How to Check Vehicle Owner Details by Number Plate in India

Many times, you may need to find basic details of a vehicle using its number plate. It could be after a minor accident, while buying a used car, or when checking if a vehicle is legally registered.

Earlier, this information was available only through RTO offices. Today, the government provides safe online systems that allow you to check limited vehicle details in just a few minutes.

This guide explains how you can do it legally and correctly in India.

Why People Search Vehicle Details by Number Plate

Checking vehicle information is useful in many real-life situations, such as:

• Buying a second-hand car or bike
  
  

• Verifying insurance before purchase
  
  

• Checking registration validity
  
  

• Reporting hit-and-run cases
  
  

• Confirming vehicle ownership
  
  

• Avoiding fraud in used vehicle deals
  
  

However, it is important to understand that personal details like address or phone number are not shared publicly for privacy reasons.

Is It Legal to Check Vehicle Owner Details Online?

Yes, it is legal when you use official government platforms.

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways allows citizens to view basic vehicle information through authorised portals. These platforms protect personal data and show only limited details.

Using unofficial websites or agents can be risky and may lead to misuse of data.

Method 1: Check Details Using the mParivahan App

mParivahan is the official mobile app of the Government of India.

Steps to Use mParivahan

1. Download mParivahan from the Play Store or App Store
   
   

2. Open the app and select “Search Vehicle”
   
   

3. Enter the registration number
   
   

4. Tap on “Search”
   
   

Within seconds, you will see the vehicle details.

Information You Can See

• Owner name (partial)
  
  

• Vehicle type
  
  

• Registration date
  
  

• Fuel type
  
  

• Insurance validity
  
  

• Fitness validity
  
  

• PUC status
  
  

• RTO name
  
  

This is the safest and most trusted method.

Also read→
How to Check Vehicle Owner Details Online by Number Plate

Method 2: Check Details on Parivahan Website

If you do not want to use an app, you can check details through the official website.

Steps

1. Open the Parivahan website
   
   

2. Go to “Vehicle Related Services”
   
   

3. Select “Know Your Vehicle Details”
   
   

4. Enter registration number and captcha
   
   

5. Submit the form
   
   

The system will display vehicle information.

This method works well on computers and laptops.

Method 3: Check via SMS (Limited Service)

In some regions, you can also get basic details through SMS.

Format

Type:
VAHAN <space> Vehicle Number
Send it to 7738299899

Example:
VAHAN DL01AB1234

You will receive basic registration details.

Note: This service may not work in all states.

What Details You Cannot See Online

For safety and privacy, these details are not shared:

• Full address
  
  

• Mobile number
  
  

• Aadhaar details
  
  

• Identity documents
  
  

If you need complete information for legal reasons, only police or court authorities can access it.

How to Use This Information Safely

Vehicle data should be used only for genuine purposes.

Good uses include:

• Verifying used vehicles
  
  

• Reporting accidents
  
  

• Checking legal status
  
  

• Confirming insurance
  
  

Avoid using this data for harassment or misuse. Misuse can lead to legal action.

Common Problems While Checking Vehicle Details

Website Not Loading

This happens due to heavy traffic. Try again later.

Wrong Information Displayed

Sometimes, RTO records are not updated. Visit RTO if needed.

No Record Found

This may happen for very old vehicles or temporary registrations.

App Not Working

Update the app or reinstall it.

Tips for Used Car Buyers

If you are buying a second-hand vehicle, always check:

• RC status
  
  

• Hypothecation (loan) status
  
  

• Insurance validity
  
  

• Pending challans
  
  

• Owner history
  
  

Never rely only on seller’s words.

Can you find the owner's name from the number plate?

Yes, but only in a limited form.

You may see a partial name like:
R*** S*****

This protects privacy while confirming ownership.

No platform shows full personal details.

Why Fake Websites Are Dangerous

Many fake websites claim to give “full owner details”. These are unsafe.

They may:

• Steal your personal data
  
  

• Show false information
  
  

• Ask for payment
  
  

• Install malware
  
  

Always use government platforms only.

Important Things to Remember

• Use only official apps and websites
  
  

• Personal data is protected by law
  
  

• Information is for legal use only
  
  

• Avoid agents and third-party apps
  
  

• Verify details before any transaction
  
  Also read→
  How to Get Vehicle NOC from RTO: Complete Step Guide

Conclusion

Checking vehicle owner details online by number plate is simple and safe when you use official platforms like mParivahan and Parivahan.

These services help citizens verify vehicle records, avoid fraud, and stay informed. Whether you are buying a used car or checking legal status, this process saves time and effort.

Always use this facility responsibly and rely only on trusted sources.

For more practical guides on vehicle rules, parking systems, and digital services, follow Parksmart.