Check Vehicle Owner Details Online by Number Plate in India

In many situations, you might need to find vehicle owner information using a number plate. Whether it is for identifying a hit-and-run case, verifying a used vehicle before purchase, or checking registration details, having access to this information can be useful.

In India, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has made it possible to access basic vehicle details online through official platforms like the VAHAN portal and mParivahan app. To comply with privacy laws, sensitive information such as owner addresses and phone numbers is securely protected.

This guide explains the legal and safe ways to check vehicle owner details using a number plate.

Methods to Check Vehicle Owner Details Online

The VAHAN portal is an official government database that allows users to check vehicle details using a number plate. Follow these steps to find vehicle registration information:

Method 1: Using VAHAN Portal

Step 1: Visit the VAHAN Portal:

Go to the official VAHAN website: VAHAN – Know Your Vehicle Details

Step 2: Click on "Know Your Vehicle Details" Locate and click the “Know Your Vehicle Details” option on the homepage.

Step 3: Enter the Vehicle Registration Number

• Type the vehicle number (license plate number) in the provided search box.

• Ensure the number is entered correctly, including the state code and number (for example, MH12AB1234).

Step 4: Complete the Captcha Verification

• Solve the captcha code displayed on the screen.

• Click the “Search” button to proceed.

  
  

Step 5: View Vehicle Details

After submitting the request, the system will display the following details:

• Vehicle type (car, bike, truck, etc.)

• Registration date and validity

• Fuel type (petrol, diesel, CNG, electric)

• Insurance validity

• PUC (Pollution Under Control) certificate status

• Chassis and engine number (partially hidden for security)

Pros: Official and accurate data, easy to use.
Cons: Does not provide owner’s details like name, phone number, or address due to privacy laws.

Method 2. Using mParivahan App

The mParivahan app is an official mobile application that provides instant vehicle-related information.

How to Use mParivahan App for Vehicle Details

1. Download the app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.

2. Open the app and enter the vehicle registration number.

3. Click on “Search” to get details.

4. The app will display:

   • Vehicle registration details

   • Fitness certificate validity

   • Insurance status

   • Pollution certificate status

Pros: Convenient, mobile-friendly, real-time updates.
Cons: Personal details of the owner are restricted.

Method 3. Checking State RTO Websites & Regional Databases

Each state in India has its own Regional Transport Office (RTO) website where vehicle details can be checked. Some states provide online services where users can enter a number plate and retrieve registration details.

Steps to Check Vehicle Owner Details via State RTO Websites

1. Go to your state’s RTO website (e.g.Delhi RTO, Maharashtra RTO).

2. Look for the "Vehicle Registration Search" section.

3. Enter the vehicle number and complete the captcha.

4. View the available details, such as registration status and fitness certificate validity.

Pros: State-wise information, is helpful for locally registered vehicles.
Cons: Not all state RTOs offer online services.

What Information Can You Find from a Number Plate Search?

While checking vehicle details online, you can access the following information:

• Vehicle registration details

• Registration date and validity

• Engine and chassis number (masked)

• Vehicle type (car, bike, truck, etc.)

• Owner’s name (in some cases)

• Insurance validity

• Pollution certificate status

  
  

However, personal details like phone number, address, and Aadhaar number are strictly protected due to privacy laws.

Legal Aspects of Checking Vehicle Owner Details

Before searching for vehicle owner information online, it is important to understand the legal and ethical boundaries.

What is Legal?

• Checking vehicle details through official government portals (VAHAN, mParivahan).

• Verifying a used vehicle before purchase.

• Reporting a hit-and-run vehicle to the police.

What is Illegal?

• Using third-party services to extract personal details.

• Misusing vehicle owner data for fraudulent activities.

• Selling vehicle information for commercial purposes.

The Motor Vehicles Act, of 1988, and the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, of 2023, protect vehicle owners' data from unauthorized access.

Alternative Ways to Get Vehicle Owner Information

If online searches do not provide the required details, the following methods can be tried:

1. Visit the Local RTO Office

• A written request can be submitted to the Regional Transport Office (RTO).

• Valid reasons include legal disputes, road accidents, or verification purposes.

2. Contact Law Enforcement Authorities

• A police report can be filed if a vehicle is involved in an accident or details are needed for a legal case.

• The police can retrieve owner details from their database.

3. Check with Insurance Providers

• If involved in an accident with an unidentified vehicle, insurance companies can help trace policyholder details.

Conclusion

Finding vehicle owner details online using a number plate is easy and accessible through official platforms like VAHAN and mParivahan. However, personal owner details are protected for privacy reasons.

"If you're also looking for a seamless way to manage toll payments and parking, check out our blog FASTag Complete Guide."

Best methods to check vehicle details legally

• Use the VAHAN portal for registration and insurance details.

• Use the mParivahan app for instant vehicle info.

• Check state RTO websites for local vehicle details.

What to Avoid

• Unauthorized websites that claim to provide personal details.

• Using vehicle data for illegal or unethical purposes.

If detailed owner information is required, the best approach is to contact the RTO or law enforcement authorities. Always follow legal and ethical guidelines while searching for vehicle owner details.

Visit ParkSmart.in for seamless parking, automated vehicle access, and smart mobility solutions.