NOTICE
By uploading a photograph and selecting to conduct a face search, you understand that the photograph you uploaded will be collected and stored by InfoTracer and/or it’s processor(s) for the purpose of determining the identity within the photograph and to compare with facial images available from public sources and other resources. The photograph will not be disclosed by InfoTracer without your consent unless the disclosure if required by law or by a valid legal subpoena. The photograph will be permanently deleted from InfoTracer’s systems within a reasonable time after your search, not to exceed three years from the date of your search. A copy of InfoTracer’s Biometric Information and Security Policy for the use of photographs is included in our Privacy Policy.
InfoTracer.com is not a "consumer reporting agency" and does not supply "consumer reports" as those terms are defined by the Fair Credit Reporting Act ("FCRA"). By clicking "I Agree" you consent to our Terms of Service and acknowledge and agree not to use any information gathered through InfoTracer.com for any purpose under the FCRA, including, but not limited to, evaluating eligibility for personal credit, insurance, employment, or tenancy.
You acknowledge that you have the legal authority to provide this photograph for the above defined purpose and that your search does not violate our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy, or any applicable laws. Further, you consent to InfoTracer’s collection, use, and storage of the photograph for the above defined purpose.
InfoTracer.com is not a consumer reporting agency as defined by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), and does not assemble or evaluate information for the purpose of supplying consumer reports.
You understand that by clicking "I Agree" you consent to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy and agree not to use information provided by InfoTracer.com for any purpose under the FCRA, including to make determinations regarding an individual's eligibility for personal credit, insurance, employment, or for tenant screening.
You understand that license plate and VIN searches are only available for a purpose authorized by the Driver's Privacy Protection Act of 1994 (DPPA). The information obtained from our searches is not to be used for any unlawful purposes.
This website contains information collected from public and private resources. InfoTracer.com cannot confirm that information provided below is accurate or complete. Please use information provided by InfoTracer.com responsibly.
You understand that by clicking "I Agree," Infotracer.com will conduct only a preliminary people search of the information you provide and that a search of any records will only be conducted and made available after you register for an account or purchase a report.
Texas License Plate Lookup
Table of Contents
How To Lookup a Texas License Plate
Using a public records portal, you can enter a Texas license plate number and see vehicle-related information like the year, make, model, trim level, engine type, transmission, manufacturer, drivetrain, and MSRP. However, you can also order a full report online that may give you the owner's name, address, phone number, social security number, driver's license number, photographs, and more details. To get a full TX license plate or motor vehicle report, you must qualify under strict federal and state privacy laws. If you violate these laws, you will face serious consequences such as years of prison time and steep fines. You may also have to pay damages to the person you harmed. Using a government form, you can request records but will need to supply your contact details and as much information about the owner as possible.
Texas License Plate Laws
In the state of Texas, you must have two license plates on your vehicle at all times (or the police can stop you and give you a citation). One must be on the front and one on the rear of your vehicle.
Texans must register their motor vehicles every year. You can renew up to 90 days before expiration (the last day of the month on your sticker) or six months after expiration (as long as you don't have any citations). You can renew online, in person at any county approved substation, or through the mail. You must have a passing inspection sticker before you apply to register or renew your vehicle registration. When registering online, you qualify for a $1 discount.
A basic registration for most cars and trucks costs $50.75. Pickup or larger trucks must pay $54. It costs $45 to register a trailer and motorcycles and mopeds cost $30 a year for the registration. The county may also charge you a local fee, and if you order anything other than the standard license plates, you will pay higher fees then also.
Texas License Plate Options
Along with the standard license plate offered by Texas, residents may also purchase one of the dozens of specialty plates or personalized license plates where they get to pick the lettering. The state uses an online service called myplates.com, where you can check the availability of vanity plates. Some of the categories for specialty license plates include:
- Colleges and Universities.
- Disabled.
- Fraternities/Sororities.
- High Schools.
- Military & Veterans.
- My Plates Colors & Themes.
- Occupational.
- Organizations.
- Other Vehicle Types.
- Sports/Hobbies.
A few license plate options to choose from are:
- Alamo.
- Air Force.
- American Legion.
- Cotton Boll.
- Deaf and Hard of Hearing.
- Disabled veteran plates (all branches).
- Dr. Pepper.
- Girl Scouts.
- Korean War.
- Lone Star State.
- March of Dimes.
- Organ Donor.
- Texas Rangers.
What Does the Driver's Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) in Texas Do?
The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles is the entity in charge of motor vehicle records and enforcing both federal and state Driver's Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) laws. The Texas Motor Vehicle Records Disclosure Act is consistent with the federal DPPA. The Department of Motor Vehicles website states:
"Federal law prohibits the TxDMV from disclosing or confirming any of your personal information to the general public. This law, the Driver's Privacy Protection Act (DPPA), makes it illegal for the general public, including the media, to obtain, publish or confirm personal information about you from the state motor vehicle database. The law does provide exceptions for certain entities, such as courts and police.
Texas law provides additional protection under the Motor Vehicle Records Disclosure Act, and the Public Information Act (Section 552.130).
However, be aware that other businesses may collect and sell information on you and your vehicle. Generally, these are motor vehicle-related businesses that capture information in their computer systems. These businesses are not covered under federal and state privacy protection laws".
Texas License Plates Search Frequently Asked Questions
Is it Legit to Lookup License Plate Numbers in Texas?
Yes, it is completely legal to look up a license plate number in Texas to find out about the vehicle itself. However, it is not legal to just search a license plate to find owner information or personal details. Motor vehicle records contain personal and sensitive information that only eligible businesses and individuals may access and use for legitimate purposes.
What Information Do I Need to Request TX Plate Records?
When requesting motor vehicle records through the state of Texas, you must use the form DR-1. First, you have to select the type of record with the corresponding fee. Then fill out your name, address, phone number, and company information (if applicable). You also must supply a phone number and the person's information you are searching (name, driver's license number, and date of birth). In some cases, you will need signed consent.
How to Run a Texas License Plate Lookup by VIN?
Although the state does not offer a way to search license plate data using a VIN, there are other online public records databases and portals where you can. For example, the NHTSA search tool or the national title registry. You can use either one of those to enter a VIN and find out all about the car or truck plus information about vehicle crash history and outstanding recalls.
How Can I Search the Owner of a License Plate in Texas?
Texas does not allow just anyone to perform a Texas license plate search owner online. Only if you qualify via strict DPPA laws are you able to obtain personal details about the owner of a vehicle. If you have a legitimate reason for needing to locate the owner of a license plate in Texas, you can ask the local police for help.
What Are Some Allowable Purposes For Looking Up License Plate Information?
- For motor vehicle safety, emissions, and recalls.
- Government or law enforcement use.
- Civil and criminal law cases.
- Employment.
- Towing companies.
- Insurance use.
- Business use for verifying information.
- Research and statistics.
- Private investigations.
- Private tolls.
- For credit.
- Anyone with a signed consent form.
Texas follows the federal DPPA laws pretty closely. On their records request form, they outline the list of allowable uses for personal details contained in motor vehicle records. These privacy laws guard access to and use of these records. They may be used for only the following purposes:
How to Perform Reverse License Plate Search Texas for Free?
You can look up a Texas plate lookup for free easily through one of the many online portals. The information you will see will be vehicle-related such as the year, make, model, trim level, engine type, transmission, manufacturer, drivetrain, and MSRP.