A Colorado license plate lookup retrieves essential vehicle information stored in databases using the vehicle's license plate number. This lookup provides details such as vehicle specifications, registration status, accident history, and title information.
Owner information is another critical data obtained through such lookups. This information is vital for addressing abandoned vehicles in Colorado.
According to the Colorado Department of Public Safety (CDPS), the state has witnessed a significant increase in abandoned vehicles, with Denver reporting a 60% rise in cases totaling about 2,300 in 2022. These vehicles pose safety hazards, attract crime, and negatively affect property values and community aesthetics.
Accessing vehicle details through license plate lookups enables authorities to notify owners, enforce local laws efficiently, and promote community involvement in reporting abandoned vehicles.
Why Run a License Plate Search in Colorado?
People conduct license plate lookups in Colorado for various reasons. Prospective buyers may want to check if a car has serious mechanical issues, while others might investigate an abandoned or suspicious vehicle in their neighborhood.
Here are common reasons for such searches:
- Vehicle owners verify registration status to ensure compliance with state laws.
- Employers screen vehicles used by employees for work-related purposes.
- Insurance companies assess claims related to specific vehicles.
- Creditors locate vehicles to enforce loan agreements.
- Property managers monitor long-term parked vehicles.
- Law enforcement identifies stolen vehicles linked to criminal activity.
- Tow companies confirm ownership before removing vehicles.
Is it Legal to Perform a License Plate Lookup in Colorado?
License plate searches are legal under the Colorado Open Records Act (CORA). This law allows individuals and entities to obtain and inspect information from public records held by state agencies, such as vehicle records maintained by the Colorado Department of Revenue (DOR) through its Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
However, CORA stipulates that specific information from these records cannot be released if a law deems it non-public. Specifically, the federal Driver's Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) and Colorado Revised Statutes (CRS) Section 24-72-204(2) prohibit the disclosure of personally identifiable information (PII) from vehicle records.
Email addresses, photographs, and signatures are examples of such PII. These restrictions are in place to protect individuals' privacy and prevent identity theft or misuse of personal information.
The Colorado DOR may share PII only with individuals requesting their own records. These individuals should declare that they will not use the information for any purpose prohibited by the DPPA and state laws.
The department can also disclose PII to individuals who have obtained permission from the subject or owner of the information or have declared their intended use of the other person’s information.
Here are some approved, permissible uses of PII obtained through license plate lookups:
- For government agencies or their contractors to perform an official function
- By agencies involved in vehicle safety, recalls, or market research
- By insurers for claims, investigations, or underwriting
- For civil, criminal, or administrative proceedings, including court orders
Obtaining and using PII for unlawful purposes can lead to civil penalties under federal and state law.
How Can You Conduct a Colorado License Plate Lookup?
To fully benefit from a Colorado license plate lookup, individuals, businesses, and entities should utilize official and authorized sources. Here are the trusted options:
Colorado DMV (Division of Motor Vehicles)
The Colorado DMV provides options for vehicle records searches based on license plate numbers.
Vehicle owners can request their records, while individuals may access others’ records with written consent. Agents can also conduct lookups on behalf of authorized companies or entities.
Requesters must complete the Motor Vehicle Requestor Release Affidavit of Intended Use (Form DR 2489A). The form requires requesters to indicate the type of information needed and their intended use. They must also provide details other than the license plate number. Additional documents may be required based on the permissible use of the selected documents.
Requests can be submitted online via the CO DMV Partner Access portal or the CO myDMV online service. Alternatively, requests can be mailed to DOR’s headquarters in Denver or submitted during a scheduled appointment at the DOR’s Vehicle Services Section in Lakewood.
A fee of $2.20 per search or record applies, with an additional $.50 for certified records.
Approved NMVTIS Data Providers
In addition to utilizing the Colorado DMV’s vehicle record searches, individuals can conduct license plate lookups by engaging with authorized NMVTIS data providers, including StateRecords.org, RecordsFinder.com, InfoTracer.com, and GoodCar.com.
The NMVTIS (National Motor Vehicle Title Information System) is a U.S. Department of Justice-regulated database that gathers critical information to safeguard consumers from vehicle fraud. These authorized companies access, compile, and distribute essential data from the NMVTIS.
By performing license plate lookups with these providers, individuals can verify vehicle histories and identify misleading practices, such as sellers altering the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), misrepresenting a vehicle's condition, or selling unsafe vehicles with damaged or salvaged titles.
What Information Can You Obtain from a Colorado License Plate Lookup?
In Colorado, license plate lookups streamline access to driver and vehicle information. By consolidating data into basic or comprehensive reports, such lookups help various stakeholders easily find and evaluate the details they need.
Basic Reports
Basic reports typically offer vital information that individuals need when buying a car, such as:
- Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)
- Make, Model, Year (e.g., Rivian R1T, 2023; Polestar 2, 2023)
- Engine size (e.g., 5.0L supercharged V8, 1.5L turbocharged inline-4)
- Fuel type (e.g., hydrogen fuel cell, biodiesel)
- Transmission type (e.g., 9-speed automatic, 6-speed sequential)
- Trim level (e.g., Durango SRT Hellcat, Limited Luxury)
- Drivetrain options (e.g., rear-wheel drive for classic muscle cars, all-wheel drive for crossovers)
- Braking and steering details (e.g., carbon-ceramic brakes, steer-by-wire technology)
Comprehensive Reports
Whether purchasing a used car, investigating accidents or cases of stolen vehicles, or conducting research, individuals and entities can access detailed information through comprehensive reports. These reports provide the following:
- Accident history showing past incidents or damage and safety concerns
- Ownership details listing previous owners, purchase dates, and registration locations
- Mileage records with odometer readings to assess wear and reliability
- Registration status indicating if active, expired, or reported stolen
- Market value estimates aiding fair buying and selling decisions
- Title information confirming clean or salvage status for condition assessment
- Recalls noting safety risks or required repairs
- Vehicle use indicating if primarily for personal or commercial purposes
What Does a Colorado License Plate Look Like?
Colorado license plates are crafted from reflectorized aluminum and showcase a unique plate number identifying the vehicle and its registered owner. The plate number format for standard plates consists of a six-character combination of letters and numbers.
This format has changed over the years. Since 2018, it has been ABC-D12. Historically, it followed the ABC-123(4) pattern, with a notable shift occurring between 2000 and 2015 when numbers appeared before letters.
Besides the plate number, the plates feature snowy mountains in white and gray against a dark green sky, symbolizing Colorado's natural beauty and rugged terrain. The embossed lettering matches the dark green, and "COLORADO" is prominently displayed at the bottom of the plate.
License Plate Types in Colorado
Apart from the standard plates, Colorado offers specialty and personalized plates. Specialty plates support various causes and organizations with unique qualifications and may be issued with or without fees.
For instance, Support the Troops plates cost $50, Breast Cancer Awareness plates are $75, and Veteran of World War II plates are issued at no cost.
Meanwhile, personalized plates allow vehicle owners to display custom messages on the front and rear. Owners must explain the message’s meaning to ensure it meets guidelines and avoids offensive content.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Some common concerns people have with Colorado license plate lookups are addressed in the following discussion:
Can I Look Up CO Plates for Free?
Individuals can visit websites that offer free license plate lookups. However, these free lookups provide only basic vehicle details. They are mainly useful for those purchasing pre-owned vehicles to help them make informed decisions before completing their purchase.Do All Colorado License Plate Lookups Work for Custom or Personalized Plates?
Obtaining information from Colorado personalized license plate lookups may not work effectively. For instance, if a plate reads "MYCAR," entering it as "MY CAR" or "MY-CAR" may prevent the system from recognizing the plate, resulting in missed or inaccurate information.How Long Does a Typical Colorado License Plate Lookup Take?
The Colorado DMV typically processes license plate searches within three weeks of receiving a request, whether submitted online, by mail, or in person. Requesters receive vehicle records via mail to their return address on Form DR 2489A. For NMVTIS providers, lookups may take minutes or hours, but those requiring comprehensive reports may take longer.Can I Perform Bulk License Plate Lookups in Colorado?
Vehicle owners and authorized entities can perform bulk license plate lookups through the Colorado DMV. This service enables access to multiple vehicle records linked to specific license plates. It is primarily used by tow and repair facilities, law enforcement agencies, and their agents in relation to abandoned vehicles.Are There Any Alternatives to a License Plate Lookup for Obtaining Vehicle Information in Colorado?
In Colorado, individuals can access vehicle information through alternatives to license plate lookups. They may purchase driver records or driving histories by submitting Form DR 2559 and a Letter of Clearance to the Colorado DMV through the CO myDMV online service or by mail. Additionally, VIN checks can be conducted through authorized NMVTIS data providers to obtain vehicle details.