Contact the Department of Motor Vehicles

• 1). Contact your state department of motor vehicles (DMV). If you know the state where the license plate originated, contact the DMV of that state's government by visiting its website (see Resources below). Each state has different laws regarding the types of information that are considered to be in the public record, so be aware that the information you are seeking may not be obtainable through the state.
  
  
• 2). Submit a formal request. To obtain public records through a state government, typically you must submit a formal document requesting the information. These documents are available at the state offices or through state government websites. How you obtain the information, the fees you incur and your waiting time will vary from state to state.
  
  
• 3). View your request. Once the records have been located, you may be able to obtain a copy of the information or view the official documents at the government offices. Ask the DMV clerk if you may have a copy of the information. You may incur a small copying fee, and they will copy the information for you on site, or they may not allow the information to be copied.
  
  

Consider Using a Public Records Search Company

• 1). Check the Internet. An Internet search on obtaining public records brings up many websites offering to find various forms of information. Finding a reputable company is critical, since you will be paying for its services. When first starting your search for a reputable company, look for user reviews. Many companies will have some sort of user feedback.
  
  
• 2). Contact your local Better Business Bureau's website to aid you in finding information about the company. If you cannot find any outside information about the company in question, it may be best to move on to the next company.
  
  
• 3). Visit the public records search website. For example, licenseplateslookup.com allows you to look up a name and address by entering in the state and license plate number. Once your information is entered you will be prompted to pay a one-time fee of $29 to receive the information and conduct searches in the future.