Vehicle Owner Details by Number Plate

Introduction

Why would you need any details on the random vehicle owner? Let’s begin with two practical examples of different situations. First, you’re driving home after a long day, and suddenly, a car hits your motor vehicle and runs without stopping, leaving a big dent. Second, say you are purchasing a used car and want to verify the owner’s details to prevent any misconduct later. But where do you find the details?

In such scenarios, having vehicle owner details can make further processing easy for you. But how? Having a number plate or registration number can make the task easier and get the work done. Instead of going to an RTO to find the vehicle owner’s details, you can find it online using the registration number. Further in this article, we discuss how. 

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Understanding Vehicle Registration in India

Every motor vehicle in India must be registered with the Regional Transport Office (RTO). Upon registration, a unique Registration Certificate (RC) is issued, containing details such as the owner’s name, vehicle class, engine number, chassis number, and more. The number plate displays the registration number, which can be used to retrieve these details online.

Why Do You Need to Find Vehicle Owner Details?

You may have your reasons for finding the vehicle owner’s details. However, certain scenarios require you to find vehicle owner details by registration number or number plate, mentioned as:

• Accident or Hit-and-Run Cases: In 2022, the number of hit-and-run cases registered was 67,387 (per the report). With the rising carelessness of drivers on the roads, you can become a victim or witness. You first need the vehicle owner’s details to report the case for further legal inquiries. 
• Parking Violations or Obstruction: In cases where the vehicle is involved in illegal parking, blocking access, or causing obstruction, vehicle owner details are required. This helps the local authorities or private individuals move the vehicle. 
• Insurance Claims: When a claim is filed with a motor insurance company, the company needs to access the vehicle owner’s details. This helps them verify ownership, insurance status, and whether the vehicle is involved in any pending legal issues.
• Security and Safety Concerns: If the vehicle is involved in suspicious or abandoned activities, the owner’s details help ensure security. This is especially important to residents or authorities who need to ensure public safety.
• Tracking Stolen Vehicles: If a vehicle is stolen, authorities can use it to find the vehicle owner’s details by registration number to track its movements and assist in recovering the vehicle.

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When and Why to Check Vehicle Owner Details

Understanding the context in which vehicle owner details are needed can guide appropriate usage:​

• Accidents and Hit-and-Run Cases: Identifying the owner for legal proceedings.
• Purchasing Pre-owned Vehicles: Verifying the authenticity of the seller and vehicle details.

Legal Disputes: Gathering evidence or information related to a vehicle involved in a case.

Legal and Privacy Considerations

While accessing vehicle details is facilitated for legitimate purposes, it’s essential to respect privacy laws.

• Permissible Uses:

• • • Verifying details when purchasing a used vehicle.
    • Reporting accidents or legal incidents.

• Prohibited Uses:

• • Extracting personal details for unauthorized purposes.
  • Misusing data for fraudulent activities.
  • Selling vehicle information commercially.

The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, safeguard vehicle owners’ data from unauthorized access.

Methods to Check Vehicle Owner Details by Number Plate

Below are the most effective methods to check vehicle owner name by registration number:

1. Parivahan Sewa Portal

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways operates the Parivahan Sewa portal, a centralized platform to access vehicle registration details.​

Steps:

1. Visit the Parivahan Sewa website.
2. Navigate to the “Know Your Vehicle Details” section.
3. Enter the vehicle registration number and the verification code.
4. Click on “Search Vehicle” to view details such as the owner’s name (partially displayed), registration date, fuel type, vehicle class, and more.

Note: The portal provides partial information to protect individual privacy.​

2. mParivahan Mobile App

The mParivahan app offers a convenient way to access vehicle details on the go.

Features:

• Digital RC and driving license storage.
• Access to vehicle details by entering the registration number.
• Information on insurance validity, fitness certificate, and more.

Steps:

1. Download the mParivahan app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
2. Open the app and enter the vehicle registration number.
3. View the vehicle details displayed on the screen.

3. Insurance Information Bureau (IIB) Portal

The IIB portal provides information related to vehicle insurance and ownership.

Steps:

1. Visit the IIB website.
2. Navigate to the “V-Seva” section.
3. Enter the required details, including the vehicle registration number.
4. Submit the form to retrieve information about the vehicle’s insurance and ownership.

Note: The IIB portal primarily provides information related to insured vehicles.​

4. VehicleInfo App

The VehicleInfo app allows users to access vehicle details, including the owner’s name, by entering the registration number.

Features:

• RC status checks.
• Vehicle owner details.
• Challan information.

Steps:

1. Download the VehicleInfo app from the Google Play Store.
2. Open the app and enter the vehicle registration number.
3. View the vehicle details displayed.

5. SMS Service (Currently Inactive)

Previously, users could send an SMS in the format “VAHAN <space> Vehicle Registration Number” to 7738299899 to receive vehicle details. However, this service is currently inactive.

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Alternative Methods to Obtain Vehicle Owner Information

If online methods are insufficient, consider the following:​

• Regional Transport Office (RTO): Submit a written request with valid reasons such as legal disputes or verification purposes.
• Law Enforcement Authorities: File a police report if the vehicle is involved in an incident requiring investigation.

Insurance Providers: In accident cases, insurance companies may assist in tracing policyholder details.

Which Vehicle Owner Details Can You Find?

Upon completing the mentioned steps, you can view the following vehicle details through the Parivahan website:

• Vehicle type, make/ model
• Vehicle emission norm 
• Vehicle fuel type 
• Engine and chassis number (partial)
• Registered RTO details
• Vehicle owner name (partial)
• Vehicle registration date
• Vehicle insurance details
• Status and validity of the vehicle registration
• Road tax validity 
• Validity of Pollution Under Control Certificate
• Hypothecation status of the vehicle (in case of financed)

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Conclusion

Accessing vehicle owner details by number plate in India is streamlined through various platforms like the Parivahan Sewa portal, mParivahan app, IIB portal, and VehicleInfo app. These tools serve multiple purposes, from verifying ownership to ensuring compliance with legal requirements. However, it’s crucial to use this information responsibly and respect privacy regulations.​

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FAQs on Vehicle Owner Details

Question: How can I check the owner details for Parivahan?

Answer: To check vehicle owner details in Parivahan, you can follow the given steps: 

• Visit the official VAHAN website. 
• Select the ‘Know Your Vehicle Details’ option in the ‘Online Services’ drop-down menu.
• Create a customer account by providing the details asked. Log in if you are an existing customer. 
• Enter the vehicle number plate or registration number details on the next page. 
• You will verify the CAPTCHA code at this point and click ‘Vahan Search’.
• You will see vehicle details, including RC details, owner details, etc., on the screen within a few seconds.

Question: How can I check vehicle owner details in India?

Answer: You can check vehicle owner details in India through Parivahan website or via dropping an SMS by typing ‘VAHAN’ <space> registration number to +91-77328-99899. 

Question: How do you know vehicle insurance details by vehicle number?

Answer: You can find vehicle insurance details on the VAHAN or IIB portal. 

Question: Can we find the bike owner’s name using the bike number?

Answer: You can find the vehicle owner’s name by the vehicle’s registration number. However, the details reflected are partial. 

Question: Is the data available on the website authentic?

Answer: The portal is operated by Ministry officials and is updated regularly with the assistance of the RTO; hence, the data reflected is authentic. 

Question: Can I get the vehicle owner’s address by vehicle number?

Answer: No, the owner’s address details are not visible to the general public to protect individual privacy. However, in case of an emergency, government-authorised officials can access the details with permission. 

Question: What is the number plate of a vehicle?

Answer: A vehicle’s number plate is its registered vehicle number, which is a unique identifier assigned by the Government. The Motor Vehicle Act of 1988 mandates that every driver attach the number plate to the front and back of the vehicle.