A few weeks ago, I was driving home when someone sideswiped my car and sped off before I could react. All I caught was a blurry glimpse of their license plate. Frustrated and unsure of what to do next, I started digging into how to find out who owned that vehicle. Turns out, I wasn’t alone. Thousands of people each year find themselves in similar situations whether it’s a hit-and-run, an abandoned car, or suspicious activity they want to report.
What I discovered was that while it’s not as simple as typing a plate number into Google, there are ways to legally and responsibly find out who owns a vehicle using a license plate. The process varies depending on your reason and where you live, but with the right approach, it’s possible to get the information you need.
In this article, I’ll break down everything I learned step by step so you don’t have to figure it out the hard way. Whether you’re dealing with an accident, researching a used car, or trying to resolve a legal matter, here’s how you can track down the registered owner of a vehicle in the U.S., the right way.
Contents
How to Find Who is Owner of A Texas License Plate:
For the best way, you can contact the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles by gathering the license plate number and reaching out to their official helpline or local office.
There are some steps you can take in order to find phone number details from the license plate.
You can try the following methods below to find who is behind a Texas License Plate:
1. Texas Department of Motor Vehicles
The first thing you can do it, try contacting the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles for number details. They can assist in finding the owner of a Texas license plate.
🔴 Steps To Follow:
Step 1: First, collect all the necessary information, including the license plate number.
Step 2: Then, contact the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles through their official helpline or visit their local office.
Step 3: Next, provide them with the license plate number and explain your issue to find the owner’s details.
Now, the department will process your request and provide you with the information that they can legally disclose, which may include the owner’s name and contact information.
2. Use Government Resources (DMV Request)
Your state’s DMV allows you to request vehicle records—but only if you qualify under permitted uses.
Complete the appropriate form (like Form VTR-275-K in Texas), stating your purpose and personal details.
You’ll need the plate number and may also be asked for the vehicle’s VIN (Vehicle Identification Number).
📌 Tip: Include as much accurate info as you can make, model, plate number, incident date to speed up processing.
3. Requesting An Investigation
You can hire an investigator to help you find the owner of a license plate in Texas. These private investigators have access to various resources and databases that can help you find such information.
🔴 Steps To Follow:
Step 1: First, search for a private investigation agency in your area.
Step 2: Here, you have to choose an experienced investigator who specializes in similar types of searches (i.e. license plate).
Step 3: Next, provide the investigator with the license plate number and any additional details you have.
The investigator will use their expertise and resources to track down the owner of the license plate and provide you with the relevant information.
4. Contact Law Enforcement (When It’s an Emergency)
If your situation involves criminal activity, a hit-and-run, or public safety issue, call the police.
They have legal access to DMV databases and can track the owner fast—though they won’t release personal details to you.
Instead, they’ll handle the follow-up or coordinate with your insurance company to move things forward.
📌 TIP
Always file a police report if a crime or accident occurred—it documents your case officially.
5. Use the Plate Lookup app
You can use a plate lookup app to quickly find the owner of a Texas license plate. This app provides access to a comprehensive database of license plate information.
🔴 Steps To Follow:
Step 1: First, install & open the Plate Lookup app on your phone (android).
Step 2: After that, enter the license plate number you want to search for in the designated field.
Step 3: Now, click on the “Search” button to initiate the license plate lookup.
The app will process the information and give you the owner’s details, such as their name, address, and vehicle information.
⚠️ Who handles license plates in Texas?
License plates in Texas are handled by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV). The TxDMV is responsible for managing vehicle registrations, issuing license plates, and maintaining records related to vehicle ownership and registration in the state of Texas.
Conclusion
Finding out who owns a vehicle by using a license plate number isn’t always straightforward but with the right reason and the right approach, it can be done legally and effectively. Whether you’re working through the DMV, law enforcement, or a licensed private investigator, it’s important to follow the proper steps and respect privacy laws. Avoid shortcuts or shady services stick with verified channels. In the end, being informed, prepared, and patient is the smartest way to get the results you need.
Frequently Asked Questions:
No, not directly. The DMV protects personal info for privacy reasons. But with a legal reason, you can request the owner’s info. You may need to file a form or hire a licensed investigator.
Yes, but only if you have a valid reason—like a hit-and-run or insurance claim. The law (DPPA) limits who can access this info. Just being curious doesn’t count.
Tip: Have paperwork ready to prove your reason is legit.
You’ll need to fill out a form (like VTR-275 in Texas), state your reason, and send it in. Include any fees and ID. Processing takes a couple of weeks.
Tip: Double-check that your form is filled out fully to avoid delays.
