What is a License Plate Search and How Does it Work?
If you're looking to gather detailed information on a customer, a license plate lookup tool might be the right way to go. By simply entering data on a car (e.g., VIN, license plate number, tag number, etc...), you can access detailed records on the vehicle and its owner in seconds. This method of pulling customers' information is especially useful in confirming an applicant's identity/information and locating an individual during recovery efforts.
Over the past ten years, the number of consumer-owned vehicles has grown from 240 million cars to over 290 million cars on the road in the United States alone. In addition to the overall increase in vehicles, 90 percent of U.S. households own at least one car, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. These trends are expected to continue, ensuring the information available from these searches will grow.
Continue reading for more information on license plate searches, the data they provide, and how MicroBilt's Motor Vehicle Search product can make it easier to get the information quickly.
What Data can you Pull from a License Plate Search?
The information pulled varies from applicant to applicant, but since a majority of customers have a car, the data will provide an overview of important identifying information such as:
- Address
- Date of birth and gender
- Vehicle identification number and tag number
- Vehicle title issue date and status
- Driver's license number and origination
- Liens and lien type
- Vehicle year, make, model, body type, and color
- Registration expiration date
- Odometer reading
Although there are several ways to gather similar data on applicants, this method provides historical information on the vehicle and the individual, essentially hitting two birds with one stone. And since the two are tied together through identifiers such as lien information and their address, this makes it an ideal method for skip-tracing individuals.
Who Uses License Plate Searches?
Previously license plate lookup services were used primarily by law enforcement agencies, private investigators, insurance companies, and individuals checking on a car's background. But nowadays, more and more lenders are finding the value in the data this search can provide, giving them an essential tool when repossession becomes necessary.
Free vs. Third-Party Search Services
There are a lot of services available that offer license plate searches, some of which are free. Unfortunately, free services often provide only basic vehicle information, such as the model of the vehicle, the engine type, and the year. This information though helpful, won't help verify someone's identity or help during a recovery effort. More informative options are often available through third-party websites, but not all provide the same benefits. If you prefer more comprehensive and accurate data on a vehicle, it is recommended that you work within the DMV and other government agencies' databases. That's where MicroBilt steps in!
MicroBilt can Help
If you're looking to gather more information about a consumer and their car from a single search, there is no better option than a license plate search. With just their vehicle's license plate info or VIN, you can compile a complete profile on the individual and learn more about them and their general location. But these searches can take time if you're working within the wrong channel... thankfully Microbilt's Motor Vehicle Search product has you covered.
Our simple-to-use tool gives users the most information about consumers directly from government agencies such as the DMV. Because of this direct connection, the turnaround time is fast, so you don't have to wait around.
