Driver's Privacy Protection Act · 18 U.S.C. § 2721
Can You Run a License Plate?
The answer depends on who you are and what you need — not on which website you use. Answer three questions to see which permitted use, if any, applies to your situation.
Check your situation
The short answer
Vehicle information is not the same as owner information. A plate can lead to the vehicle — VIN, specs, recalls and history — and that is lawful for anyone. The owner's name, address, phone and photo are personal information under the DPPA, and a state may release them only for one of the 14 permitted uses below.
The 14 permitted uses, in plain language
This table summarizes 18 U.S.C. § 2721(b). The statute controls; read the exact wording before relying on a use.
| # | Use | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Government agencies, courts and law enforcement | Carrying out official functions, including on behalf of an agency. |
| 2 | Safety, theft, emissions, recalls and market research | Vehicle safety and theft work, emissions, recalls, performance monitoring and survey research. |
| 3 | Legitimate businesses verifying customer information | Only to check information the customer supplied, and to prevent fraud, pursue legal remedies or recover a debt. |
| 4 | Legal and administrative proceedings | Civil, criminal, administrative or arbitration matters, including service of process and litigation prep. |
| 5 | Research and statistical reports | Only if the personal information is not published, redisclosed or used to contact people. |
| 6 | Insurers and insurance support organizations | Claims investigation, anti-fraud, rating and underwriting. |
| 7 | Notice to owners of towed or impounded vehicles | Telling the owner their vehicle was towed or impounded. |
| 8 | Licensed private investigators and security services | For any purpose otherwise permitted under the DPPA. |
| 9 | Employers checking commercial driver's license holders | Information required under 49 U.S.C. chapter 313. |
| 10 | Private toll transportation facilities | Operating toll roads and facilities. |
| 11 | State-approved requests with the person's consent | Where the state has obtained the person's express consent. |
| 12 | State-approved surveys, marketing or solicitations | Only where the state has obtained the person's express consent. |
| 13 | Any requester with the person's written consent | The requester must demonstrate written consent. |
| 14 | Other uses authorized by state law | If the use is specifically authorized by the state that holds the record and relates to motor vehicle operation or public safety. |
What is never allowed
- Looking up an ex-partner, neighbour or co-worker out of curiosity.
- Getting an owner's address to confront them, harass them or "return" to a parking dispute.
- Buying owner data from a site that promises it without a permitted use.
- Reselling or redisclosing records obtained for a permitted use.
Penalties
Civil damages
Under 18 U.S.C. § 2724 a person who obtains, discloses or uses protected information for a non-permitted purpose is liable for actual damages or liquidated damages of at least $2,500, plus punitive damages and attorney's fees, and may face criminal penalties. State laws can add their own penalties.
Criminal exposure
A knowing violation can also be prosecuted under 18 U.S.C. § 2723, and obtaining records by false representation is itself unlawful under § 2722(b).
If you are not a permitted user
You still have lawful routes: a police report for a crash or hit-and-run, your insurer for a claim, a lawyer or court order for a legal dispute, and a licensed investigator for a permitted purpose. For a used car, you do not need the owner at all — you need the vehicle record.
Hit-and-run: what to do → Decode the VIN instead →
Sources
- 18 U.S.C. § 2721 — permissible uses.
- 18 U.S.C. § 2724 — civil action and damages.
Questions people ask
Can I look up a license plate owner for free?
No. Owner names and addresses are personal information protected by the DPPA. No public website can give them to you for a plate lookup.
Is it illegal to look up a license plate?
Looking up vehicle information is legal. Getting or using the owner's personal information without a permitted purpose can violate the DPPA, with civil damages of at least $2,500 per violation.
What can I do after a hit-and-run?
Record the plate, state, vehicle description, time and location, and file a police report. Police can lawfully obtain the registered owner's details.
Can a licensed private investigator run a plate for me?
A licensed investigator can access records for a purpose permitted under the DPPA. Ask what permitted use applies before you hire one.