palmpalm

Hi guys,

Hypothetically speaking if someone wanted to find out the name of the owner of a car if you have the license plate number, could they? I might be paranoid but would like to know. Feel free to PM me.

wc11

Legally no.
If you knew a police officer or someone at the MTO, and they let the name slip, oh well.
But even that is still illegal.

Imo000

If you can get the VIN, $20 and a used vehicle package will get your the owner. The plate database might only be accessible by the police.

palmpalm

thanks all

Torontoworker

No addresses are released by MTO/Service Ontario but you CAN get a persons name and personal license number, (for a fee). Using a released name *could* be used in searching via Google or Facebook to get hits for addresses depending on how much info they share online.

Licensed private investigators in Ontario are able to obtain addresses from plate's and this is legal for them to do so UNLESS a plate owner obtains *written* authorization from the police that release of this information would be a threat to you or your family and they return this notice to MTO.

Currently other groups such as insurance companies, courts and financial institutions can also access address info using a plate search.

If a private investigator receives a request from a member of the public they are supposed to use their judgement as to would the release of this information to a client put people at physical risk. It doesn't always work out well as many people mask the true intention of *why* they need someones personal information. Many domestic assault trials have highlighted the need for the private investigation industry to review it's training programs.

There is also a losesy goosey / nudge, nudge, wink, wink relationship between the Government and anyone *representing* themselves as *part* of the financial services industry that can obtain this information as well.

The Privacy Commissioner of Ontario indicated as far back as 2009 that she was unhappy with the current state of record keeping and the number of people other then the general public that can use the Government databases.

PPo

If you did something illegal, and a third party reports it to the police with your license plate number, the Cops will find you if it is a chargeable offence. Guilty or not. The "something illegal" may be a lie, exaggeration, or complete fabrication. However, if the person wants to find you, they can make up the story if they are clever and cunning. When the charge is brought against you they can figure out your name from the court case. It's a lot of effort, but it works.

I can't divulge why I know this... but it works.

Pags993

^^ that's a pretty disgusting suggestion above considering you are falsely accusing someone. What happens when your plan is exposed and you get charged with mischief and what ever else they can throw at you for lying to the cops?

PPo

For the record, I never did this... but never underestimate how crazy some people are...