Can You Look Up the Owner of a Car by VIN Number?

A License Plate Lookup is not the only way people try to identify a vehicle owner. Many ask whether they can look up the owner of a car by using the VIN number instead. A VIN, or Vehicle Identification Number, is a unique code assigned to each vehicle. While a VIN can provide important vehicle history details, it does not give the public access to the registered owner’s name and address.

Vehicle ownership records are protected under federal privacy laws. That means you cannot simply enter a VIN into a public website and receive personal owner information. Most VIN lookup tools provide details such as make, model, year, recall information, and accident history, but not ownership identity.

If there is a lawful reason to identify the registered owner, such as a hit and run or civil matter, the search must follow legal guidelines. Lance Casey & Associates can assist with a professional License Plate Lookup conducted in compliance with privacy regulations.