michigan License Plate Search

How is the license plate search conducted in Michigan? 

License plate search in Michigan can be applied for getting information about the history and ownership of any vehicle, present registration status included. The general purpose of conducting the search involves buying used vehicles, verification of a vehicle, or litigation purposes. It can either be from an official source, such as the Michigan Secretary of State, or from third-party online providers. 

By the Secretary’s own doing, while not allowing any publicly accessible database for license plate searches, official records are accessible by law enforcement agencies, insurance companies, and representatives under the Michigan Secretary of State. 

Application for a vehicle history can be made by providing the VIN and not necessarily the license plate number. It is for this reason that private citizens can also access the same. Third-party websites also claim to provide license plate search services although the reliability and legality vary and users must be extremely careful and see if they comply with the privacy law of Michigan. 

Is License Plate Search Valid According to the Michigan Law?

Michigan follows the Driver’s Privacy Protection Act and, moreover, has the state’s private information act which prohibits records that will identify the names or addresses of owners through license plate search by members of the general public. Records can only be used by an approved body, personnel in law enforcement, government agencies and others that fall within the accepted organisations.

Vehicle history reports, records of accidents and the state’s registration data are legally accessible to cite; once an application is filed with the Secretary of State for a permissible use. 

Third-party search services, therefore must be utilized circumspectly as Michigan residents’ personal information, if accessed without authorization shall constitute a criminal act. 

Can You Find Vehicle Owner Information from a License Plate Search?

No, Michigan does not, by license plate lookup, provide the general public with information regarding the owner’s name or address of a vehicle if they fail to meet particular statutory criteria for such requests. Requests regarding the owner information in the Michigan Secretary of State could be made through police officers, attorneys, and insurance companies to such extent as they may have a qualified purpose of being a party in litigation or investigating an insurance claim.

For example, private individuals who want assurance a car is legitimate to buy may ask for a VIN check or try calling sellers directly. Individuals who suspect foul, unlawful use of an automobile will naturally report the licence plate number onto the local Police Department as these offices of the law and the officers in them can only access higher information. 

What Are the Different Types of Michigan License Plates?

The State of Michigan offers a few license plate options: standard plates, specialty plates, and personalized plates. 

The standard Michigan plate now carries the blue and white “Pure Michigan” design and is automatically issued to all registered vehicles. For those who want an alternative option, Michigan has specialty plates that provide funding for universities, military service, conservation, and nonprofit organizations. 

Specialty plates include university plates, such as the University of Michigan or Michigan State University; veteran plates; and fundraising plates, to support everything from wildlife conservation to children’s charities. 

Personalized plates permit car owners to make up an individual combination of letters and digits, subject only to the limit of Michigan statutes and the filtration of offensive wording.

How to Apply for and Renew a Michigan License Plate?

Applications and renewal for a license plate are done in the state through registering a vehicle with the Michigan Secretary of State. New residents, as well as those purchasing a vehicle, have to have their title and register the vehicle within 15 days from the purchase date. This includes the presentation of ownership and insurance with payments of any applicable fees.

Renewal of a Michigan license plate can easily be done online, by mail, at a self-service kiosk, or in person at an SOS office. To help drivers pay for and renew their license plates for a longer period rather than yearly, Michigan offers a two-year registration option. A late renewal will cost you money in penalties; driving with an expired plate could prove even costlier, so renewals should be done in time.

What are the license plate fees and costs in Michigan? 

The Michigan license plate fee is determined by the vehicle type, plate design desired, and renewal term desired. Standard plates are usually $5 when issued for the first time; registration fees are based on the base price or weight of the vehicle. There are additional costs for specialty plates and personalized plates.

For instance, a college or military plate would have an annual rate of $35 or more and part of it goes to the related cause. Personalized plates add $30 more in a year aside from the basic fee for registration. Replacement of license plates are required if the owner of the vehicle loses his license plate or suffers some damage at the cost normally not to exceed $5 or $10 application to the SOS.

Michigan also issues temporary permits, especially in the case of temporary registration, which largely occurs when one buys a car from a private owner, making one able to work in compliance with what the state may require, while being given time to finalize the real registration and title processing.

License plates and license plate searches in Michigan have statutory laws governing administrative processes, with a number of options open to customization. From wanting to check a vehicle’s history to renew the registration or customize a plate, the office of the Secretary of State in Michigan has ample resources to help residents. Any license plate search has to be legally done and within the right channels that ensure there are no issues concerning privacy or any other legal implications.

Recent Michigan License Plate Search