details. Under the federal Driver’s Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) and Alabama state law, information such as names and addresses is restricted to authorised parties only. Public searches typically show non-personal details like vehicle make, model, and title-related history, not owner identity.