Who Owns This Car? How to Legally Check Car Ownership in Thailand

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Have you ever seen a car involved in an accident or violating traffic rules and wanted to know who the owner is?

Many people don’t realize that in certain cases, it’s possible to legally check a car's registration to identify the owner through Thailand’s Department of Land Transport (DLT). Here's how you can do it—legally and correctly.

Can You Check Who Owns a Vehicle in Thailand?

Yes, but not everyone can access this information freely. To protect privacy, only individuals with a valid and justifiable reason may request owner details. Examples include:

• Victims involved in a traffic accident
• Parties involved in a legal dispute involving the vehicle
• People with supporting documents proving necessity

Requests without a clear and valid reason may be denied. Additionally, any unauthorized access or sharing of vehicle registration data may violate Thailand's Computer Crimes Act (B.E. 2550), which carries penalties including imprisonment and fines.

Required Documents to Check a Vehicle’s Registration

To file a request, prepare the following documents:

• Valid Thai ID card (original + signed copy)
• Police report or daily record related to the incident (signed copy)
• For companies: Original company certificate + signed copies with company seal, and copies of authorized signatories' IDs
• Additional evidence, if available (e.g., dashcam footage, insurance documents, etc.)

How to Submit a Vehicle Ownership Inquiry

Here’s what the process looks like:

1. Submit your request with all required documents
2. Officials review the documentation
3. Your case is evaluated
4. If approved, pay the processing fee
5. Receive the certified vehicle registration information

Requests must be submitted in person at the Department of Land Transport (DLT) or the provincial office where the vehicle is registered. The process takes around 1 hour (not including wait times or technical issues).

For more information or questions, contact the DLT Call Center at 1584 or visit your nearest transport office.

Final Thoughts: Yes, You Can Check a Car Owner’s Name — But Only with Valid Reason

While it's not as easy as just entering a license plate online, there is a legal process for checking vehicle ownership in Thailand. Make sure you have a strong reason and proper documentation to avoid rejection or legal issues. This system helps protect privacy while still providing a legal channel for those who truly need access to this information.

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