Vehicle Data · Recalls · Safety Ratings

updateUpdated 2026-10-14

Florida License Plate Lookup

Get the full NHTSA vehicle report for any Florida plate — make, model, year, recalls, and crash safety ratings — free with no signup. Vehicle data only.

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FLORIDAABC D12

18.8M

Registered Vehicles

Florida (FHWA)

Since 1918

Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles

ABC D12

Florida DMV License Plate Quick Facts

Agency	Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
Issuance year	1918
Current format	ABC D12 — Current passenger plates use a three-letter + one-letter + two-digit combination on the Sunshine State design, with county name along the bottom optional.
Plates required	One (rear only)
Replacement fee	$32.50
Registration validity	1 year
Registered vehicles	18.8M (approx.)
DMV contact	1-850-617-2000 · www.flhsmv.gov

How do I look up a Florida license plate?

Need a Florida DMV license plate lookup-style vehicle report? Use the FL license plate lookup tool above — same NHTSA data, no DMV trip required.

1
Enter the Florida license plate number in the search field above. Spaces and dashes are optional.
2
Confirm FL is selected in the state dropdown — plate numbers can repeat across states, so the state is required for accurate matching.
3
Press Search Plate. You'll see make, model, year, trim, engine, open recalls, and NHTSA crash safety ratings in seconds.

Run a FL plate lookuparrow_forward

What does a Florida license plate lookup reveal?

Every florida license plate lookup on this page returns NHTSA vehicle data instantly. Driver and registered-owner personal information is protected under the DPPA's 1994 federal restrictions and is not part of any free vehicle report.

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DPPA notice — vehicle data only

This Florida license plate lookup returns vehicle information only — make, model, year, recalls, and safety ratings from NHTSA's public database. We do not return the registered owner's name, address, phone number, email, driving record, or any other personal information about the driver. Personal driver and owner information is protected under the federal Driver's Privacy Protection Act of 1994 (18 U.S.C. § 2721) and is not lawfully accessible through any free public lookup.

Free — available here

check_circleMake, model, year, and trim
check_circleBody style, doors, curb weight
check_circleEngine size, cylinders, fuel type
check_circleTransmission and drivetrain
check_circleOpen NHTSA safety recalls
check_circleNHTSA crash test ratings
check_circleEPA fuel economy (MPG)
check_circleManufacturing plant & country

Paid — via NMVTIS partners

boltTitle brand history (salvage, flood, rebuilt)
boltReported accident history
boltOdometer rollback detection
boltNumber of previous owners
boltLien and loan history
boltAuction & insurance records
boltState of registration history
boltTheft / total-loss records

Registered owner name, address, contact details, and driving records are protected under the federal Driver's Privacy Protection Act (18 U.S.C. § 2721) and are not returned by this site or any other free public lookup. This tool provides vehicle-level data only — make, model, year, recalls, safety ratings, and EPA fuel economy — sourced from NHTSA and EPA public databases.

What does a Florida license plate format look like?

Current passenger plates use a three-letter + one-letter + two-digit combination on the Sunshine State design, with county name along the bottom optional. A free Florida license plate lookup also works on legacy plate formats listed in the table below.

FLORIDAABC D12

Florida license plate formats through the years

Era	Format	Example
1918–1937	Numeric	123456
1938–1976	County prefix + digits	10W-12345
1977–1985	3 digits + 2 letters	123-ABC
1986–2002	3 letters + 2 digits (green map)	ABC 12A
2003–2022	3 letters + 1 digit + 2 letters (oranges)	A12 3BC
2023–present	Sunshine State re-design	ABC D12

Florida license plate laws you should know

Below are the four laws that most often trip up Florida drivers. Rules are enforced at the stop, the inspection station, and at registration renewal.

Single plate state

Florida is a single-plate state — only a rear plate is issued and required on passenger cars (Fla. Stat. §316.605).

Front plate rule

There is no front plate requirement in Florida. Mounting brackets and decorative front plates are legal.

Registration stickers & display

A single decal in the upper right corner of the plate shows the month and year of expiration. The plate itself must be replaced every 10 years (Fla. Stat. §320.06).

Inspection / smog check

Florida does not require emissions or safety inspections for passenger vehicles — the statewide inspection program was repealed in 2000.

Types of Florida license plates

Florida issues dozens of plate designs. These are the main categories you'll encounter on the road or see at the DMV counter.

Sunshine State standard

Default passenger plate, redesigned in 2023 with a warmer orange palette.

In God We Trust

Free alternative to the standard plate, requested at registration.

Specialty plates

More than 130 options — universities, wildlife, causes, and pro teams.

Disabled

Issued with a wheelchair symbol; qualifies for accessible parking.

Disabled Veteran (DV)

Free for qualifying 100% service-connected disabled veterans.

Antique / Horseless Carriage

For vehicles 30+ years old used in exhibitions, parades, and club events.

How much does a Florida license plate cost?

Typical Florida DMV fees for plates, registration, and related services. Always confirm current amounts on the official DMV site before paying.

Initial registration (new to FL)	$225 one-time
Annual registration (3,500–4,500 lb)	$46.15
Replacement plate	$32.50
Personalized plate	$15/year (plus specialty fee if any)
Specialty plate (top sellers)	$25–$50/year
Title fee	$77.25 (new), $85.25 (out of state)

Source: Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles — https://www.flhsmv.gov

What if my Florida plate is lost, stolen, or damaged?

Follow these steps to replace a Florida license plate. Do not keep driving with a missing plate — it is a citable offense in most states.

1
File a police report immediately if the plate was stolen.
2
Complete Form HSMV 83146 (Application for Replacement License Plate, Validation Decal, or Parking Permit).
3
Visit a Florida tax collector's office with your title, registration, and ID.
4
Pay the $32.50 replacement fee (plus county service charge).
5
Receive your replacement plate on the spot in most counties.

Florida DMV contact & privacy

Official agency

Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles

call1-850-617-2000

languagewww.flhsmv.gov

DPPA privacy notice

Personal information tied to a Florida license plate — driver name, address, date of birth, phone number, email, and driving record — is protected by the federal Driver's Privacy Protection Act (18 U.S.C. § 2721) and is not returned by this site. This page and the lookup tool provide vehicle-level data only: make, model, year, trim, recalls, and safety ratings from NHTSA's public database.

Frequently asked questions

Common questions about Florida license plate lookups, DMV rules, and plate replacement.

Does Florida require a front license plate?expand_more

No. Florida is a single-plate state — only a rear plate is issued and legally required on passenger vehicles under Fla. Stat. §316.605.

How do I run a Florida license plate lookup?expand_more

Enter any Florida plate in the tool above and press Check Plate. You'll get make, model, year, trim, open recalls, and crash safety ratings pulled from NHTSA — free and no signup.

How much does a replacement Florida plate cost?expand_more

A replacement plate is $32.50 plus a small county service fee, processed at any Florida tax collector's office with Form HSMV 83146.

How often do I need to replace my Florida license plate?expand_more

Florida law requires the physical plate to be replaced every 10 years (Fla. Stat. §320.06), even if the sticker is current.

Does Florida require smog or safety inspections?expand_more

No. Florida has not required passenger vehicle emissions or safety inspections since the statewide program was repealed in 2000.

Can I look up who owns a Florida license plate?expand_more

Not through a free lookup. Owner information is protected under the federal Driver's Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) and Florida's own §119.0712. Only vehicle-level data is available.

What is the new Florida license plate design?expand_more

In 2023 Florida rolled out a refreshed Sunshine State design with a warmer orange palette and a cleaner font. Existing plates remain valid until replacement at the 10-year mark.

How do I get a Florida personalized plate?expand_more

Personalized plates are ordered through a Florida tax collector or flhsmv.gov. The fee is $15/year on top of any specialty plate fee. Combinations must be 7 characters or fewer.

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