Updated on 10-04-2025
A car’s registration number is the key to information regarding the car’s present owner—for authorities as well as for the common man. Surprised? Don’t be. If you want to track down a car owner who may have either bumped your car and fled the scene or may have caused you trouble by blocking your car in a parking lot, then you can do it in a few easy steps. Today, we will look at how to find the owner of the vehicle by license plate number.
How to Check Vehicle Owner Details by Number Plate Online?
There are multiple ways to check vehicle owner details online. The most commonly used methods include:
- Through the VAHAN Portal: The VAHAN database is a centralised repository of all registered vehicles in India, managed by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
- Via SMS Service: The government provides a simple SMS-based service to fetch vehicle registration details without an internet connection.
- Parivahan Sewa Portal: Another platform that offers vehicle registration details, including ownership and insurance validity.
Check the Owner's Details by Number Plate Through the VAHAN Portal
VAHAN portal furnishes the vehicle registration details following the MV Act of 1988. The portal complies with the regulations of different states and UTs.
You can find the owner of the vehicle by license plate number by using the PARIVAHAN portal. To do that, don't stress much and simply follow the steps given below.
Go to the PARIVAHAN official website: https://parivahan.gov.in
Click on “Information Services” and go to “Know my Vehicle”. You will be led to the VAHAN portal.
Enter the car's registration number you intend to check.
Input the verification code, or say, a CAPTCHA, given on the page.
Tap on "Check Status".
Your screen will display all the relevant details related to the car.
What Vehicle Owner Details Can I Get Through the VAHAN Portal?
Using the VAHAN portal, you can trace down the following details.
- Car owner’s name
- Car's registration date
- Vehicle class and fuel type (diesel or petrol)
- Car's chassis and engine number (not detailed in full)
- Vehicle's make and model, along with the manufacturer's detail
- Car's fitness duration
- PUC and insurance details
- Car's RC status and details of the financier
- Car's emission standard
How To Check Vehicle Registration Details With SMS?
If you don't want to go through the aforesaid steps online, simply take out your phone and send a single SMS to obtain the car owner's information. To learn more about the SMS method, follow the steps outlined below.
Enter your car's registration number by writing VAHAN before that number. (Example: VAHAN UP65CF××××)
After drafting the above text, send the SMS on 7738299899.
After texting on the above number, you will receive the car's details such as owner name, make and model, RTO details, car insurance details, and RC expiry details, among a few others.
What is RC (Registration Certificate)?
The Registration Certificate (RC) is an official document issued by the RTO, proving that a vehicle is registered with the Indian government and legally allowed to be driven on roads. Every vehicle owner must have an RC, either in a physical format (RC Book) or an electronic format (e-RC).
Without a valid RC, a vehicle cannot be legally driven, sold, or transferred. The RC serves as proof of ownership and is required during legal or insurance-related proceedings.
What Information Does a Registration Certificate (RC) Contain?
A vehicle’s RC contains essential details such as:
- Registration Number
- Owner’s Name & Address
- Vehicle Make & Model
- Chassis Number
- Engine Number
- Date of Registration
- Validity Period
- Fuel Type
- Seating Capacity
- Insurance Details
- Emission Norms Compliance (BS-IV, BS-VI, etc.)
These details are critical when buying or selling a vehicle, transferring ownership, or claiming car insurance.
Why Do We Need to Check RC Details Online?
Here is a list of some of the common situations in which finding the owner of a vehicle is critical.
When an accident causes bodily injury or substantial damage to your vehicle, knowing the details of the car's owner becomes critical. Following the accident, immediately use one of the above methods to find the vehicle owner by number plate. This will not only assist you in filing an FIR but also in filing an insurance claim.
When a hit and run case occurs, stopping a culprit driver is one of the toughest tasks. The only thing you can do in this situation is note down the car's number from the number plate. Once you have the number, you can easily trace the owner using one of the aforementioned methods.
When you are purchasing a second-hand car, it is critical to know the information of the previous owner. Given the rise in car theft instances, buying a second-hand car without verifying the car owner's information, RC papers, insurance papers, PUC, and other documents might result in serious consequences. As a result, understanding how to find a vehicle's owner by number is critical because it provides all vehicle-related information.
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No Objection Certificate:
With the availability of the VAHAN and PARIVAHAN portals, Regional Transport Office (RTO) can easily track the details of your vehicle using any of the above portals. Therefore, furnishing a NOC is not necessary in certain cases.
FAQs
Q1. Is it legal to check someone else’s vehicle details online?
A: Yes, it is legal to check basic vehicle details online, but sensitive information such as the owner's contact details or address is restricted to protect privacy.
Q2. Can I check the vehicle owner’s address through VAHAN?
A: No, the VAHAN portal does not display the vehicle owner’s address due to privacy regulations.
Q3. How can I verify a used car’s authenticity before buying?
A: You can use the VAHAN portal to check registration details, insurance validity, and pollution certification.
Q4. What should I do if my vehicle details are incorrect in the VAHAN portal?
A: Visit your nearest RTO with supporting documents to correct any discrepancies.
Q5. Can I download a digital copy of my RC online?
A: Yes, you can download an e-RC from the DigiLocker app or the mParivahan app.
Q6. How to get my car’s registration certificate details?
A: Visit the VAHAN portal and go to “Know your vehicle.” Follow the steps as directed, and you will find the details of your car RC.
Conclusion
With lakhs of cars on Indian roads, finding a vehicle in an unfortunate event might be challenging. However, the above-mentioned online platforms can make it simple to find a car owner by registration number. These services help in legal verification, second-hand vehicle purchases, accident investigations, and compliance with transport regulations. Always ensure that the vehicle’s RC details and car insurance are valid and up-to-date to avoid legal complications and drive safely on the roads.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the topic featured in the article. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.