Missouri License Plate Lookup: Get Vehicle Report in a Second

If you have a plan to sell or purchase a used vehicle in Missouri, it is recommended that you check its background first. Use our Missouri license plate lookup and get the vehicle history report, and examine the vehicle’s history!

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What is a Missouri License Plate Lookup?

A Missouri license plate is issued by the Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR) for passenger cars, trucks, motorcycles, trailers, and approved specialty vehicles. It serves as the official identifier linking a vehicle to its registration and title records within the state.

A Missouri license plate lookup allows buyers and sellers to research a vehicle’s background using its plate number before completing a transaction. This ensures the vehicle’s details match official records and reduces the risk of legal or financial issues.

Through a Missouri license plate search, a vehicle history report can show you important information, including model year, make, engine specifications, accident history, title branding, lien status, and mileage records. These details help buyers and sellers make informed decisions.

Why You Should Search a Missouri License Plate

Verifying a Missouri license plate before a vehicle transaction helps confirm critical details that might not be obvious through a simple visual inspection. Here are common scenarios where a plate lookup is especially helpful.

When Buying a Used Vehicle

Before purchasing a used vehicle, especially from a private seller, understanding the car’s history is essential to avoid unexpected problems after the sale.

Review Title and Ownership Records

A license plate lookup helps verify the ownership history and whether the Missouri title is clean or has branding, such as salvage or rebuilt.

Identify Past Issues

Accidents, reported damage, flood exposure, or mileage discrepancies may appear in the report even if the vehicle looks well-maintained.

Selling a Vehicle

If you’re selling a vehicle in Missouri, checking the license plate and obtaining an accurate vehicle history report can improve the selling process.

Strengthen Your Listing

Providing verified vehicle information builds trust and answers buyer questions, supported by documented records.

Reduce Buyer Hesitation

Clear and consistent history details help potential buyers feel more confident, potentially speeding up the sale.

Checking Auction or Private Listings

Vehicles sold at auctions or through private-party sales may not always include complete disclosures.

Match the Listing With Official Records

A license plate lookup allows you to compare advertised information with official records, helping detect inconsistencies.

Detect Missing Details

If important data is missing or doesn’t match official records, it may be wise to pause the transaction and verify further.

Preventing Fraud and Costly Mistakes

Running a Missouri license plate lookup reduces the risk of purchasing a vehicle with unresolved legal or mechanical issues.

Confirm Legal Status

A lookup can help identify stolen vehicles or title problems that could cause serious legal or financial complications.

Check for Hidden Damage

Some damage from accidents, floods, or fires may not be immediately visible. A Missouri license plate search can uncover reported incidents that affect a vehicle’s reliability and value.

Information Included in Our Missouri License Plate Report

A Missouri license plate lookup report combines essential vehicle details with historical records. From technical specifications to ownership, title, and incident data, the report helps users understand a vehicle’s background before buying, selling, or verifying important information.

Vehicle Specifications

This section lists core vehicle details, including engine configuration, fuel type, transmission, drivetrain, body style, and manufacturing origin. Reviewing these specifications helps confirm the vehicle matches its listing and supports informed decisions based on performance needs, usage expectations, and overall ownership costs.

Ownership History

A Mississippi license plate search shows how the vehicle has changed ownership over time. It may include registration periods and state locations while keeping personal owner information private, helping users understand usage patterns and spot frequent transfers that could indicate potential concerns.

Title Status

This section shows whether the vehicle holds a clean Mississippi title or carries branding such as salvage, rebuilt, flood, or lemon. Reviewing title status early helps avoid legal issues, registration delays, and unexpected limitations that may affect resale or insurance eligibility.

Theft Records

The theft records section checks whether the vehicle has ever been reported stolen. When available, it may include report dates and locations. Verifying this information is critical, as stolen vehicles can be seized even if they were purchased without prior knowledge.

Accident Records

Reported accidents may appear with available dates, locations, and the number of incidents recorded. Reviewing accident history helps assess possible structural damage, safety concerns, and long-term reliability issues that could affect both driving performance and the vehicle’s market value.

Mileage Verification

Mileage records from multiple reporting points are compared to detect inconsistencies or gaps. Reviewing this section helps reduce the risk of odometer rollback and supports accurate mileage disclosure, which plays a major role in determining a vehicle’s condition and resale value.

Auction History and Photos

If the vehicle passed through an auction, this section may include sale dates, auction locations, transaction prices, condition notes, and available images. Auction data helps explain prior damage, rapid ownership changes, or pricing differences compared to private sales.

Lien or Loan Records

This section identifies outstanding loans or financial claims tied to the vehicle. Active liens can delay or prevent ownership transfer in Mississippi if not properly resolved, making this information essential before completing a purchase or title application.

Warranty Coverage

Warranty coverage details help determine whether factory or extended warranties are still active. This section may include coverage duration, mileage limits, and information about manufacturer-backed or third-party plans, helping buyers understand remaining protection and potential repair cost savings.

Damage Records

Damage caused by accidents, floods, fires, or other reported events may appear in this section. Reviewing damage records helps assess repair history and determine whether issues were documented, repaired correctly, or could affect future reliability and vehicle value.

Service and Maintenance Records

Service and maintenance history offers insight into how the vehicle was cared for over time. When available, it may list service dates, locations, and performed work, helping users evaluate routine upkeep and identify gaps that could signal neglect.

Recall Information

Recall records show whether the vehicle has been affected by manufacturer safety recalls. When available, this section may include recall dates, defect descriptions, and repair status, helping owners confirm whether issues were resolved or still require attention.

How to Perform a License Plate Lookup in Missouri?

To check the license plate and get the vehicle history report in Missouri, you can follow these simple steps:

Find the License Plate Number

You can check on the rear and front sides of the vehicle to find the license plate number. If you can’t find it, you may ask the seller.

Fill in the Form

Fill out the form with the license plate number, then press the “SUBMIT” button to submit the form.

Get the Report

Wait for a few seconds to get the report generated. When it's fully completed, you may proceed to payment to get the full vehicle history report.

Get Free License Plate Lookup in Missouri

With our free license plate lookup in Missouri, you can get plenty of crucial information that you can use before deciding to own the vehicle. Here’s what you’ll get with our free lookup service:

Missouri Laws on License Plates

Missouri law requires vehicles to display a valid license plate on the rear that is clearly visible at all times. The plate must be securely mounted, legible, and free from covers, frames, or alterations that obscure letters, numbers, or registration stickers. Drivers may face fines if plate visibility rules are violated.

Security of License Plate Information in Missouri

License plate information in Missouri is protected under federal and state privacy laws, including the Driver’s Privacy Protection Act (DPPA). Access to personal data linked to license plates is restricted, and law enforcement use of automated plate recognition systems is regulated to prevent unauthorised access or misuse.

Missouri License Plate Design and Format

Missouri license plates use a bright blue and white design that highlights the “Show-Me State” slogan and a statehood anniversary theme introduced in 2019, replacing the earlier bluebird plates. These aluminium plates are produced by the Missouri Department of Corrections, with embossed standard plates and flat personalized options, all finished with reflective material for nighttime visibility.

Format and Serialization of the Missouri License Plate

Missouri passenger plates currently utilise a six-character alphanumeric format, such as AA1 A1A, on a reflective aluminium base featuring the state bluebird. While standard plates are manufactured with embossed (raised) characters, personalized versions are produced with a flat design. Notably, the state is expected to transition to a seven-digit system in early 2027 to accommodate the growing number of registered vehicles.

License Plate Design in Missouri

Missouri offers several license plate design options, ranging from standard passenger plates to personalised and specialty designs. Each option follows state guidelines for materials, formatting, and visibility while allowing drivers to choose a plate that fits their preferences.

Standard Design (2019–present): Blue and white gradient plate with the “Show-Me State” slogan and a central Missouri outline, replacing the older bluebird design.
Personalized Plate: Flat, reflective design allowing custom characters, subject to Missouri approval rules.
Specialty Plates: Hundreds of designs supporting military, conservation, education, charities, and state programs.
Commemorative Variants: Limited designs tied to specific causes or organisations, available with additional requirements and fees.

Types of License Plates in Missouri

Missouri offers more than 100 license plate options regulated by the Missouri Department of Revenue. These plates generally fall into standard, specialty, and personalized categories, with current designs featuring the “Show-Me State” slogan and a blue, white, and red colour scheme.

Standard Plates: Default plates for passenger vehicles, using a blue-and-white design with the “Show-Me State” slogan.
Specialty or Organization Plates: Plates supporting colleges, military service, conservation programs, charities, and other approved organizations.
Personalized (Vanity) Plates: Custom plates allowing up to six characters on standard or specialty designs, subject to state approval and additional fees.
Historic or Antique Plates: Issued for vehicles at least 25 years old, offering special registration privileges.
Commercial and Farm Plates: Designed for business, fleet, and agricultural vehicles used for work purposes.
Specialty Black Plate: A black plate option offered through the Route 66 Association of Missouri.
Government or Official Plates: Plates reserved for state agencies and elected officials, such as legislative members.

License Plate Costs in Missouri

License plate costs in Missouri include registration fees based on vehicle horsepower, along with title, processing, and tax charges. Fees may vary depending on registration length, plate type, and whether the plate is being transferred.

Registration Fee (1 Year): $21.25 to $39.25, based on taxable horsepower.
Registration Fee (2 Years): $42.50 to $78.50
Title Fee: $8.50 per vehicle.
Processing Fee: $6.00 to $9.00, depending on transaction type.
Personalized or Specialty Plates: Additional $15 per year.
Sales Tax: 4.225% state tax, plus applicable local taxes.
Plate Transfer Fee: Typically $2.00 to $12.00, depending on the situation.

License Plate Lookup by States

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

Alabama

Missouri License Plate Lookup FAQs

Can I run a license plate number for free?

Yes. You can use our free license plate lookup tool at no cost, but free searches usually return only basic vehicle details, such as make, model, and year. Accessing deeper records, including full vehicle history data, typically requires a paid report.

Is it illegal to search up a license plate owner?

Yes. In most cases, private individuals are not allowed to look up a license plate owner. The Driver’s Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) restricts access to personal information, such as names and addresses, to law enforcement, insurers, and other authorized parties.

Can you find someone's address if you know their license plate?

No. You cannot legally find someone’s home address using only a license plate number. License plate records are protected under the Driver’s Privacy Protection Act (DPPA), which limits access to approved entities and prevents public disclosure of personal details.

What info can a number plate check reveal?

Law enforcement primarily uses a license plate number to access vehicle registration and ownership records. Officers may also cross-check law enforcement databases to determine whether a vehicle is stolen or linked to criminal activity.

Can I find someone's name by their license plate?

No. Finding a person’s name through a license plate is generally not permitted. DMV owner records are protected by the Driver’s Privacy Protection Act (DPPA), and access is limited to law enforcement and other authorized officials.