FL · Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV)
Florida License Plate Lookup: VIN, Title & Recall Records
Look up a vehicle registered in Florida: VIN, title and recall records, plus the state-specific plate, inspection and title rules below.
Look up a Florida plate
- Type the plate
- Pick the state
- Press Look up
What we can tell you about
Plate-to-VIN data is regulated at the state level. Our partner runs the plate against vehicle-record data and returns the vehicle — VIN, year, make, model, title and history.
What is in a vehicle history report? →
Get the vehicle report from EpicVIN (paid partner) →
Paid partner report; we may earn a commission.
Already have the VIN? It's on the dashboard by the windshield or on the driver's door jamb. Decode it here — full factory specs and open recalls from NHTSA.
Florida at a glance
Rear plate only; standard format ABC 1234, with older six-character plates still on the road. No annual safety or emissions inspection for private cars. Watch for salvage, rebuilt and flood titles after hurricanes.
Florida plate formats
Florida requires a rear plate only. Standard passenger plates use six or seven characters — newer issues commonly three letters and four numbers — and the state offers many specialty plates.
Who holds Florida plate records
Florida vehicle and title records are held by FLHSMV and county tax collector offices; owner information is released only for DPPA-permitted uses and is not public. Official site: Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV).
Inspections and emissions in Florida
Florida has no annual safety or emissions inspection for private passenger cars. An out-of-state vehicle needs a VIN verification when it is titled in Florida.
Title brands to watch
Florida brands salvage, rebuilt and flood titles; a rebuilt vehicle must pass a state inspection before it can be registered.
Buyer's tip for Florida
Florida is a hurricane state — check for flood and saltwater damage brands, and confirm the title is in the seller's name before you pay.
| Front plate required | No (rear only) |
|---|---|
| Records agency | Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) |
| Fees & forms | Change often — check the official site |
Sources
- Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) — state plate, title and inspection rules.
- NHTSA Recalls — open safety recalls by VIN.
- NHTSA vPIC — VIN decoder and factory specs.
Page updated 2026-10-28.
Questions people ask
What can I learn from a Florida plate?
The plate leads to the vehicle record: VIN, year, make, model, title brands and open recalls. Use the VIN to confirm factory specs and recall status.
Does Florida require a front license plate?
No — only a rear plate is required.
Does Florida require vehicle inspections?
Florida has no annual safety or emissions inspection for private passenger cars. An out-of-state vehicle needs a VIN verification when it is titled in Florida.
Where do I get official Florida vehicle records?
From the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) at www.flhsmv.gov.