If you're planning to buy a car in Michigan, you must register it through the Michigan Secretary of State, who manages all titling, registration, and license plate applications.
Considering a used car? It's crucial to ensure that it's in good condition and not a lemon. When buying online, vigilance is key to avoid scams. A car that seems like a bargain might end up costing more in repairs and garage time than it's worth.
To make a smart purchase, consider using a license plate lookup service like VinFreeCheck. It's an online tool that provides comprehensive details on any vehicle in Michigan, best of all, it's free! The report includes information on whether the car has been previously written off due to major issues, its ownership history, and accurate odometer readings, helping you secure a reliable deal on a second-hand car.
Where Can I Find My Plate Number?
You can find the information either by checking the rear license plate on your vehicle or by referring to your vehicle registration card or recreation passport.
Registering a Vehicle in Michigan
When you purchase a vehicle in Michigan or bring one from another state, you have 15 days to register it. Complete this process at the local Secretary of State office. Until registration is finalized, always keep the assigned title and proof of insurance with you.
You'll need to provide:
- The original vehicle title with a verified odometer reading or a mileage statement
- Proof of Michigan No-Fault insurance
- A valid form of identification
- Payment for all applicable fees
If you purchase a new car from a dealership, they will typically handle the registration process for you and provide a 15-day temporary registration sticker to be placed on your car’s rear window.
For short-term vehicle use, 30-day and 60-day temporary plates are available.
For more details, feel free to visit their website.
Types of License Plates in Michigan
Standard plates: These have a length of 7 characters and follow the AAA 0000 format. There are four plate designs available, including the Pure Michigan design.
Personalized plates: You can customize these with up to 7 alphanumeric characters; however, symbols are not permitted, and the letter 'O' is replaced with the digit zero (0). Offensive or vulgar combinations are strictly prohibited.
Military plates: Available to active-duty or retired members of any U.S. military branch, these plates include designs for veterans of past military campaigns and recipients of distinguished awards like the Medal of Honor.
Disabled plates: Issued to individuals with a medically certified disability. These plates do not grant free parking rights; for that, a disability parking placard with a yellow free-parking sticker is required.
Specialty plates: These are for those looking to express affiliation or support for various organizations, causes, or interests. Available options include:
- Collegiate plates
- Organization/association plates
- Environmental and conservation plates
- Antique/collector plates
- Volunteer organizations/professions
- Awareness programs
- Sports teams/events
More information and designs are available on their website.
Looking Inside a License Plate Lookup Report
A license plate lookup gives you essential information about a vehicle you're considering buying or have already owned. Here’s what you can learn:
Accident History: This includes any accidents the vehicle has been involved in. For significant damage, it's wise to have the car independently inspected to uncover any unrepaired issues that could impact its performance.
Previous Ownership: The report provides details about past owners and how long each owned the vehicle, while maintaining their privacy.
Market Value: You’ll discover the current market price of the vehicle, helping you determine if the asking price is fair.
Vehicle Specifications: You get detailed information about the make, model, year, and other key details of the vehicle, aiding in an informed purchase decision.
Flood Damage: It alerts you to any flood damage the vehicle has sustained. Understanding the extent of this damage and subsequent repairs is crucial.
Lien Records: The report indicates if the vehicle has been used as a lease, collateral, or rental, and if there are any existing liens that might inadvertently transfer to you.
Odometer Records: Provides odometer readings to help identify potential odometer fraud, which can misrepresent the vehicle's actual mileage.
Junk/Salvage Title Check: Identifies if the vehicle has been deemed a total loss by an insurance company, suggesting it may be costly to repair and unsafe to drive.
The Importance of Getting a Lookup Report
Automotive fraud and vehicle theft remain prevalent crimes, especially as many used car transactions now occur online. This makes it hard to confirm the true condition of a car, and it's possible you could unknowingly purchase a stolen vehicle. A vehicle lookup report provides comprehensive data about the car, helping you make informed decisions when buying a used vehicle.
Many used car dealers offer free vehicle history reports to attract buyers. However, beware of less reputable dealers who might provide false reports to create a misleading sense of security, potentially leading you to buy a problematic vehicle that could be costly over time.
A license plate lookup is also useful in situations like hit and runs or suspected vehicle thefts. A quick check can provide crucial information, allowing you to alert authorities about potential automotive fraudsters.
VinFreeCheck provides a reliable and free license plate lookup service, sourcing data from trusted sources such as the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) and the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) to ensure you have the most up-to-date information on the vehicle you're considering.
Am I Getting Verified Information in the Report?
We obtain all necessary vehicle information strictly from trusted sources, such as government agencies, ensuring that the data you receive is current and regularly updated.
Additionally, we adhere to the Driver’s Privacy Protection Act (DPPA), which prevents us from disclosing any private or personal details of car owners. We only provide information related to how the vehicle is used and its present condition. The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) also allows individuals to access public information collected by government entities.