Missouri License Plate Lookup

Through GoodCar, users may access two types of reports: comprehensive and premium.

Comprehensive Data Reports

The GoodCar's comprehensive data reports can include details of the foundational vehicle that give a clearer picture of a car's condition and legal standing. When available, these reports typically include the following:

Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

The VIN is a unique identifier for the vehicle, which GoodCar's tool helps retrieve using the license plate. The VIN may often be found in online listings and is generally important for verifying that the vehicle's identification matches the physical tag.

Vehicle Specifications

The report may include key details like engine type, transmission, body style, and other specifications that describe the vehicle's construction and design.

Title Records

For vehicles in Missouri, this report may reveal if the car has been marked with problematic title brands, such as "Flood," "Rebuilt," or "Salvage." GoodCar also checks over 60 other title brands specific to Missouri, which could affect the vehicle's resale value, insurability, or safety.

Accident History

Based on available reports, GoodCar provides information on whether the vehicle has been involved in any accidents or major collisions. This information is crucial, especially when considering a used car, as it may offer detailed information regarding the extent of any prior damage.

Mileage Verification

GoodCar can help verify the vehicle's odometer reading to detect any discrepancies or signs of tampering. This is particularly important when purchasing used vehicles, as inaccurate mileage may significantly affect the vehicle's value.

When available, these reports may also include recalls, crash test ratings, remaining warranties, and cost of ownership estimates, which help assess the vehicle's long-term maintenance costs and safety features.

Premium Data Reports

For those requiring more detailed information, GoodCar's premium license plate lookup, when available, generally provides enhanced access to:

Market Values

Premium reports can include multiple valuation metrics: trade-in value (what dealers might offer when trading in), wholesale value (what dealers might pay at auction), retail value (dealer listing price), and residual value (estimated future worth for leasing or resale planning). These valuations help buyers negotiate fair prices and understand the vehicle's position in the current market.

Sales History

The sales history section shows where the vehicle was previously listed for sale, including online marketplaces, dealerships, or auctions. If the original listing is still available, users may be able to access a direct link to the listing, allowing them to see how the vehicle was priced over time and whether it has undergone any price changes.

To explore the full range of details available through GoodCar's license plate lookup tool, view a Sample Report on this website.

GoodCar offers a 7-day trial for unlimited plate lookups, providing full access to comprehensive vehicle history reports. After the trial, users can choose to continue with a plan to keep accessing in-depth reports or simply cancel if they no longer need the service.

This makes it an ideal option for anyone looking for a risk-free, easy way to get detailed vehicle information without committing to a long-term subscription right away. For assistance, contact GoodCar at (800) 764-0104.

GoodCar is one of the approved and trusted National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) data providers. This designation reflects compliance with federal data access standards and allows GoodCar to offer vehicle history information that is sourced from official channels and updated regularly for public and commercial use.

To run a license plate lookup for a Missouri vehicle through GoodCar, users need to follow a few simple steps:

1. Enter the complete Missouri license plate number in the designated search field below.
2. Select “Missouri” from the dropdown list of states.
3. Click the “Search” button to generate a comprehensive vehicle history report.

Missouri License Plate Format and Design Details

Missouri's current standard license plate was introduced in 2019 to celebrate the state's bicentennial (1821–2021). The plate features several unique design elements:

• Red and blue wave graphics at the top and bottom symbolize the Missouri state flag and rivers.
• The state seal is prominently placed in the center, along with the years “1821–2021” and a commemorative star.
• The standard format typically includes six alphanumeric characters, such as AB1 C2D, and incorporates a month-coding system for registration purposes.

Source: Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR)

Missouri also offers various personalized and specialty license plates, which may affect how the lookup is processed:

• Personalized Plates: These plates allow up to six custom characters depending on the vehicle type. While the appearance differs, personalized plates are still searchable through GoodCar's system, provided the plate number and state are entered correctly.
• Specialty Plates: Specialty designs represent causes such as universities, military service, charitable organizations, or professional groups. Though the appearance of these plates varies, they are still linked to the same vehicle records in official databases.

Missouri Personalized Plate Availability

Missouri offers personalized plates through the Department of Revenue. Plates may have up to 6 characters with a review for appropriateness. Missouri drivers may be able to bypass any Missouri license office visits by using GoodCar's Vanity Plate Lookup tool, providing a convenient way to check plate availability from anywhere. This online resource is designed to quickly reveal if preferred combinations are already taken or still available.

Limitations of License Plate Lookups for Non-Standard Plates

When running a license plate lookup for non-standard plates in Missouri, or any state, users may encounter certain limitations that can affect the completeness or accuracy of the results. Here are some of the most common issues specific to non-standard plates:

• Unique Plate Configurations: Personalized plates use custom character combinations that may not follow the standard alphanumeric format (e.g., "VET4LIFE" or "MIZZOU"). These unique identifiers can increase the risk of user input errors (typos, extra spaces, etc.), leading to incomplete or failed lookups. Some older or unique personalized plates may not be immediately matched if the plate was recently issued or modified.
• Limited or Delayed Data Entry: Specialty plates may involve additional processing by the issuing agency. In some cases, updates to plate records might take longer to reflect in national databases like NMVTIS, especially if the plate was recently issued or replaced.
• Mislead Users: The design or visual style of specialty or personalized plates doesn't impact the underlying vehicle data. However, users may misidentify or misread plate numbers due to unfamiliar fonts, spacing, or graphic elements, leading to inaccurate searches.
• Privacy and Data Restrictions: All license plate lookups, including for non-standard plates, must comply with the Driver's Privacy Protection Act (DPPA). While vehicle history data is available, personal owner details will remain private, regardless of the plate type.
• Plate Reassignment or Reuse: In rare cases, personalized or specialty plates may be transferred to another vehicle. If a plate has recently been reassigned, the vehicle history tied to it could reflect outdated or mixed data until the systems are fully updated.

GoodCar compiles Missouri vehicle reports by aggregating data from multiple sources and is designed to provide an overview of a vehicle's history. Key sources generally include:

• National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS): As an approved NMVTIS data provider, GoodCar accesses title records, salvage histories, and insurance total loss data reported by the Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR), insurance companies, and salvage yards.
• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA): GoodCar incorporates data from NHTSA, providing details on recalls, crash test results, and safety ratings for vehicles registered in Missouri.
• Private Data Providers: GoodCar utilizes data from private providers such as Black Book, offering vehicle valuation data; J.D. Power, providing consumer reviews and reliability ratings; MarketCheck, tracking current vehicle listings and pricing trends; and DataOne, supplying detailed vehicle specifications and equipment details.
• Internal Databases: GoodCar integrates proprietary internal databases to supplement external sources, which may enhance the breadth of available information.

The DPPA (Driver's Privacy Protection Act) is a federal law that regulates how personal information from vehicle records, such as names, addresses, and contact details, may be accessed and used.

In Missouri, where no comprehensive state-level privacy law exists, the DPPA and the state's Motor Vehicle Records Confidentiality law guide how data is handled.

GoodCar complies fully with these regulations by focusing on providing vehicle histories rather than personal details. Per the relevant laws, GoodCar may only disclose personal information under limited circumstances, such as:

• When required by law or for criminal investigations, such as in the case of vehicle theft, or to identify suspects involved in criminal activities
• For purposes related to public safety, regulatory compliance, or legal procedures
• For claims investigations or underwriting activities
• When mandated by legal authorities during litigation or legal proceedings

In all such cases, GoodCar aims to provide only the minimum amount of data necessary for the specified purpose that complies with all relevant legal requirements.

The Missouri DOR does not currently have an online tool for looking up vehicle information using just a license plate number. To request license plate information, individuals must either visit a local Missouri license office or call the DOR hotline at 573-526-3669 (Option 3).

In-person requests allow individuals to submit their queries directly, with the type of information provided depending on the requester's authority. For phone requests, DOR representatives will assist by explaining the steps and information needed to access license plate records.

In addition to the Missouri DOR and GoodCar, there are several alternative sources for obtaining license plate information in Missouri.

Law enforcement agencies like the Missouri State Highway Patrol may access license plate databases for official investigations, though these resources are generally restricted to governmental use.

Other government tools, such as the Recall Lookup Tool of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), allow users to check for safety recalls using a license plate number.

Aside from using a license plate lookup, there are several alternative methods for finding vehicle information in Missouri.

One common and official option is to request vehicle or driving records directly from the Missouri DOR. These requests may be made online (Missouri MyDMV portal), by mail, email, fax, or in person, and they typically require a completed request form with specific details beyond the license plate number. Applicable fees will also apply depending on the type of record requested.

Another effective approach is to perform a VIN check or search through various sources. The National Insurance Crime Bureau offers VINCheck, a free tool that lets users determine if a vehicle has been reported stolen or salvaged. The NHTSA VIN Decoder is also useful for accessing detailed technical information about a vehicle.

For a more streamlined experience, GoodCar provides a full suite of tools beyond license plate lookups, including VIN Check, Vehicle History Search, VIN Decoder, Recall Lookup, Residual Value Lookup, Car Depreciation Check, Lease Calculator, Car Loan Calculator, and Car Title Check, all in one user-friendly platform.