The process of Illinois license plate lookup allows a person to acquire instant and effortless information concerning an automobile's history, ownership, and condition. In this state, over 11 million vehicles are registered yearly, and knowing a vehicle's past existence can prevent sudden expenses in repairing and ensuring safety.
Information, including the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), accidents, title changes, and services done on the vehicle, will be available to the user during this search. It is very essential information that will be of use, especially to people in Illinois, since almost 300,000 accidents were reported in motor vehicles in 2022.
License plate lookup allows a buyer to make the right decision and avoid uncertainty while buying used cars.
Why Run a License Plate Search in Illinois?
A license plate lookup can be useful for various reasons, including:
- For identifying a vehicle when the VIN is unavailable
- For conducting pre-purchase research on used cars
- For accessing vehicle records, including accident history
- For checking the availability of vanity or personalized plates
- For detecting odometer fraud or salvage titles
- For assisting in identifying owners of abandoned vehicles
- For finding any open recalls on the vehicle
- For reviewing title and lien status
- For reporting reckless drivers online
- For verifying registration compliance with state laws
Is it Legal to Perform a License Plate Lookup in Illinois?
State laws in Illinois and the federal Driver's Privacy Protection Act of 1994 govern license plate lookups. The Illinois Vehicle Code (625 ILCS 5/) publicizes much information on the vehicle but keeps some information private.
Vehicle information, including the make, model, year, vehicular crash records, and driving violations, are classified as public records. However, personal information like owner names, addresses, Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, and disability information is restricted under the DPPA and Illinois law.
Access to personal information is limited to authorized purposes, including:
- Law enforcement activities
- Court proceedings and legal investigations
- Insurance claims processing
- Vehicle safety and emissions monitoring
- Licensed private investigators for permitted purposes
- Authorized government agencies
- Research activities meeting statistical requirements
- Employment background verification for drivers
Misuse of restricted vehicle information carries serious penalties. Violation of the DPPA is punishable through criminal charges and civil liabilities up to $5,000 per occurrence by the affected persons.
The Illinois Secretary of State's office maintains strict protocols for requests regarding personal information. Organizations seeking bulk data access must register and demonstrate legitimate business needs. Individual records may be requested through approved channels with proper documentation of permissible use.
Recent amendments to Illinois privacy laws have further strengthened protections against unauthorized access and distribution of personal vehicle information, particularly in response to digital privacy concerns.
How Can You Conduct a Illinois License Plate Lookup?
For accurate Illinois license plate information, avoid dubious online services and use authorized resources. The following official channels ensure compliance with state privacy laws and the federal DPPA (Driver's Privacy Protection Act):
Illinois Vehicle Services Department)
The Vehicle Services Department of the Office of the Illinois Secretary of State is a place where one can use resources to carry out an Illinois license plate lookup. The department deals with the processing of titles and registrations of vehicles, the issuance of license plates and renewal stickers, and keeping comprehensive records on vehicles.
One can directly contact the Vehicle Services Department for a license plate lookup or make a visit to a facility near one's location to conduct a personal search. During this process, authorized personnel can assist in retrieving the necessary vehicle information linked to the license plate.
Approved NMVTIS Data Providers
There isn't a single tool on which the Vehicle Services Department does online research to find information with just a license plate number. However, they always advise the public to consider the approved NMVTIS data providers.
The National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) consists of companies authorized by the U.S. Department of Justice to retrieve any information about a vehicle using a federal database. When the license plate number and registration state are inputted, approved NMVTIS vendors provide consumers with all important vehicle information.
These data providers, such as GoodCar.com, InfoTracer.com, Recordsfinder.com, and StateRecords.org, are required to comply strictly with federal standards. For this purpose, the Department of Justice frequently checks its list of approved providers and ensures that they comply with federal regulations as well as the security standards for data.
To perform an Illinois license plate lookup through approved NMVTIS data providers, follow these steps:
Choose a Provider: Visit the “Vehicle Services” page on the Illinois Secretary of State's official website and click the “Check Vehicle History” link. Users will be directed to a list of approved NMVTIS providers. From there, select a reputable provider, such as GoodCar.com or InfoTracer.com.
Access the Provider’s Website: Navigate to the chosen provider’s website and locate the license plate lookup service page.
Enter License Plate Number and State: On the lookup tool, input the vehicle’s license plate number along with the state of registration.
Review Pricing: Check the pricing options, as providers offer different service levels.
Make Payment: Complete the payment to access the report (usually comprehensive).
Receive and Review Report: Access the vehicle history report, which includes ownership records, accident history, and other relevant information.
What Information Can You Obtain from a Illinois License Plate Lookup?
A Illinois license plate lookup can provide a range of information depending on whether it is a basic search or a comprehensive report.
When running a basic license plate lookup through online free platforms, users can typically access the following information:
- Vehicle make (e.g., Toyota, Honda, Ford)
- Vehicle model (e.g., Camry, Accord, F-150)
- Vehicle year
- Vehicle type (e.g., sedan, SUV, truck)
- Drive type (e.g., front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive)
- Transmission type (e.g., automatic, manual, CVT)
- Engine type (e.g., V6, V8, hybrid, electric)
- Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)
- Color
- Fuel type (e.g., gasoline, diesel, electric, hybrid)
- Warranty information (e.g., factory warranty remaining, extended warranty status)
For more in-depth information, comprehensive reports from approved NMVTIS providers may include the following (in addition to the previously mentioned details):
- Records of any past accidents involving the vehicle
- Documented mileages that can reveal potential odometer discrepancies
- Information on any existing recalls or defects associated with the vehicle
- Alerts regarding outstanding loans or repossessions related to the vehicle
- Details on any natural disaster damage that could affect vehicle safety (flood, hail, and fire damage)
- History indicating if the car has been used for rental, police, or taxi services
- Comprehensive logs of maintenance, inspections, and registration changes
- Chronological events concerning title changes and ownership
- Junk, salvage, and insurance records
- Theft records
- Identification of negative title brands (e.g., junk, rebuilt, totaled)
What Does an Illinois License Plate Look Like?
The standard Illinois license plate is 12 inches by 6 inches, made from strong aluminum, clean and simple, with a light blue bottom edge.
At the top, the state's name, "Illinois," is shown in a fashionable script font along with a small image of Abraham Lincoln's face. Below "Illinois" is the phrase "Land of Lincoln."
License Plate Types in Illinois
Options outside of the standard license plates in Illinois include personalized plates for vehicles weighing less than 8,000 pounds. Personalized plates are more expensive and can only be issued if the vehicle is titled and registered in the owner's name.
Personalized plates cannot be used on leased vehicles, vehicles held in trust, or vehicles registered to a business.
Illinois also offers a range of plate designs to cater to various interests and affiliations, such as Passenger, Antique, PanHellenic, Sporting, Specialty, First Responders, Military, Recreational, and College series. Additional options support organizations like Illinois Hospice, Autism Awareness, Alzheimer’s Awareness, and the Rotary Club.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Below are some FAQs on Illinois license plate lookups:
Can I Look Up IL License Plates for Free?
In Illinois, free license plate lookups provide only limited information. While basic vehicle details are publicly available, comprehensive data, such as accident history and title records, typically require payment through authorized providers or the Secretary of State's office for access.Do All Illinois License Plate Lookups Work for Custom or Personalized Plates?
Certain Illinois license plate lookup services may not cover custom or personalized plates. Some databases focus solely on standard plates, providing limited information for personalized options. Those looking for details on custom plates might need specialized services or assistance from the Illinois Secretary of State's office.How Long Does a Typical Illinois License Plate Lookup Take?
Standard license plate lookups typically take 5-10 minutes online through approved providers or the Illinois Secretary of State's office. However, depending on the type and amount of information requested, in-person requests at local facilities may require more time.Can I Perform Bulk License Plate Lookups in Illinois?
Bulk license plate searches in Illinois require special authorization and are typically limited to approved businesses, law enforcement agencies, and authorized organizations. Applicants must demonstrate legitimate business needs and comply with state privacy laws when requesting multiple vehicle records simultaneously.Are There Any Alternatives to a License Plate Lookup for Obtaining Vehicle Information in Illinois?
In Illinois, individuals seeking vehicle information can use alternatives to license plate lookups. They can submit the Information Request Form or perform a Title and Registration Status Inquiry, primarily requiring the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). VIN checks are also available through approved NMVTIS data providers.