Legal

Terms of Service

Last updated: September 23, 2026

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing or using PlateHog ("the Service"), operated at platehog.com, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms"). If you do not agree to these Terms, do not use the Service.

2. Service Description

PlateHog is a vanity license plate availability checker that queries state DMV systems to provide real-time plate availability information. We also offer watchlist notifications, AI-powered plate suggestions, trending plate data, and community features such as the Hall of Shame.

PlateHog is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to any state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). We are an independent service that checks publicly accessible DMV systems. For official plate registration, transfers, or any binding actions, you must contact your state DMV directly.

3. Accuracy of Information

All plate availability data is provided for informational purposes only and on an "as is" basis. We make no guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of any information. Plate availability can change at any time and should always be verified directly with the relevant state DMV before making any purchasing or registration decisions.

DMV systems may experience downtime, return outdated information, or have restrictions not reflected in our results. We are not responsible for any actions taken based on information provided by PlateHog.

4. User Accounts

To access certain features (watchlist, notifications, submissions), you must create an account. You are responsible for:

  • Maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials.
  • Providing accurate information when creating your account and keeping it up to date.
  • All activities that occur under your account.

You must be at least 13 years old to create an account. We reserve the right to suspend or terminate accounts that violate these Terms.

5. Subscription Terms and Billing

PlateHog offers the following paid plans:

  • 30-Day Pass: A one-time payment that grants Pro features for 30 days. Access expires automatically at the end of the period. No auto-renewal.
  • Monthly Subscription: A recurring subscription billed monthly. Renews automatically until cancelled.

All prices are in USD. You may cancel your subscription at any time via your account settings. Cancellation takes effect at the end of the current billing period — you retain Pro access until then.

Refunds are handled on a case-by-case basis. Contact support@platehog.com for refund requests.

6. SMS Alerts

PlateHog Text Alerts is an optional program for Pro subscribers. You opt in by entering a US mobile number on a watchlist prompt or in Account Settings and checking the consent box, which is never pre-checked. You will then receive recurring automated texts from PlateHog when a plate on your watchlist changes availability. We do not send marketing texts. See how the program works.

  • Message frequency varies with your watchlist activity.
  • Message and data rates may apply.
  • Reply STOP to any message to opt out, or HELP for help. You can also remove your number in Account Settings.
  • For support, email support@platehog.com.
  • Consent to receive texts is not a condition of any purchase.
  • Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages.

7. Acceptable Use

You agree not to:

  • Use the Service for any unlawful purpose.
  • Use automated scripts, bots, scrapers, or other tools to access the Service beyond normal usage patterns. API access is limited to tier-specific rate limits.
  • Attempt to gain unauthorized access to our systems, other users' accounts, or state DMV systems through our Service.
  • Interfere with or disrupt the Service or its infrastructure.
  • Submit false, misleading, offensive, or illegal content to the Hall of Shame or any other user-generated content area.
  • Resell, redistribute, or commercially exploit data obtained from the Service without written permission.
  • Circumvent or attempt to circumvent rate limits, usage restrictions, or access controls.

Violation of these rules may result in immediate account suspension or termination.

8. Intellectual Property

The PlateHog name, logo, website design, and all original content (excluding user-submitted content and publicly available DMV data) are the intellectual property of PlateHog. You may not use our branding, design, or content without prior written permission.

User-submitted content (such as rejected plate submissions) remains the property of the submitting user. By submitting content, you grant PlateHog a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to display, distribute, and modify that content as part of the Service.

9. Disclaimer of Warranties

The Service is provided "as is" and "as available" without warranties of any kind, either express or implied, including but not limited to implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and non-infringement. We do not warrant that the Service will be uninterrupted, secure, or error-free, or that plate availability data will be accurate or current.

10. Limitation of Liability

In no event shall PlateHog, its operators, or affiliates be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, including without limitation, loss of data, business interruption, or loss of profits, arising out of or in connection with your use of the Service, whether based on warranty, contract, tort, or any other legal theory. Our total liability for any claim shall not exceed the amount you paid us in the 12 months preceding the claim.

11. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless PlateHog and its operators from any claims, damages, losses, or expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising from your use of the Service, your violation of these Terms, or your violation of any third-party rights.

12. Termination

We reserve the right to suspend or terminate your access to the Service at any time, with or without cause, and with or without notice. Upon termination, your right to use the Service immediately ceases. Any provisions of these Terms that by their nature should survive termination (including disclaimers, limitations of liability, and indemnification) will remain in effect.

13. Governing Law

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California, United States, without regard to its conflict of law provisions. Any disputes arising from these Terms or the Service shall be resolved in the courts located in California.

14. Changes to Terms

We may update these Terms of Service from time to time. We will notify you of changes by posting the new terms on this page and updating the "Last updated" date. Continued use of the Service after changes constitutes acceptance of the new terms.

15. Contact Us

If you have questions about these Terms, please contact us: