Free Idaho License Plate Lookup and Owner Search

Updated: 30 Dec 2025 5 min read

Idaho license plate lookup is a service that allows you to instantly get the VIN, registration history, and other public information about a vehicle in Idaho using a vehicle number.

Why Trust EpicVIN's Idaho License Plate Lookup

Idaho-scale coverage (1981-2025) - Idaho currently has ≈2,057,655 registered vehicles (FHWA, November 2024); virtually all fall within EpicVIN’s 1981-2025 coverage window.
99%+ plate-to-VIN match rate in Idaho - Our Idaho license plate lookup reliably resolves plates to the correct 17-character VIN for the vast majority of active registrations (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 Idaho 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 Idaho vehicles, surfacing title brands, registration events, and theft/salvage activity.

Vehicle History Report

Get a quick snapshot for Idaho vehicles: accidents/damage, title status, mileage readings (incl. inspection 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 Idaho (ID) License Plate

Enter the Plate

Type the license plate number exactly as printed (no spaces or special characters).

Select Idaho

Make sure Idaho is selected; choose standard plates or personalized plates as applicable.

Hit "Check Plate"

The license plate lookup resolves the VIN and basic vehicle details instantly, so you can verify make/model/year.

Read & Save

View the free preview (VIN, year/make/model, public records count). If it looks useful, purchase the full report and save a copy for your records.

Why run a Idaho license plate search?

✅ What you can get from the report

Vehicle VIN & Manufacturing Details: Resolve the 17-digit VIN, view factory options and engine data for Idaho vehicles, and verify configuration and equipment before a test drive or negotiation.
Safety & Manufacturer Issues: See open recalls and relevant TSBs for Idaho vehicles. Schedule repairs promptly so registration status and safety checks aren’t delayed.
Unreported Collision History: Identify insurer, auction, or police indicators that Idaho listings may omit. Avoid hidden frame damage that affects resale, insurance, and safety.
Mileage Tampering & History: Review odometer chronology and verify consistency. Idaho buyers can use maintenance and prior inspection notes to spot potential rollbacks.
Liens & Recovery Records: Surface active liens, theft/recovery notes, or fleet/taxi flags where documented for Idaho vehicles. Title lien indicators may be available; details via formal ITD request (Form ITD-3374).
Previous Owner Timeline: Privacy-safe: shows the number of vehicle owners and the length of each ownership period (an approximate estimate based on title events).

❌ You CANNOT get

Reports don’t disclose the person's name or address, live ALPR location, driver’s license, or insurance numbers. Under the DPPA and applicable state privacy law, results are for vehicle information only - not for FCRA-regulated (Fair Credit Reporting Act) decisions such as credit, employment, or tenant screening. We never disclose such information.

Name: Protected personal information; not available in public lookups.
Address: Restricted under DPPA/Idaho rules; not displayed.
Phone number: Not provided; personal contact is outside the scope.
Email: Withheld to protect privacy; unavailable to the public.
Live location: No tracking; not in consumer databases.
Driver’s license number: Sensitive identifier; access is restricted by law.

Report Example

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

Works with standard, personalized, and legacy Idaho plates; temporary tags may not return a VIN until registered.

2024 LEXUS NX

Odometer

No problems
Safety Recalls

3 record
Accidents

1 problem
Last mileage

431mi
Auction Sales

1 sale found
Owners

1 owner

Year 2024
Make LEXUS
Model NX
Fuel Type Gasoline
Engine 2.4L In-Line T24A-FTS
Made in CANADA

Idaho Vehicle Risks

Indicator	Idaho (2024)	Potential Risk
Accidents/Damage	≈1 in 76 with accidents - ~1.32% (2024)	Hidden damage, reduced safety, and resale value.
Theft	Relatively low theft incidence rate (≈1,344 cases in 2024)	Elevated theft risk; possible loss/confiscation and insurance complications.
Salvage/Rebuilt Titles	No publicly available data	Serious prior damage; residual defects and safety concerns.
Odometer (mileage)	No publicly available data	Mileage fraud risk; overpayment and unexpected repairs.
Open Recalls	Many open recalls - ~19-20% (2022)	Unresolved safety defects; increased accident risk until fixed.
Inspection/Emissions Patterns	No statewide requirement for periodic vehicle safety inspections	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 EpicVIN screen; if red flags appear, buy the full report for personal or business purchases and review each section before any sale discussion.
Check recalls directly: Use NHTSA’s VIN recall lookup to confirm open safety recalls and required fixes prior to purchase.
Verify theft/salvage status: Run a VIN check in Idaho to spot reported thefts and insurer-declared salvage where available, then verify title and registration.
Inspect the car, not just the paper: Do a thorough test drive and pre-purchase inspection; reports complement mechanical checks, they don’t replace them.
Match identifiers: Confirm the dash/door VIN matches the report, and the license plate number matches the vehicle registration to rule out swaps or cloning.
Leverage maintenance records: Without statewide emissions, compare invoices and auction photos for time-stamped mileage to detect rollbacks or persistent faults.

Idaho DMV or EpicVIN? Picking the Right Path in Idaho

The Idaho DMV (Idaho Transportation Department, or ITD) can provide a Motor Vehicle Record Request (ITD 3374) by mail or via the state portal for permitted purposes, but it’s formal and registration-focused; EpicVIN provides an instant, multi-source vehicle history (NMVTIS records plus partner data) for pre-purchase search and screening.

Q: Why not just request everything from the DMV?
A: DMV responses are slower and focus on title/registration data; they typically don’t include accident or salvage-auction indicators you’d want before buying.
Q: Will the DMV give me the owner's names or addresses?
A: Not for casual inquiries. Owner PII is protected by the DPPA and Idaho law; authorized individuals may access vehicle records only for a legal reason (e.g., government/enforcement, court orders, safety/recalls, insurance investigations).
Q: Is EpicVIN “official”?
A: Yes. EpicVIN is NMVTIS-approved. Reports include title/brand/lien indicators from official feeds, exclude personal identity data, and aren’t for FCRA decisions.
Q: When should I use each?
A: Use EpicVIN for fast due diligence and plate number search before you purchase; use ITD/Idaho Transportation Department for a formal record tied to a specific permitted purpose via form ITD 3374.

Always confirm recalls with NHTSA before you buy, and use DMV records when you need a formal registration for a permitted purpose. Alex Black, CMO & auto expert, EpicVIN

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

In Idaho, license plate costs are part of the total registration amount, which varies by county and vehicle weight class. One-time plate fees and exact specialty pricing live on ITD pages and PDFs. You can order personalized license plates or standard plates through ITD services or by mail. Some process steps still happen at a county office. You can pay plate issuance fees online in most counties. Key resources include the ITD DMV - Vehicle Services (https://itd.idaho.gov/itddmv/) page and the Idaho DMV Online Portal (https://dmvonline.itd.idaho.gov/) page.

Are two plates required in Idaho? Yes - two plates are issued; after 7/1/2025, a front plate is required only if the vehicle has a front bracket (Session Law Ch. 316, S1180, effective 07/01/2025). Motorcycles and trailers use one rear plate.

Fines: Driving without the required front license plate is an infraction (final amount varies by court costs/fees). Always check the citation’s bill and issue date for specifics.

Standard License Plates

Design: The Idaho license plate “Scenic Idaho / Famous Potatoes” design features mountains and state branding; some specialty options use a blue background.
Cost (exact): New plates $3.75 per plate ($7.50 pair); VIN inspection $5.00 when required; postage applies if mail delivery is chosen.
How to Get: Register or renew at your county DMV office or order replacements via the ITD portal.

Personalized (Vanity) Plates

Design: Your message on Idaho license plate backgrounds, including Standard Scenic and “World Famous Potatoes.”
Cost (exact): Personalization fee $25 initial + $15 annual (added to regular registration). “World Famous Potatoes (Black & White)” adds $70 initial/$50 annual program fees; “World Famous Potatoes (White & Teal)” adds $0.
Rules & Characters: Passenger plate number up to 7 characters; motorcycle up to 6; center-image programs limit to 6 and have specific spacing rules.
How to Get: Check availability and order via ITD online services, or fill out and submit ITD 3425 online or by mail; a county office can help you complete the process.

Specialty License Plates

Design: Wildlife, collegiate, service, heritage, and other custom license plate backgrounds.
Cost (exact): Most programs $35 initial/$25 annual; exceptions noted on the ITD 3425 grid (e.g., “World Famous Potatoes (Black & White)” $70/$50).
How to Get: Pick a program and order online or at a county office. For “special vehicle” categories (Street Rod/Custom/Year of Manufacture), use ITD 3675. If you need urgent pickup, some counties offer express counter options.

Historic & Collector Plates

Design: Classic, Old Timer, Street Rod, Custom Vehicle, Year of Manufacture.
Rules & Requirements: Usage is restricted (exhibits, parades, maintenance drives); only one plate is required for these programs.
Cost (exact):
- Street Rod/Custom/Year of Manufacture: $25 initial program + $15 renewal program + $7.50 plate fee if plates are issued.
- Classic/Old Timer: $3 renewal verification fee every third year + $7.50 plate fee if plates are issued.

Other Plate Rules and Processes

Replacement plates: $3.75 per plate ($7.50 pair); postage may apply if shipped by mail.
30-day dealer permits: Dealers buy books ($180 for 20, i.e., $9 each) and issue them to buyers after a sale.
120-hour trip permits: $50 (general DMV guidance) for short-term operation; certain motor-carrier permits differ.
VIN inspection: $5.00 when required for titling.

Idaho - Fees at a glance

Plate type/Action	One-time plate fee	Where to obtain	Form/official link
Standard passenger plates (new issue)	$7.50 per pair (= $3.75 each)	County Assessor DMV or Online	DMV Online - Order New License Plates
Vanity (personalized) plates - initial personalization	$25 (plus any program fee)	County Assessor DMV or Online	ITD 3425 - Personalized License Plates
Classic/Old Timer background (non-vanity)	$7.50 per pair if plates are issued	County Assessor DMV	ITD 3675 - Special Plates for Special Vehicles
Specialty backgrounds (program/design fee)	$25-$70 initial (by program)	County Assessor DMV or Online	ITD 3425 - Program Fee Grid
Replacement plates (lost/stolen/damaged)	$7.50 per pair (= $3.75 each)	County Assessor DMV or Online	Registration Fact Sheet

- County/municipal components may apply; amounts above exclude registration & taxes.
- Some programs use annual contributions; the table lists one-time issuance/program fees only.
- Taxes are maintained by ITD and counties and may change; verify before ordering.
- Fees verified: Sep 2025.

How Your Personal Information is Protected in Idaho

Federal Law:
The federal Driver’s Privacy Protection Act restricts the disclosure of personal data from motor vehicle records; Idaho DMV materials explicitly note that Motor Vehicle Records contain personal information protected under the DPPA and may be released only for permitted purposes.
Local Law:
Idaho Code § 49-203 governs the release and use of personal information in motor vehicle and driver records; ITD forms require requestors to certify an authorized purpose before any personal data is disclosed.

EpicVIN complies with the DPPA and Idaho Code § 49-203; 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 Idaho Resources

DMV - Vehicle Services (ITD) - Central hub for plate types, title and registration guidance, and online services.
Idaho DMV Online Portal - Order new or replacement plates, renew registrations, and track requests.
ITD 3425 - Personalized License Plates - Fees, character limits, and ordering process.
ITD 3675 - Special Plates for Special Vehicles - Applications and rules for Classic, Old Timer, Street Rod, Custom Vehicle, and YOM.
ITD 3374 - Motor Vehicle Record Request - Request vehicle records for permitted purposes under DPPA/Idaho law.

Save Thousands of Dollars

Learn everything there is to know about your next car.

Recent ID Plate Lookups

Idaho

1A152LL

Checked on : Jan 13, 2026

2014 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN

Idaho

2CFSX1P

Checked on : Jan 13, 2026

2003 CHEVROLET CAVALIER

Idaho

2L4435T

Checked on : Jan 13, 2026

2018 CHEVROLET SILVERADO

Idaho

V8652U

Checked on : Jan 13, 2026

2003 CHEVROLET TAHOE

Idaho

019S0R

Checked on : Jan 13, 2026

2022 HONDA ACCORD

Idaho

TK3399

Checked on : Jan 13, 2026

2012 UTILITY TRAILER MANUFACTURER UTILITY TRAILER MANUFACTURER

Idaho

2CSY78P

Checked on : Jan 13, 2026

2006 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN

Idaho

2TDJ475

Checked on : Jan 13, 2026

2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER

Idaho

1MC512U

Checked on : Jan 13, 2026

2007 AUDI A4

States Base

Delaware

Florida

Georgia

Hawaii

Louisiana

Pennsylvania

Rhode Island

Utah

Idaho Plate Lookup – FAQ

Double-check the entry (0 vs O, I vs 1) and make sure Idaho is selected. Very new or temporary tags may not be linked yet - try later or use the VIN. You can contact our support via chat or email. If the vehicle was towed recently, impound or post-release processing can be delayed when the record appears statewide.

Temporary tags 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.

Yes. It works for standard plates and commercial vehicles; enter the plate number exactly.

Yes. Both formats resolve to the same record when available; type the license plate number without spaces for better verification and search results.

Mostly. A license plate lookup with a VIN verification can flag lapses or title brands affecting registration status; for official status, contact your county DMV office or the Idaho Transportation Department.

Not included. Ask the seller for proof of insurance and verify the VIN on their card matches the title and vehicle.

No statewide program since July 1, 2023; use maintenance/inspection history for context.

Order replacements via ITD services or your county office; watch for a notice by mail after you purchase.

Sometimes. Certain authorized individuals or an agency acting on your behalf can request vehicle records for a legal reason under DPPA/Idaho law; access is limited and won’t include the owner’s address or other PII.

Save Thousands of Dollars

Learn everything there is to know about your next car.

Why Trust EpicVIN's Idaho License Plate Lookup

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

How to Look Up a Idaho (ID) License Plate