North Dakota License Plate Lookup

A license plate lookup allows individuals to obtain critical details about a vehicle by using the license plate number in a search tool. In North Dakota, this service can help individuals for several reasons. Users can retrieve relevant data from official state resources or third-party services.

In searching for license plate information, the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) is the most reliable and updated source. It oversees vehicle registrations and maintains records for more than 900,000 vehicles registered in the state.

Note that the state and the federal government impose specific laws governing these license plate lookup services.

Why Run a License Plate Search in North Dakota?

License plate lookups are commonly used for several purposes, including:

• Verifying vehicle history
• Checking accident reports
• Confirming ownership of a disputed vehicle
• Identifying stolen or missing vehicles
• Mitigating liability risks on purchase of used vehicles
• Affirming the vehicle market values
• Validating liens
• Authenticating information provided by previous owners
• Investigating hit-and-run

Is it Legal to Perform a License Plate Lookup in North Dakota?

Information on state-owned vehicles is generally accessible to the public except for information exempt from the open records law, such as driver’s licenses and Social Security numbers. Furthermore, access to this information often requires a request process.

License plate lookups for privately owned vehicles are only permissible under certain legal conditions. Generally, the federal Driver Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) and North Dakota Law regulate the release of these details.

Vehicle records are accessible to the public but are subject to the limitations provided in DPPA and other relevant laws. In most cases, written consent is required from the vehicle owner when individuals need access to personal details.

Under the DPPA and ND law, with its expanded chapter, personal sensitive details include:

• Exact physical addresses
• Email addresses
• Electronic signatures
• Dates of birth
• Photographs
• Telephone numbers
• Mother’s maiden name
• Insurance policy number

Access to personal information is only permitted for legal uses, such as:

• Claiming insurance coverage
• Carrying out government agency’s official duties
• Verifying process by businesses and lenders
• Informing owners of their towed or impounded vehicle
• Conducting statistical research on highway and vehicle safety
• Investigating vehicles suspected to have been used in a crime
• Monitoring of motor vehicle safety and recall

Note that even with these permissible legal conditions, requesters may not be able to obtain information under the Marsys law. This law often protects victims, who have the right to prevent disclosure or be notified when information is released to others.

Penalties for Misuse

While license plate lookups are allowed for legal purposes, misuse of information is strictly prohibited. It may result in fines, damages, and denial of future access.

Any unauthorized access to vehicle data for personal gain, harassment, or stalking violates federal and state laws and can lead to severe consequences. Victims of misuse may have the right to sue individuals or entities illegally using their information.

How Can You Conduct a North Dakota License Plate Lookup?

Conducting a license plate lookup in North Dakota involves different methods depending on the resources chosen. The lookup can be done through official government channels or third-party services. The selected method will depend on the level of detail needed, convenience, and cost.

North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT)

Currently, the NDDOT does not provide an online tool for conducting license plate lookups. Requesters may need to visit one of the NDDOT's local offices in person. These offices can assist with requests for information using plate numbers.

For those unable to visit in person, an alternative is to contact the NDDOT’s customer service by phone. Requesters can reach the department at (701) 328-2260 for assistance with license plate lookups.

The customer service team can provide further guidance on the process and any applicable fees. While this method offers a direct way to request vehicle information, processing times may vary depending on the complexity of the request and the availability of records.

Approved NMVTIS Data Providers

Third-party or commercial services provide convenient access to vehicle plate lookups, often offering fast results in a matter of minutes. These services are typically linked to the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS), which ensures the accuracy and reliability of the data they provide.

Approved providers for ND license plate lookups include GoodCar.com, InfoTracer.com, Recordsfinder.com, and StateRecords.org. These platforms offer access to various types of vehicle records, such as title histories, accident reports, title brands (e.g., salvage or rebuilt titles), and more.

Users can request either basic reports, which may include general vehicle details like the make, model, and year, or more comprehensive reports that cover extensive data, including vehicle mileage history and damage records.

Although convenient, the lookup fees charged by these providers can sometimes exceed the costs of government-issued reports.

However, these third-party platforms offer a practical solution for individuals seeking detailed information quickly, especially in cases involving multiple vehicles or transactions.

What Information Can You Obtain from a North Dakota License Plate Lookup?

What Does a North Dakota License Plate Look Like?

The North Dakota standard license plate usually has six characters but may have a maximum of seven. It combines three numbers and three letters (123 ABC). The plate also features traditional and modern elements that reflect the state's history and natural beauty.

A regular or standard license plate contains the slogan “Peace Garden State” and has remained a distinctive feature since 1956.

The plate’s background includes images of a bison in one corner and wheat stalks in the upper corner. These images symbolize wildlife and agricultural heritage. The background image features wide-open skies and plains.

License Plate Types in North Dakota

License plates identify vehicles and signify different categories of vehicles and their owners. The DOT issues different license plates, including:

• General Style License Plates: General license plates contain the standard features prescribed by the state. They are issued for standard vehicles, unconventional vehicles, ATVs off-highway, vehicles for mobility-impaired persons, and official vehicles.
• Military Personnel License Plates: The National Guard, war prisoners, veteran military personnel, and Gold Star families can request these plates.
• Special Interests License Plates: North Dakota offers special interest vehicle license plates to honor military service, support organizations, or address specific needs.
• Personalized License Plates: Vehicle owners can create a custom combination of up to seven characters. However, the combination must comply with the state's guidelines and avoid offensive language.
• Patriotic Vehicle License Plates: Similar to the general style, these plates feature the standard plate design with the logo of the bald eagle, U.S. flag, or Bonnie Stomper on the opposite side of the bison figure.
• Antique/collector License Plates: These plates do not contain the state’s standard design. Instead, it has a white background with the state slogan.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Below are answers to common questions about how to conduct a license plate lookup in North Dakota:

• Can I Look Up ND License Plates for Free?
  While some third-party websites may offer free license plate lookups, these services typically provide limited information. Basic details, such as the vehicle’s make, model, and year, might be accessible, but in-depth data, like ownership history or accident reports, usually requires payment.

• Do All North Dakota License Plate Lookups Work for Custom or Personalized Plates?
  Custom and personalized plates are registered and tracked through the same system as standard plates. However, personalized plates may present challenges during a lookup as they contain a unique combination slightly different from the standard format.

• How Long Does a Typical North Dakota License Plate Lookup Take?
  The processing time for license plate lookups varies depending on the method used. Online services, including third-party providers, typically offer results within minutes. Official requests by mail can take a few days or longer, depending on the information needed. Delays may occur if there are issues with verifying eligibility or if additional information is required.

• Can I Perform Bulk License Plate Lookups in North Dakota?
  Bulk license plate lookups may be available through an approved third-party provider or by special request to the NDDOT. Such lookups are often used for business or law enforcement purposes. Restrictions apply, and users must provide valid reasons for bulk inquiries. Due to the large volume of data accessed, fees for bulk lookups are higher.

• Are There Any Alternatives to a License Plate Lookup for Obtaining Vehicle Information in North Dakota?
  Vehicle history reports can also be accessed through vehicle identification number (VIN) lookups, which provide detailed information on the car’s history. Mail and in-person record requests are also available, and requesters must send or submit their requests by filling out the prescribed application form (SFN 51269).