How to Verify the Authenticity of a Car License Plate Number?
3 Answers
There are three methods to verify the authenticity of a license plate number: 1. Insurance: You can check through insurance by locating the duplicate copy of the compulsory traffic insurance policy and verifying if the vehicle's license plate number, model, and VIN match. 2. Traffic Police Website or DMV Website: Log in to the local traffic police website or DMV website, enter the vehicle information query section, and input the license plate number and VIN. All vehicle details will be displayed, including purchase date, annual inspection date, owner's name, model, and color. 3. Traffic Violation Office: Visit the local traffic violation office in person (this is the simplest, most direct, and most effective method). Bring your ID card, driver's license, and vehicle registration certificate to the office, submit the documents to the staff, and they will conduct the query for free. Note: This method is not recommended for temporary license plates.
I've been driving for almost 20 years and often pay attention to the authenticity of license plates on the street because fake plates are so common—safety first, right? To identify fake license plates, you need to look at several aspects. Genuine plates use standard Song typeface, with uniform size and no tilting, while fake ones often have blurry printing or incorrect letter spacing. In terms of material, real plates use reflective film that shines brightly in sunlight, whereas fake ones have thin material with weak reflectivity; the edges are also smooth on real plates, while fake ones may have burrs or warped edges. Gently tap the plate—real ones produce a solid, deep sound, while fake ones sound hollow. Don’t forget to check if the mounting bolts are official standard parts—fake plates often use ordinary screws and are installed crookedly. If possible, take a photo and upload it to a traffic management app like 12123—a quick scan will reveal whether the plate information matches the vehicle registration number. I’ve seen cars with fake plates parked illegally—just call the traffic police to report them. Never ignore such things; protecting your own and others' safety is what truly matters.
In the automotive industry, identifying the authenticity of license plates is a fundamental skill. Genuine license plates have clear and distinguishable numbers and letters, with neat alignment and uniform color without yellowing; fake ones may appear blurry or have color discrepancies. The reflective strip is a key indicator - authentic plates reflect light evenly and brightly, while counterfeit ones may not reflect at all or only partially. From an installation perspective, genuine plates are firmly and evenly attached to the vehicle, whereas fake plates often wobble or are misaligned. You can verify a plate's validity by entering its number on the traffic management website; if no information appears or the details don't match, it's likely fake. I particularly recommend exercising caution when buying or selling used cars - always request the registration certificate to check the plate number. Suspect a fake plate? Report it immediately by calling the 122 hotline to prevent such vehicles from endangering traffic order. Remember to regularly inspect your own license plate's condition, as safe driving begins with attention to detail.
