What data does the API return?

Each lookup returns the vehicle year, make, model, body type (sedan, hatchback, ute, etc.), engine displacement, a full description string, and alternative vehicle matches when the plate maps to multiple variants.

Which Australian states and territories are supported?

All eight: ACT, NSW, NT, QLD, SA, TAS, VIC, and WA. Every plan covers every state at no extra cost.

How fast are lookup responses?

Typical response time is under 3 seconds. Every response includes a duration_ms field so you can monitor performance in your application.

Is there a free plan?

Yes. The free tier includes 20 lookups per month with a rate limit of 1 request per minute. No credit card required.

What happens when I hit my monthly lookup limit?

All plans below Enterprise have a hard cap. Once you reach your monthly limit, further requests will be rejected until the next billing cycle. Upgrade your plan at any time to increase your allowance.

Does PlateAPI integrate with Shopify?

Yes. PlateAPI offers a drop-in Shopify widget that lets your customers look up their vehicle directly on your store. All paid plans include full Shopify integration; the free tier includes the widget only.

What format are API responses in?

All responses are JSON. The API uses standard HTTP status codes -- 200 for successful lookups, 404 when no vehicle is found, and appropriate error codes for invalid requests.

Do I need an SDK to use PlateAPI?

No. PlateAPI is a simple REST API with a single GET endpoint. Any HTTP client in any language works -- curl, fetch, requests, or whatever your stack uses.

Terms of Service

Last updated: 6 July 2026

These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your access to and use of the PlateAPI vehicle registration plate lookup service ("Service") operated by WolfStack Solutions ABN 26 877 229 839 ("we", "us", "our"). By accessing or using the Service, you agree to be bound by these Terms.

1. The Service

PlateAPI provides a REST API for looking up Australian vehicle registration plate data. The Service returns vehicle information including year, make, model, body type, and engine displacement based on registration plate numbers and state/territory of registration.

2. Account and API Keys

To use the Service you must register an account and obtain an API key. You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your API key and for all activity that occurs under your account. You must notify us immediately if you become aware of any unauthorised use of your API key.

You must not share, sell, or transfer your API key to any third party. Each API key is issued for use by a single individual or organisation. We reserve the right to revoke API keys that are shared or misused.

3. Acceptable Use

You agree not to use the Service to:

Stalk, harass, or track individuals using vehicle registration data
Conduct surveillance of any person without their knowledge and consent
Compile databases of personal information linked to vehicle registrations
Resell, redistribute, or sublicense raw API data to third parties as a competing data service
Attempt to reverse-engineer, scrape, or circumvent the API's rate limiting or authentication
Exceed your plan's lookup limits through any technical means including use of multiple accounts
Submit automated requests designed to degrade the performance of the Service
Use the Service for any purpose that violates applicable Australian federal, state, or territory law

We reserve the right to suspend or terminate your account without notice if we determine that your use violates these Terms or poses a risk to the Service or its users.

4. Plans and Billing

The Service is offered under tiered subscription plans. Current plans, pricing, and lookup limits are published on our pricing page. All prices are in Australian Dollars (AUD) and are exclusive of GST unless stated otherwise.

Paid subscriptions are billed monthly in advance. You authorise us to charge your nominated payment method on each billing cycle. Subscription fees are non-refundable except where required by Australian Consumer Law.

The free tier is provided at our discretion and may be modified or discontinued at any time. We may change pricing or lookup limits with 30 days' notice to your registered email address.

When you reach your monthly lookup limit, further API requests will be rejected until the next billing cycle begins. There are no overage charges -- upgrade your plan if you need more lookups.

5. Data Accuracy

Vehicle data returned by the Service is sourced from publicly available Australian vehicle registration databases. While we make reasonable efforts to return accurate information, we do not guarantee that any data returned is complete, current, or error-free.

The Service is not a substitute for an official vehicle history check, roadworthy inspection, or any form of regulatory compliance check. You should not rely solely on data from this Service for vehicle purchase decisions, safety assessments, or legal purposes.

We are not responsible for decisions you or your users make based on data returned by the Service.

6. Service Availability

We aim to maintain high availability of the Service but do not guarantee uninterrupted access. The Service may be temporarily unavailable due to maintenance, updates, or circumstances beyond our control. We will make reasonable efforts to notify users of planned maintenance in advance.

Response times depend on upstream data sources and may vary. The typical response time stated on our website is an estimate, not a guarantee.

7. Shopify Integration

If you use the PlateAPI Shopify widget or app, your use is also subject to Shopify's terms of service. The widget operates on your Shopify storefront and makes API calls on behalf of your store's visitors. You are responsible for informing your customers about data collection through your own privacy policy.

8. Intellectual Property

The Service, its API design, documentation, and website are the intellectual property of WolfStack Solutions. Vehicle data returned by the API is derived from publicly accessible sources and is not claimed as our intellectual property.

You may use data returned by the API within your own applications and services. You may not present the API itself as your own product.

9. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, including the Australian Consumer Law, our total liability to you for any claim arising out of or relating to the Service is limited to the amount you paid us in the 12 months preceding the claim.

We are not liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, including loss of profits, data, or business opportunities, arising from your use of the Service.

Nothing in these Terms excludes or limits any rights you have under the Australian Consumer Law that cannot be excluded or limited by contract.

10. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless WolfStack Solutions, its officers, and employees from any claims, damages, losses, or expenses (including legal fees) arising from your use of the Service, your violation of these Terms, or your violation of any applicable law.

11. Termination

You may cancel your account at any time by contacting us. We may suspend or terminate your access to the Service at any time for violation of these Terms. Upon termination, your API key will be deactivated and you will lose access to the Service. Any fees already paid are non-refundable except where required by law.

12. Changes to These Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. We will notify you of material changes by email to your registered address at least 14 days before the changes take effect. Your continued use of the Service after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.

13. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of New South Wales, Australia. Any disputes arising from these Terms or the Service will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of New South Wales.

14. Contact

For questions about these Terms, contact us at [email protected].