You generally cannot legally obtain a car owner's name simply by having their license plate or VIN. Direct access to this information is protected by the Driver's Privacy Protection Act (DPPA), a federal law that restricts the release of personal information from state motor vehicle records. There are only a few specific, lawful pathways to get this information, primarily for official purposes like a hit-and-run investigation or through a direct transaction with the current owner.
The most straightforward method is to ask the owner directly. If that's not possible, your options are limited. For legitimate reasons, such as being involved in a traffic incident, you can file a police report. Law enforcement can access the database to contact the owner. Another scenario is if you are in the process of buying a car; the seller will provide their name and information on the title transfer documents.
While some online services claim to provide owner details, they are often scams or operate in a legal gray area. They might provide basic vehicle history report data like past accidents or service records, but not the current owner's name without a "permissible purpose" as defined by the DPPA. Relying on these services can risk your personal data and may not yield accurate results. The safest and most reliable approach is always to work through official channels or communicate directly with the individual.
