Have you ever seen a vehicle and wanted to know who owns it? Maybe it’s a car that’s been parked near your home for days, a vehicle involved in an accident, or a car you’re planning to buy. Whatever the reason, checking vehicle owner details using the number plate is something many people are curious about.
In this post, we will explain simple and legal ways to check vehicle owner details by number plate. Let’s get started!
Why Would You Want to Check Vehicle Owner Details?
There are several reasons why someone may need to check vehicle details:
Buying a Used Car: To ensure the seller is the actual owner of the vehicle.
Accidents or Hit-and-Run Cases: If a car damages your vehicle and leaves, checking the number plate can help track the owner.
Abandoned or Suspicious Vehicles: If a car is parked outside your house for a long time, you may want to know who owns it.
Vehicle Theft: If you suspect a vehicle is stolen, you can check the registration details.
Insurance or Loan Verification: Checking ownership details can help with insurance claims or loan approvals.
Now, let’s look at how you can find vehicle owner details legally.
Ways to Check Vehicle Owner Details
There are several ways to find vehicle details using the number plate. Below are the most effective methods:
1. Using VAHAN Website (Official Government Portal)

VAHAN is the official online vehicle database in India. It provides basic vehicle information when you enter the number plate details.
Steps to Check Vehicle Details on VAHAN
Go to the VAHAN Website: https://vahan.parivahan.gov.in/
Click on “Know Your Vehicle Details”
Enter the Vehicle Number: Type the number plate details correctly.
Enter the Captcha Code
Click on “Search Vehicle”
View the Vehicle Details: The website will show details like registration date, owner’s name (partially hidden), vehicle model, fuel type, and insurance details.
2. Using SMS Service

If you don’t have internet access, you can check vehicle details through SMS.
Steps to Check Vehicle Details via SMS
Open the messaging app on your phone.
Type VAHAN <vehicle registration number>
Send it to 7738299899
You will receive a message with basic vehicle details.
3. Visiting the RTO Office
For full vehicle ownership details, visiting the Regional Transport Office (RTO) is the best legal option.
Steps to Get Vehicle Details from RTO
Visit the RTO Office where the vehicle is registered.
Submit a Written Request stating the reason for checking ownership details.
Provide Necessary Documents like ID proof or a police complaint (if applicable).
Pay the Required Fee (if applicable).
Receive the Vehicle Details if the request is approved.
4. Using Mobile Apps

Several apps provide vehicle details by fetching data from the VAHAN database.
Best Apps to Check Vehicle Owner Details
mParivahan (Government App)
CarInfo
RTO Vehicle Information App
Steps to Use Mobile Apps
Download the app from Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
Open the app and enter the vehicle number.
The app will fetch and display the vehicle details.
5. Contacting the Police
If you need vehicle owner details for legal reasons, such as a hit-and-run case, you can contact the local police station.
Steps to Get Owner Details from Police
Report the Incident and file a police complaint.
Provide the Vehicle Number to the authorities.
Follow Legal Procedures and wait for approval.
Legal Considerations and Privacy Issues
Before checking vehicle owner details, it’s essential to know the legal limitations:
Privacy Protection: Full details (such as address and phone number) are not available publicly due to privacy laws.
Legal Use Only: Using this information for illegal purposes can lead to legal consequences.
Use Government-Approved Methods: Always check details via VAHAN, RTO, or the police.
Conclusion
Checking vehicle owner details by number plate is easy and legal if done through official sources like the VAHAN website, SMS services, RTO offices, and the police. Whether you are buying a used vehicle, reporting an accident, or verifying ownership, these methods will help you get the right information.
However, always use this information for legal and ethical purposes. Avoid third-party unauthorized sources, as they may be unreliable and could violate privacy laws.
If you found this guide helpful, share it with others who might need this information!