Check California License Plate to Get Full Vehicle History Instantly
California is home to over 35 million registered vehicles — more than any other state. Whether you’re buying a used car in Los Angeles, selling one in San Diego, or simply verifying a vehicle’s background, a license plate lookup can provide essential information to help you make smart decisions.
VinAudit makes it easy to run a California license plate lookup using only the plate number and the state. Our tool is powered by trusted vehicle data partners giving you real-time access to verified data on any California-registered car or truck.
Why Choose VinAudit for Your California Plate Search?
A reverse license plate lookup in California is a quick and legal way to uncover vehicle information using just the plate number and the state. It’s commonly used when the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) isn’t available — like when browsing used cars or checking a vehicle spotted on the road. It works by linking the plate number to the vehicle’s VIN, then pulling data from California DMV records, national databases, and trusted industry sources including the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS).
What to Expect from the VinAudit Vehicle History Report
With a VinAudit CA license plate search, you can access a wide range of vehicle details to help confirm the car’s condition, history, and value. This can be particularly useful when buying from a private seller, verifying ownership history, or checking for hidden issues like salvage titles or open liens.
- Vehicle Specifications: Make, model, year, trim, body style, engine size, and fuel type
- Title History: Current and past title status including salvage, rebuilt, junk, or flood branding
- Accident & Damage Records: Reported crashes, insurance claims, total loss declarations
- Theft Records: Whether the vehicle has ever been reported stolen or recovered in California and other states.
- Odometer Readings: Mileage reports at registration events to flag potential rollbacks
- Lien & Loan Status: Any active liens or financial claims that may still be tied to the car
- Market Value & Ownership Cost: Estimated resale value, insurance costs, and depreciation
Whether you’re conducting a routine license plate check in CA or considering a used vehicle purchase, a full report from VinAudit can help you make a safe, informed decision.
California License Plate Requirements, Formats, and DMV Services
The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) issues and regulates all license plates in the state. In addition to plate services, the DMV handles registration, renewals, title transfers, driver licensing, and personalized plate requests — available both online and in person.

Issuing Agency | California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) |
Plate Requirements | Front and rear plates required for most vehicles; rear-only for motorcycles and trailers |
Plate Validity | Valid for 5 years with current registration stickers |
Number Format | 6–7 alphanumeric characters (varies by vehicle type) |
Plate Sizes | Standard: 12″ × 6″; smaller sizes for motorcycles and specialty plates |
Available Plate Types | Standard, personalized, special interest, legacy, and charity plates |
Verify a Used Car’s History in California
To look up a California license plate, simply enter the plate number and select the state using the tool at the top of this page. If the VIN is available, a VIN check will return the same detailed vehicle history report.
Get title history, accident records, odometer readings, and more instanly for any vehicle in the Golden State.
Start California Plate Search or Use VIN Instead
Looking for license plate lookup options in nearby states? Try:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is license plate lookup legal in California?
What’s the difference between a VIN lookup and a license plate check?
Can I get the vehicle owner’s name or address from a CA license plate lookup?
What kind of information is included in a California license plate lookup?
How accurate is the data from VinAudit’s license plate search?
Can I perform a plate lookup without having the VIN?
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