FBI Seeks to Purchase Nationwide License Plate Data for Law Enforcement and Intelligence Purposes

The FBI has announced plans to spend up to $36 million to acquire nationwide access to automated license plate reader (ALPR) data. The agency aims to obtain detailed vehicle information—including license plate numbers, make, model, color, timestamps, and location data—from across the United States, its territories, and other areas such as Guam, Puerto Rico, and Tribal territories. This data would allow the FBI to track vehicle movements over time and query the information through a Software-as-a-Service system. The initiative is part of the FBI’s Directorate of Intelligence mission, which supports both law enforcement and intelligence activities. The agency intends to award the contract to a single vendor but may split it between two vendors if necessary. Companies such as Flock and Motorola Solutions are among the potential providers capable of supplying this level of data. The move has prompted public discussion about privacy, government surveillance, and the potential misuse of automated tracking systems. Critics highlight concerns about civil liberties, transparency, and the growing role of private companies in collecting and managing sensitive data.