It used to be that anyone with a license plate number could go to the DMV and request an owners record. I know that hasn’t been possible in California for quite awhile now, at least not as a regular citizen just walking in off the street. You need additional documentation/licensing to make that happen now for privacy reasons.
Not sure what can be done in other states or what sorts of qualifications would get you that access. But certainly, posting your cars license plate on an open Internet forum is way different then just driving around. Lots more “eyes”, and very different ways to search for data. Just raises your exposure for theft and fraud of varying different kinds. I mean, a custom plate could give away names, or internet password hints, whatever.
Although yeah, if you take a picture in front of your house, just blocking out the plate might not be good enough. An address, a street sign, heck even just local land marks can be enough to find that house and car. I’ve done it, looked up cars from Craigslist and found the owners home address based on what was in the background of the sale pictures. You know, get a drive by in before talking to the owner. If it’s parked on the street it’s in the public domain.
There was a case awhile back where thieves were using Google earth/street maps to choose their targets and case the homes/properties based on what was in the yards, driveways, get basic home layout etc. The vent pipes on the roof will tell you where the kitchen and bathrooms are.
