How to Find a Car Owner by a License Number

A license plate number search produces the name, address, phone number and other relevant information about a car owner. Obtaining this information may be necessary when you see a car for sale or if you have been the victim of a hit-and-run. There are several options available for obtaining a car owner's information. License plate searches are not free, however, so consider your budget when you select a license plate search method.

• 1

  Access an online private investigation database. Docusearch is one example. Visit the website and select the appropriate state from the drop-down menu. Place your order for results. Click "Order Now." Click "Checkout." Enter the vehicle license plate number. You'll receive the results in one business day. The report you receive includes information such as the car owner's first and last name, address and vehicle make and model. As of early 2010, each search on Docusearch costs $39.

• 2

  Join a database membership service. Membership services like Public Records Find, for example, maintain extensive databases and resources that are used by information brokers. Membership fees range from $29 to $59 a year.

• 3

  Hire a private investigator. Contact private investigators in your local area or online. Ask them how much they charge for conducting a license place trace. Fees for this service range from $150 to $300.