Michigan License Plate Lookup: How to Conduct a Search and What You Need to Know

Our Michigan license plate lookup services are conducted by licensed private investigators, giving you access to current vehicle registration information on file with the Michigan Secretary of State.

Can Private Investigators Look Up License Plates. 

Yes, private investigators can run license plates, but their ability to do so legally and the methods they can use vary depending on the jurisdiction. In the United States, for instance, private investigators often have access to databases and resources that allow them to obtain information associated with a vehicle’s license plate. However, this access is typically regulated and requires the investigator to have a permissible purpose, such as:

1. Conducting an official investigation: Private investigators may run license plates as part of an investigation they have been hired to conduct, such as locating a person, investigating fraud, or conducting background checks.

2. Legal compliance: In some states, private investigators must comply with specific regulations and may need to justify their reason for accessing license plate information to regulatory bodies.

3. Permissible purposes: Private investigators must adhere to laws like the Driver’s Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) in the U.S., which restricts access to personal information derived from license plates to certain permissible purposes, including court orders, legal proceedings, and official government business.

In Michigan, private investigators can perform license plate lookups as part of their investigative duties. They must follow state regulations and ensure they have a permissible purpose for accessing this information. The Michigan Secretary of State’s office oversees the distribution of vehicle-related information and enforces compliance with both state and federal privacy laws. Unauthorized access to or misuse of this data can result in legal consequences. Therefore, private investigators typically ensure they have the proper justification and documentation before running Michigan license plates as part of their investigative work.

It’s important to note that while private investigators have certain privileges, they must operate within the boundaries of the law. Unauthorized access to license plate information or misuse of this data can result in legal consequences.

We can provide you with the make, model, year, and VIN of the vehicle, as well as any liens on the vehicle and the name and address of the registered owner.

To order a Michigan license plate lookup, simply provide us with the license plate number and the state where the vehicle is registered, along with your DPPA permissible purpose selection. We’ll take care of the rest and provide you with accurate and up-to-date information.

Please note that the information obtained from a Michigan license plate lookup cannot be used to determine an individual’s eligibility for credit, insurance, or employment under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. Sec 1681).

If you’re interested in conducting a Michigan license plate lookup for a permissible purpose under the DPPA, contact Lance Casey & Associates today. Our licensed private investigators are ready to assist you with accurate and up-to-date information.