Conducting a license plate lookup provides significant benefits for used car buyers in Michigan, offering access to vital vehicle history. This information helps identify potential problems such as undisclosed damage, previous theft, or recurrent mechanical issues. By revealing these red flags, buyers can protect themselves from common frauds like odometer rollback and title washing, ensuring they don’t overpay or purchase a car with hidden issues.

VinAudit.com offers a valuable Michigan license plate lookup tool to help buyers make the right choice. We ensure reliable data by sourcing information from reputable databases and offering accurate and up-to-date details about the vehicles under consideration: /av_textblock]

Michigan Department of State (SOS)

The Michigan Office of the Secretary of State (SOS) is responsible for vehicle registration, titling, and licensing in Michigan, ensuring all vehicles meet legal requirements and maintain accurate records. The SOS serves the same functions as the department of motor vehicles in most other states, providing essential services to vehicle owners and operators including the issuance of license plates.

Michigan license plates must be displayed on the vehicle’s rear and are uniquely linked to the registered owner. The serial format consists of three letters followed by four numerical digits, a common format shared with many populous states. Michigan issues only one rear license plate per vehicle.

For more information or assistance, you can contact the Michigan Department of State at 8158 Executive Court, Suite 30, Lansing, MI 48917, or call 888-767-6424.

Types of License Plates

Michigan offers various types of license plates. Standard plates are for general vehicles, while personalized plates allow custom numbers. Fundraising plates support causes or organizations, and historical plates are for vehicles over 26 years old in original condition. Special organization plates represent groups or teams, veteran/military service plates honor service members, and collector plates are for antique and classic cars.

Vehicle Registration Process

To register a vehicle in Michigan, submit a signed Michigan title, odometer reading (for vehicles under 10 years old), any applicable lien release, Michigan Driver’s License or ID, last four digits of your social security number, and date of birth. Payment options include credit/debit card (with a fee) or ACH (no fee). Complete the eMV Public application, print the receipt, and mail it with the necessary documents to the specified address. Temporary registration permits are available for short-term (30-day) or longer temporary needs (60-day). Annual renewals occur on the owner’s birthday.
Apply for a vehicle title within two weeks of ownership transfer. Required documents include ownership papers, identification, and a six percent use tax payment. Instant titling services are available at select offices and online through ExpressSOS. Titles are typically delivered within two weeks of application.

Transferring a Michigan License Plate

Bring your current registration and title to the Secretary of State’s office and pay the transfer fee. Additional fees may apply for different vehicle types. Submit the required documents and fee to initiate the transfer process.

Michigan License Plate Replacement

Replace lost, stolen, rusted, damaged, illegible (due to age or wear), or plates at least 10 years old. Apply for a replacement online, by email, self-service (for renewal), or in-office. Provide vehicle registration, identification, and applicable fees.

What information can I get via a Michigan license plate lookup?

A VinAudit vehicle history report provides a full overview of a vehicle’s background. They include details such as:

• Vehicle Specifications: Details about the vehicle, such as model and make, fuel efficiency, dimensions, and more.
• Title Records: Number of times the vehicle has been registered and in which states, listed chronologically.
• Sale Records: Shows historical listings of the vehicle for sale.
• Junk / Salvage / Insurance Records: Indicates that the vehicle has been reported as a total loss, registered with a junk/scrap yard, or sold at a salvage auction.
• Accident Records: Identifies vehicle accidents with police reports.
• Theft Records: Highlights historical or active reports of theft and theft recoveries.
• Lien / Impound / Export Records: Shows liens, impounds, and export records, indicating potential ownership claims by finance companies.
• Problem Checks: Lists potential title brands indicating issues related to the vehicle.
• Supplemental Resources: Additional data related to the vehicle, including estimated market value and recommended external resources.

For more details, check a sample vehicle history report.

Can I check the Michigan vehicle owner through VinAudit license plate lookup?

You cannot access personal information, such as the vehicle owner’s name and address, through the VinAudit license plate lookup tool. VinAudit adheres to privacy regulations, ensuring that all personal data remains protected. The tool provides valuable vehicle history insights while fully complying with laws that safeguard individual privacy.

How do I run a Michigan license plate lookup?

To run a Michigan license plate lookup, simply enter the license plate number and the state (Michigan), and start the search. VinAudit.com will then provide basic information for free. For a small fee, you can proceed to generate a comprehensive vehicle history report.