Get a Legit Vehicle Report Through a Florida License Plate Lookup

Less than a million cars were stolen in 2024, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) report. Before you proceed to purchase or sell used vehicles in FL, check the car’s past with the Florida license plate lookup and get a vehicle report.

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What is a Florida License Plate Lookup?

A Florida license plate is issued for passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, motorcycles, trailers, mopeds, and certain specialty vehicles. In Florida, plates are tied to the vehicle and used to track registration and ownership over time.

A Florida license plate search is a service that lets buyers and sellers check a vehicle’s background using the plate number. It helps confirm that the details in a listing match official records before a sale.

With a trusted license plate lookup service, you will get a vehicle history report. The report shows the year, make, model, engine data, title, lien records, accident history, mileage readings, and other key information to avoid risky or costly mistakes.

Why Should You Search the License Plate in Florida?

One of the reasons for checking the license plate is to get a vehicle history report in Florida. The report is useful for both sellers and buyers to understand the real vehicle’s condition before any transaction happens.

Buyers

A vehicle history report can help you examine if the vehicle is fully legal and matches your needs and budget.

Check the Title

On the report, you will see the actual title of the vehicle. The titles determine the vehicle’s safety and legality; if the vehicle was marked as salvaged, run away.

See if its Matches Your Needs

By looking up the license plate, you can get the complete information on the vehicle’s specifications, MSRP, and market value. It helps you examine if the vehicle matches your needs and budget.

Sellers

If you are a seller, getting a vehicle history report is important. It can help you to set the right selling price and accelerate the buying process.

Find the Market Price

With a report, you can be informed about the vehicle’s MSRP and market value. You can use that information to set the right price according to the vehicle’s condition and prices.

Accelerate Selling Process

You can erase the buyer’s doubt by showing the vehicle history report. It made them trust your service more and eventually close the deal faster.

Buying a Used Vehicle

Running a license plate lookup helps you review important details such as ownership history, title status, and any recorded issues before you agree to buy.

Review Ownership and Title

You can see how many owners the vehicle had and whether the title is clean, salvage, or rebuilt, which helps avoid legal or registration problems.

Catch Problems Early

Accidents, damage records, or unusual changes may appear in the report, even if they are not easy to notice during a visual check.

Avoiding Fraud and Hidden Problems

A license plate lookup helps reveal warning signs such as theft records or serious past damage, lowering the risk of fraud or legal trouble later.

Confirm the Vehicle Is Legal

Checking the plate number allows you to see if the vehicle was ever reported stolen, which protects you from buying a car that could be seized.

Look for Hidden Damage

Some damage is not easy to spot in person. A vehicle report can show past accidents or natural disaster damage that may affect safety and value.

Information You Will Find in Our Florida License Plate Lookup Report

A Florida vehicle history report provides detailed information about a vehicle. It covers both basic data, such as specifications, and deeper records like accidents, auctions, title history, liens, recalls, and more.

Vehicle Specifications

This section shows the vehicle’sdetails, including engine type, fuel, transmission, and country of origin. In addition to that, you will also get the MSRP and market value. Examine this section and ensure that you examine these sections carefully.

Ownership History

A Florida license plate lookup shows how the vehicle has changed hands over time. You can see past ownership periods, locations, and purchase years. Private details like names, addresses, and contact data are not shown due to privacy laws.

Title Status

Checking the title helps avoid legal issues before buying or selling. This section shows whether the title is clean or branded as salvage, rebuilt, or lemon. A title check can help you determine if the vehicle is safe and legal to drive.

Theft Records

This check shows if the vehicle has ever been reported stolen. The report includes the date and location of the theft. Buying a stolen vehicle can lead to it being taken by authorities without a refund.

Accident Records

Accident records list reported crashes along with dates and locations. You can also see how many times the vehicle was involved in a collision. If the vehicle has an accident history, you should check the mechanical, electrical, and structural components.

Mileage Verification

Mileage records compare past readings to spot possible changes or rollbacks. You can see dated entries from early use to the most recent mileage records. An odometer rollback is the most common crime in the used car market.

Auction Insights and Photos

This section confirms whether the vehicle was sold at auction. It shows the auction date, location, status, and the final selling price. You can receive up to ten real pictures of the vehicle during the auction.

Lien or Loan Information

Examine if there are unpaid loans or financial claims tied to the vehicle. Open liens can block ownership transfer, so they should be cleared before any deal is completed. No need to be responsible for other people’s debt.

Warranty Coverage

You can see whether any factory or extended warranties are still active. The report lists coverage types, mileage limits, and time periods for each warranty, to help you examine if the vehicle needs another warranty to purchase.

Damage Records

Damage records show whether the vehicle was affected by floods, fires, accidents, or other events. These entries help confirm whether repairs were needed and completed.

Maintenance Records

This section shows service and maintenance history when available. It includes dates, locations, and the type of work done on the vehicle.

Recall Information

A recall is issued when a manufacturer finds a safety issue. This section shows recall dates, the reason for the recall, its status, and what was done to fix the problem. Make sure that the recalls are completely solved before you get the vehicle.

How to Look Up a Florida License Plate?

You can use our Florida license plate lookup to get a full vehicle history. Follow these steps to start your search.

Find the License Plate

Locate the license plate number on the vehicle or ask the seller. It may also appear on the bill of sale or listing.

Enter the License Plate Number

Enter the plate number into the search form above and select Florida as the state. Then click the “Search” button.

Get the Vehicle History Report

Wait a few seconds for the report to load. You can preview basic details, then continue to get the full report with title, theft, accident, and ownership records.

Can You Lookup a License Plate for Free in Florida?

Yes. You can use our free Florida license plate lookup tool and get the basic yet comprehensive information about the vehicle. Here’s what you’ll get on our free license plate search:

Florida Laws on License Plates

In Florida, every motor vehicle should display a valid license plate issued by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Plates must be clearly visible and readable at all times. Florida Statute 320.262 prohibits devices or covers that hide the plate’s primary details, including the alphanumeric number or validation sticker. Driving with a plate that is obscured, altered, or unreadable can result in a misdemeanour charge, fines, and other penalties.

Security Information on Florida License Plate

Florida license plates are linked to vehicle and registration records maintained by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. These records include details such as registration history, vehicle description, and title information. Official access to this data is tightly regulated to protect privacy.

Only authorised entities such as law enforcement and certain government agencies can access full registration data for legal or safety purposes. The general public cannot view private owner information, such as names or addresses.

Florida License Plate and Design

As of October 1, 2025, Florida law prohibits plate covers, frames, or devices that obscure any part of the license plate. The standard Florida license plate follows a seven-character alphanumeric format, typically in the pattern ABC D12 or ABC 1234, depending on the plate series and design.

The standard plate design features a white background with a green border, and the image of an orange in the centre, symbolising the state’s agriculture and its identity as “The Sunshine State.”

Formatting and Serialisation of Florida License Plate

Florida license plates usually use a six or seven-character alphanumeric format, either embossed or flat, shown in dark green on a white background. Most designs include the state name at the top and an orange blossom graphic, with plates produced by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles in sequential order.

Florida License Plate Design

Florida offers several license plate design options, including standard designs, specialty plates, and personalized tags. Many specialty plates support causes and come with added fees.

Standard Plates

Available in three main designs, including “Sunshine State,” “In God We Trust,” and versions displaying the county name.

Specialty Plates

More than 100 designs support charities, organisations, and universities. Popular options include Endless Summer, Helping Sea Turtles Survive, and University of Florida plates. Fees usually range from $15 to $25.

Personalized Plates

Allow up to seven characters, or five for certain designs, with an additional annual fee of $15.

License Plate Types in Florida

Florida offers a variety of license plate types, such as standard plates, specialty plates, personalised plates, and special designation plates.

Standard License Plates

The majority of Florida vehicles are issued a standard license plate, which showcases the iconic orange and green design with the phrase “Sunshine State” at the bottom. Florida now offers three different standard plate designs for new registrants, but the core design remains the same.

Specialty License Plates

Florida has more than 100 speciality license plates to support various causes, organisations, and charities. These plates enable drivers to show support for environmental programs, military branches, universities, and more.

Personalized License Plates

A personalised license plate with custom combinations of letters and numbers, as long as they meet the state’s character limits and are not already taken.

Special Designation Plates

Florida also offers special designation plates that recognise specific groups or provide certain privileges, including:

Military Plates: Available to veterans, active-duty military personnel, and recipients of military honours such as the Purple Heart and Medal of Honour.
Disabled Person Plates: Issued to individuals with disabilities to get the parking privileges in designated spaces.
Government & Commercial Plates: Used by government agencies, law enforcement, and commercial vehicles.

License Plate Lookup by States

Our license plate lookup service is available statewide; you can check license plates from other states, including:

Alabama

FAQs About Florida License Plate Lookup

How do I check for salvage titles or flood damage on a Florida car?

To check a Florida car for salvage titles or flood damage, use the Instant VIN Report for a comprehensive vehicle history report. This will provide detailed state records along with critical insights into any potential issues.

What's the best way to get a vehicle history report for a Florida used car?

The best way to get a Florida used car's history is to use its VIN on official services like Instant VIN Report. This provides a comprehensive vehicle history, and you can cross-check for recalls on safercar.gov for added peace of mind.

How accurate and current is the data in a Florida plate lookup report?

Florida plate lookups offer accurate basic vehicle details (make, model, year) from official sources like DHSMV data. However, third-party reports vary in accuracy based on data sources. You can use our Florida license plate lookup and get an accurate vehicle history report.

What's the difference between a basic lookup and a full report?

The difference between a basic lookup and a full report is the level of detail. A basic lookup provides a quick overview of immediate details like specifications, last recorded mileage, and market value. The full vehicle report gets you the complete information of the vehicle, like accident, auction, recalls, and even the maintenance history.

Can I check for liens or outstanding loans against a Florida vehicle?

Yes, you can check for liens on a Florida vehicle using its VIN through the Instant VIN Report, the FLHSMV online tools, or by contacting the county Clerk of Court. These methods ensure you verify if the vehicle has any outstanding debts or unpaid loans.