Free Arizona License Plate Lookup and Owner Search

Updated: 15 Jan 2026 5 min read

An Arizona license plate lookup instantly converts a plate to VIN and a NMVTIS-backed history snapshot (title, accidents, odometer), privacy-compliant for confident pre-purchase decisions.

Why Trust EpicVIN's Arizona License Plate Lookup

Arizona-scale coverage (1981–2025) - Arizona currently has 8,323,237 registered vehicles (ADOT Fast Facts, FY2025); virtually all fall within EpicVIN’s 1981–2025 coverage window.
99%+ plate-to-VIN match rate in Arizona - Our Arizona license plate lookup reliably resolves plates to the correct 17-character VIN for the vast majority of active registrations. If you need to look up license plate details before buying a car, verifying ownership, or checking vehicle history, this tool provides a fast and practical way to access reliable data and reduce the risk of costly mistakes. (EpicVIN Analytics, 2024–2025).
Official NMVTIS-approved provider - EpicVIN is an authorized NMVTIS data provider and operates in compliance with the Driver’s Privacy Protection Act (DPPA).

What Is a Reverse License Plate Lookup and How Does It Work?

Plate-to-VIN Match

EpicVIN instantly resolves an Arizona plate to the vehicle’s 17-character vehicle identification number - no manual VIN decoding required.

Instant Check

We cross-check NMVTIS and trusted partner records for Arizona vehicles, surfacing title brands, registration events, theft/salvage activity, and emissions history.

Vehicle History Report

Get a quick snapshot for Arizona vehicles: accidents/damage, title status, mileage readings (incl. emissions results where available), and open recalls - without exposing personal owner details.

Expect to see the VIN, basic vehicle specs, and any reported incidents (e.g., accidents, salvage titles, or recalls). Private owner details are not included, keeping the process legal and privacy-safe.

How to Look Up a Arizona (AZ) License Plate

Enter the Plate

Type the plate exactly as it appears (no spaces or symbols). Tip: Use AZ license plate lookup terms like “reverse license plate lookup AZ” if you’re unsure where to start.

Select Arizona

Ensure the correct state/plate format before searching and click "Lookup." Mismatches reduce match accuracy. Tip: A quick check of the make/model shown helps catch typos in seconds.

Hit "Check Plate"

We run a fast search and return a free preview (VIN, make/model/year, public records count).

Read & Save

Review the findings, download the report, and perform the next verification steps (recalls, emissions, liens) before any action, such as purchase. Choose a comprehensive report to see the title, accident, and important odometer details.

Why run a Arizona license plate search?

✅ What you can get from the report

Mileage Tampering & History: See odometer readings over time with Arizona emissions and inspection touchpoints where available to spot inconsistencies before they become expensive surprises.
Safety & Manufacturer Issues: Identify open safety recalls by VIN. Where available, we note manufacturer communications/TSB awareness to help plan service repairs.
Vehicle VIN & Manufacturing Details: Resolve the 17-digit VIN, factory specs, engines, and equipment to verify listings and parts compatibility across the Grand Canyon State.
Unreported Collision History: Surface insurer, police, or auction incidents sometimes missed by listings. Useful for Arizona buyers validating damage and repair quality.
Liens & Recovery Records: Flag active liens, theft/recovery notes, and taxi/rental/fleet uses where documented to streamline Arizona title verification.
Previous Owner Timeline: Shows the number of owners and the length of each ownership period in Arizona - not names or addresses.

❌ You CANNOT get

Reports focus on vehicle data, not personal identity. Examples like the owner’s name or address, live ALPR (automatic license plate recognition) location, driver’s license, or insurance numbers are restricted by the DPPA and applicable state privacy law. Use reports for informational purposes only - not for FCRA-regulated (Fair Credit Reporting Act) decisions.

Name: Protected personal information under DPPA/state privacy law.
Address: Not available in public lookups; privacy-restricted.
Phone number: Protected PII; not disclosed in reports.
Email: Not available; privacy restrictions apply.
Live location: Real-time tracking isn’t provided to the public.
Driver’s license number: Restricted by law; not in public reports.

Report Example

An Arizona license plate lookup uses the tag number to query public vehicle records. Enter the plate and select Arizona; EpicVIN resolves the VIN and compiles the record from NMVTIS and partner sources (including emissions history where available).

Works with standard, personalized, and legacy Arizona plates. Temporary tags or newly issued plates may not resolve to a VIN until registration records propagate to statewide systems.

2010 MAZDA Tribute

Odometer

No problems
Safety Recalls

3 record
Accidents

1 problem
Last mileage

160,177mi
Auction Sales

1 sale found
Owners

2 owners

Year 2010
Make MAZDA
Model Tribute
Fuel Type Gasoline
Engine 2.5L In-Line
Made in USA

Arizona Vehicle Risks

Indicator	Arizona	Potential Risk
Accidents/Damage	≈121,107 accidents (2024)	Hidden damage, reduced safety, and resale value.
Theft	High theft incidence (17,010 cases in 2024)	Elevated theft risk; possible loss/confiscation and insurance complications.
Salvage/Rebuilt Titles	No official statewide statistics	Serious prior damage; residual defects and safety concerns.
Odometer (mileage)	No official statewide statistics	Mileage fraud risk; overpayment and unexpected repairs.
Open Recalls	No official statewide statistics	Unresolved safety defects; increased accident risk until fixed.
Emissions/Smog Patterns	Emissions testing is required only in parts of Maricopa, Pinal, Yavapai, and Pima counties	Engine/emissions issues; costly repairs and registration delays.

How to reduce these risks (quick plan)

Run a plate/VIN check first: Start with a quick screen. If red flags appear, buy the full EpicVIN report and review it section by section.
Check recalls directly: Use NHTSA’s VIN recall lookup to confirm any open safety recalls and required fixes before you commit.
Verify theft/salvage status: Run VIN check in Arizona to spot reported thefts and insurer-declared salvage where records exist.
Inspect the car, not just the paper: Schedule a thorough test drive and pre-purchase inspection. Reports complement, not replace, mechanical checks.
Match identifiers: Confirm the dash/door VIN matches the report and the plate matches the registration to rule out swaps.
Leverage Arizona Vehicle Emissions Testing Program history: Regular emissions test entries from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) add time-stamped mileage to detect rollbacks and persistent faults.

Arizona DMV or EpicVIN? Picking the Right Path in Arizona

The Arizona MVD can release a registration record via designated forms or online for permitted purposes, but it’s process-heavy and registration-focused; EpicVIN provides an instant, multi-source car report free (NMVTIS title/brand/lien, plus, where available, ADEQ emissions mileage entries).

Q: Why not just request it from the DMV?
A: MVD records primarily address registration and title status. Accident, salvage-auction, and marketplace activity are typically outside standard registration outputs and are aggregated from additional sources.
Q: Will the DMV/MVD give me the owner’s name and address?
A: Not for casual inquiries - owner PII is protected by DPPA and Arizona privacy rules and released only for permitted purposes (e.g., government/law-enforcement requests, court orders, safety/recall & emissions, insurance uses, legal proceedings).
Q: Is EpicVIN “official”?
A: Yes. EpicVIN is NMVTIS-approved and operates in compliance with the DPPA; reports exclude owner PII, and EpicVIN isn’t a CRA under the FCRA.
Q: What about emissions and odometer context in Arizona?
A: Where available, EpicVIN surfaces ADEQ emissions entries to help confirm odometer progression and recurring emissions faults that affect registration.

Before you commit, verify key details using NHTSA’s VIN recall lookup to support approval and settle any questions. Alex Black, CMO & auto expert, EpicVIN

Guide to Arizona License Plates: Styles, Costs, and Rules

In Arizona, license plate costs are part of your overall registration at the Arizona Department of Transportation’s Motor Vehicle Division (MVD). Many one-time fees are fixed, while registration taxes depend on vehicle value depreciation and the county. Key resources and forms are on the official ADOT pages: Plates & Placards (https://azdot.gov/mvd/services/vehicle-services/plates-and-placards) and the MVD Forms Library (https://azdot.gov/mvd/forms-library).

Are two plates required in Arizona? No. Arizona generally issues a single rear plate for most vehicles. Certain plate types or situations may differ; always follow current MVD requirements.

Fines: Penalties vary by jurisdiction; many local fine schedules list amounts around ~$160 for display violations. Verify with your local court.

Standard License Plates

Design: The standard Arizona plate features desert colors with “Grand Canyon State” along the bottom - one rear plate issued.
Cost: No separate “issuance” charge listed; replacement of a damaged/lost standard plate is $5 (+ postage/handling).
Renew: Annual taxes/fees vary by VLT (depreciation-based) and location.
How to Get: Order at AZMVDNow or visit an MVD or Authorized Third Party; you may also request some transactions by mail.

Personalized (Vanity) Plates

Design: Personalized text can be ordered on many Arizona license plates, including the standard background and dozens of specialty options.
Cost: $25 initial application (personalized standard), plus $25 at renewal if kept personalized.
Rules & Characters: Content is reviewed; character limits vary by plate style. Vanity plate availability can be checked online.
How to Get: Check availability online, then order via AZMVDNow or apply by mail using the Special Plate Application.

Specialty License Plates

Design: Arizona offers 80+ specialty options supporting causes and organizations - each tied to a specific program.
Cost: $25 initial application ($8–$25 for some styles), plus $25 annual renewal; personalization adds another $25.
How to Get: Order online at AZMVDNow, a Motor Vehicle Department office, or an authorized third party. Mail options are available via form.

Historic & Collector Plates

Design: “Historic Vehicle” plates are available for qualifying older vehicles in the Grand Canyon State.
Rules & Requirements: Historic Vehicle plate: $25 initial; typically $10 annually, plus any applicable registration taxes and local fees. Usage restrictions may apply.

Other Plate Rules and Processes

Temporary & Replacement: 3-Day Restricted Use Permit = $1; 30-Day General Use Permit = $15; replacement plate = $5 (+ postage/handling).
Transfers & Surrenders: You can transfer plates to another vehicle you own, or surrender when sold; Arizona Department guidance applies at MVD offices or online.

Arizona - Fees at a glance

Plate type/Action	One-time plate fee	Where to obtain	Form/official link
Personalized (standard) plate - initial issue	$25	AZMVDNow (online) or MVD office	ServiceArizona - Fees
Specialty background plate - initial issue	$8–$25	AZMVDNow (online) or MVD office	ServiceArizona - Fees
Historic Vehicle plate - initial application	$25	MVD office/by mail	Antique Plate Application (PDF)
Replacement plate (lost/damaged)	$5 (+ postage/handling)	AZMVDNow (online) or MVD office/by mail	ADOT - Plate Replacement FAQ
Temporary permit - 3-Day Restricted Use	$1	AZMVDNow (online) or MVD office	ADOT - Vehicle Permits
Temporary permit - 30-Day General Use	$15	AZMVDNow (online) or MVD office	ADOT - Vehicle Permits

- Municipal/county components may apply; amounts above exclude registration taxes.
- Some programs use annual contributions (e.g., specialty causes); those are not listed above.
- Fees verified: Sep 2025.

How Your Personal Information is Protected in Arizona

Federal Law:
The federal Driver’s Privacy Protection Act protects personal information in motor vehicle records; Arizona agencies reference DPPA “permissible uses” when releasing any MVD record with personal identifiers.
Local Law:
A.R.S. § 28-455 governs disclosure of personal information from motor vehicle records - ADOT/MVD may release it only for specific, authorized purposes or with the customer’s written consent (e.g., one-time consent form #96-0463).

EpicVIN complies with the DPPA and A.R.S. § 28-455; we do not sell vehicle owners' personal data (only de-identified vehicle data). We do not provide the owner's name, address, or contact information — this is prohibited.

Official Arizona Resources

ADOT - Plates & Placards - Overview of standard, specialty, and replacement plate options with process details.
AZ MVD Now - Specialty & Personalized Plates - Official portal to browse, personalize, and order plates online.
ServiceArizona - Fees - State portal listing common Motor Vehicle Department transaction fees, including plate-related charges.
MVD Forms Library - One place to find and download official MVD forms for requests by mail or in-person visits.
MVD Hours and Locations - Directory of MVD and Authorized Third Party offices statewide.

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States Base

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Hawaii

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Arizona Plate Lookup – FAQ

Double-check the entry (0 vs O, I vs 1) and make sure Arizona is selected. Very new or temporary tag(s) may not be linked yet - try later or use the VIN. You can contact our support via chat or email.

Temporary tag(s) and freshly issued plates often aren’t in statewide databases yet. Ask the seller for the VIN or retry in a few days.

Yes. We don’t notify anyone about your lookup, and we don’t display owner PII. Results focus on vehicle data, not personal identity.

No - DPPA bars releasing names/addresses; use records for title, verification, and registration information only.

No - rear plate only for most vehicles; see A.R.S. §28-2354 for the rule and civil penalty.

Use the official AZMVDNow plate gallery and personalization tool to check availability and order online.

Title brands, odometer readings, accident/damage indicators, recalls, and registration events - helpful features for verification before making a purchase decision.

Free preview first; paid reviews add deeper data (brands, liens, odometer readings, recall information).

Yes - Arizona license plates with specialty backgrounds are supported for VIN resolution and report generation (subject to availability and verification of plate format).

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Learn everything there is to know about your next car.

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