Easily and safely check any car’s license plate in seconds — download the right app and make smarter decisions today!
Checking a vehicle’s license plate has never been easier, thanks to apps that provide instant access to car data, technical specifications, and vehicle history.
Whether you’re buying a used car, verifying a vehicle’s background, or just curious about a car you saw on the road, these apps bring convenience and peace of mind.
Below is a summary of the 4 best apps to check license plates, along with tips on how to choose the right one for you.
1. Bolid
Best for: Quick specs and international coverage
Bolid is a sleek, modern app that helps users identify cars by scanning the license plate or entering the VIN. It works in several countries, including the US, UK, France, Spain, and more.
Among the top apps to check license plates internationally, Bolid stands out for its focus on technical vehicle data such as engine type, fuel efficiency, and CO₂ emissions. It’s great for spotting cars on the street or quickly checking vehicle details before a purchase.
Although it doesn’t offer ownership or accident history, it’s ideal for users who want to check basic car specs fast and accurately.
2. Plate Lookup
Best for: Used car buyers and full vehicle history
Plate Lookup is designed for users who want to go beyond surface-level data.
As one of the most detailed apps to check license plates in the U.S., it provides access to accident records, salvage titles, recall info, and ownership changes.
The app also gives market value estimates, helping you decide if a car’s price is fair. While some basic features are free, full reports usually require a small payment — well worth it for anyone buying a used car.
3. Orto
Best for: Simplicity and real-time scanning
Orto offers fast, camera-based plate scanning and real-time data delivery. It helps users instantly check if a vehicle has been in an accident, involved in theft, or has legal issues.
As one of the easiest apps to check license plates for casual users, Orto is great for quick, everyday checks — especially when you’re out and about and spot a car you’re curious about.
Its scanning feature means no need to type long VINs. Just snap a photo and view the results in seconds.
4. GoodCar
Best for: Professionals and deep vehicle reports
GoodCar offers professional-grade vehicle history reports with unlimited lookups. It pulls from multiple public and private databases to deliver deep insights, including ownership records, title status, accident history, and value estimates.
Among the apps to check license plates, GoodCar is best suited for buyers, dealerships, and fleet managers who need reliable and extensive data. It’s especially powerful in the U.S. market.
Though it requires a subscription for full access, the value it offers professionals is unmatched.
How to Choose the Right License Plate Lookup App
With many apps to check license plates available, it’s important to choose one that fits your goals. Ask yourself these questions:
What kind of information do you need?
-
If you only want technical data like model, year, or engine size, try Bolid.
-
For full history reports, theft status, or legal checks, go for Plate Lookup or GoodCar.
Do you have the VIN or just the plate?
-
With the VIN, most apps will give you detailed reports.
-
If you only have the plate number, apps with OCR and scanning like Orto or Bolid are ideal.
How often will you use the app?
-
For one-time use, free versions might be enough.
-
If you regularly look up cars, apps to check license plates like GoodCar offer unlimited lookups with deeper information.
Check reliability and data sources
-
Choose apps that access official or verified databases.
-
Always read user reviews to see how up-to-date and trustworthy the app is.
Final Thoughts
Apps to check license plates have become must-have tools for car buyers, vehicle owners, and even casual users who want to learn more about cars around them.
Quick summary:
-
Use Bolid for fast, international specs.
-
Use Plate Lookup for deep U.S. vehicle histories.
-
Use Orto for fast scans and on-the-go checks.
-
Use GoodCar for professional-level reports and unlimited access.
Choosing the right app can protect your wallet and give you peace of mind. A few minutes of checking a plate can help you avoid serious problems down the road.
If you’re still unsure, start by trying out one of these apps to check license plates — and see how simple and powerful they’ve become in 2025.
