About
The fastest way to find your dream plate
PlateHog checks vanity license plate availability in real time by querying state DMV systems directly. No stale databases, no guessing — just instant, accurate results.
How it works
We connect directly to state DMV systems so you get the same results as checking on the DMV website — without the hassle.
Enter your plate
Type 2–7 characters and pick your state. No account needed for basic checks.
We check the DMV
Your query is sent to the state DMV in real time. Results come back in under 2 seconds.
Get your answer
See if it's available, add it to your watchlist, or get AI-powered suggestions for alternatives.
Built for car enthusiasts
Whether you're hunting for the perfect plate or just browsing for fun, PlateHog has you covered.
Real-time plate checker
Instant availability checks against live state DMV systems. No scraped databases, no stale data.
Watchlist & alerts
Save taken plates and get notified by email or SMS the moment they become available.
AI plate suggestions
Tell us a theme and we generate plate ideas, check all of them, and show what's actually open.
Trending plates
See plates spotted on social media, with live availability across all supported states.
Hall of Shame
Browse 19,000+ rejected vanity plates from DMVs across the country. Vote on your favorites.
Bulk check & quiz
Check multiple plates at once or take a personality quiz to discover your perfect plate.
Ready to find your plate?
Check availability for free — no account required. Upgrade to Pro for watchlist alerts, SMS notifications, and more.