Delaware License Plate Lookup
No VIN, no worries. Try our Delaware license plate lookup to access the history of any used vehicle in Delaware. Simply enter the DE license plate number on the form to get the vehicle history report.
Table of Contents
What is a Delaware License Plate Lookup?
The Delaware license plate lookup is a tool that you can use to look up the license plate number in Delaware to get the vehicle history report before you buy a used vehicle in Delaware. By just entering the license plate into the form above, you’ll get a report that uncovers all the important information like accident records, auction history, warranty coverage, past owners, damage verification, and more.
Is there Any Free Delaware License Plate Lookup?
Our license plate lookup offers both free and paid services. We recommend using the paid service for more advanced and detailed information. However, if this is your first time using the service, you can also try the free service to get a few helpful information, as shown in the list below:
- Associated VIN number
- Year, Make, and Model
- Country of Origin
- Market Value
- Transmission Type
- Fuel Type
- Drive Type
- Body Type
- Trim Information
- MSRP
- Engine Specifications
- Dimensions
- VIN
- Engine Value
- MSRP
- Manufacturer
- Fuel Type
- Body Type
- Year & Model
- Transmission
- Vehicle Type
- Sales Record
- Drive Type
- Mileage
- Market Value
- Doors
- Country of Origin
Why Conduct a Delaware License Plate Lookup?
For buyers, a license plate check helps verify the vehicle’s history, including past accidents, title issues, and odometer readings. This prevents the risk of unknowingly purchasing a stolen or damaged car. It also ensures the seller provides accurate information, giving buyers confidence before purchasing.
For sellers, a license plate lookup builds trust with potential buyers by providing a transparent vehicle history. A clean report can justify the car’s price and increase its appeal. Additionally, it helps avoid disputes by confirming ownership records and eliminating concerns about hidden issues.
What Information Do I Get With a Paid License Plate Lookup?
The free version provides limited information about the vehicle; our paid report provides detailed records about the vehicle you desire before purchasing it.
Vehicle Specification
Check the complete specifications of the vehicle, including the year, make, model, country of origin, standard seating, MSRP, drive type, MSRP, and more. See if the vehicle matches your needs and budget.
Accident History
Shows records of accidents to give a clear view of the vehicle’s condition. You’ll see the date, location, and how many times the vehicle was involved in an accident.
Ownership History
Provides a timeline of past owners who have owned the vehicle. See the date of purchase, ownership duration, and the location where the vehicle was registered. Note that you cannot see the past owner’s full name due to privacy.
Warranty Coverage
See if the vehicle is still covered by the manufacturer’s or extended warranty. In this section, you’ll see the months and mileage of the limited warranties, like basic, corrosion, powertrain, maintenance, and roadside assistance.
Auction History
Identifies if the vehicle was sold at auction, which can indicate market demand or possible quality issues. You’ll see the date, location, and final sale price of the vehicle. Also, you will be getting up to ten pictures that show the vehicle’s condition during the auction.
Title Status
Confirms if the title is clean, salvage, rebuilt, or branded, helping you assess its legal and physical condition. Make sure that the vehicle’s title is clean before you buy the vehicle.
Lien/Loan Records
Highlights any active loans or liens on the vehicle that could affect ownership transfer. Ensure that the lien/loan records are cleared off by the previous owners to ensure you are not burdened by unnecessary financial issues.
Open Recalls
Lists any unresolved recalls or safety defects, informing you about potential risks. See the date of recall, what caused the recall, and the steps taken by the manufacturer to resolve the issues. You can also see if the recall issues weren’t fixed in this section.
Theft Records
Verifies if the vehicle was reported stolen, ensuring it is legal and free from issues. If the vehicle has ever been stolen, you will be able to see the date, location, and the data source of the information.
Odometer Reading
Confirms mileage accuracy to help evaluate the vehicle’s wear and usage, and to detect any odometer rollback. In this section, you’ll be informed of the vehicle’s odometer reading, along with the date, as well as the last recorded mileage of the vehicle.
Past Vehicle Usage
See how the vehicle was used in the past because different usage has different wear and tear. Check if it was personally used, rented, leased, taxi, commercial, government use, or even used as a police car.
Why Delaware License Plate Report Crucial?
Lili wanted to purchase a 2014 CADILLAC ESCALADE from a private seller in Dover. Before she paid for the down payment, she used the Delaware license plate lookup and got the report. Here’s what she got on the report.
Actual Condition
- 1 accident record
- 2 Record(s) of damage
- 1 specific event reported
- 1 auction record
- 1 lien or loan record
Seller’s Claim
- Privately used
- Was never been in an accident
- Has no lien/loan record
- No severe damage
Actual Condition
- To help buyers see if the vehicle has way too many red flags
- Ensure that it matches the seller’s claim
Outcome
- Lili decided to find another vehicle because the Cadillac has too many red flags and does not fit the salesman’s claim.
How Does the Delaware License Plate Lookup Work?
Generating a vehicle report history is easy. You just need to have the license plate number in your hands and follow these simple steps.
Enter the License Plate Number
First, you will need to find the license plate number of the vehicle you want to check. You may see it directly on the vehicle or ask the seller.
Fill in the Form
Click on the form above, then fill it out with the license plate number. Then, click the button to submit the form.
Get the Report
After it's done, examine the preview section and ensure everything is correct. Then, proceed to payment to get the full vehicle history report. Don’t forget to download the report in PDF format.
Why You Should Use Our Delaware License Plate Lookup?
- Reasonable Price: Our vehicle history report has the most reasonable price compared to other competitors, with only $19.99/report.
- No Expiration Date: Tired of expiring vehicle reports when you need them the most? Use our Delaware license plate, where you can download the report directly from the web or app.
- Real Auction Photo: Get up to ten pictures that show the vehicle’s condition when it was auctioned.
License Plate and Regulations in Delaware
The Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles is responsible for all license plate issuance and regulations. This state agency ensures that all vehicles operating within the state are properly registered and display valid license plates, adhering to the established rules and guidelines.
The license plate must be attached to the rear side of the vehicle, except for trucks and tractors, which should display the plate on the front side. Special plates can be shown on the front or rear, but a regular plate must always be on the rear.
License Plate Requirements for Different Vehicle Types
Delaware requires all vehicles to have license plates to ensure safety and proper vehicle identification. Here are the details of vehicles that are required to have plates.
- Passenger Vehicle: All cars used for personal transportation must have a license plate placed on the rear side.
- Commercial Vehicles: Trucks and vans used for commercial purposes must display the license plate on the front to be easily identified.
- Motorcycles: Must have a rear license plate.
- Trailers: Any trailer towed by another vehicle needs a rear license plate.
It is important to note that operating a vehicle without a proper license plate can result in penalties. Therefore, ensure your vehicle is registered and displays the appropriate license plate according to Delaware state laws.
Delaware Vehicle Plate Design
Delaware’s standard license plate features a navy blue background with yellow lettering. At the top, the slogan “The First State” reflects pride in being the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution on December 7, 1787. The format used on the license plate is 123456, with no letters. Delaware offers a few license plate types you can apply for aside from the standard version.
Standard Version of License Plate
Applies to both passenger and commercial vehicles. The design comes in navy blue with yellow lettering.
- Passenger Vehicles: Feature a navy blue background with gold lettering for cars and SUVs.
- Commercial Vehicles: Designated with a “C” prefix for trucks and vans for business purposes.
Specialty Plates
Specialty plates are exclusively created to support various causes and organizations.
- Animal Welfare Plate: Supports animal welfare programs in the state.
- Environmental Plates: Promote environmental conservation efforts.
- Organizational Plates: Available for alumni associations, fraternities, and other groups.
Antique Plates
The Delaware Department of Motor Vehicles also issues a special plate for vehicles over 25 years old that have been maintained to their original specifications. These vehicles are exempt from annual inspections and are primarily for exhibitions, not daily use. The antique plate costs $25 and remains valid if the same person owns the vehicle.
Special Plates
In addition to standard, antique, and specialty plates, Delaware offers special license plates for passenger vehicles or light trucks (3/4-ton or less). Some plates, like Environmental and Animal Welfare designs, can be ordered by mail. Eligibility requirements apply to certain plates, ensuring compliance before ordering.
License Plate Cost in Delaware
Delaware license plate fees depend on vehicle type and plate choice. Standard, personalized, motorcycle, and specialty plates each carry different charges for registration and renewal.
- Standard passenger vehicle registration: $40/year
- Two-year renewal option: $80
- Motorcycle registration: $15/year or $30/2 years
- Personalized plates: $40 one-time fee plus usual registration cost
- Replacement standard plate: $10
- Specialty plate purchase: $50 one-time fee, renewal adds $25/year
How to Register a Car Title in Delaware
When you buy a car in Delaware, you must transfer the title within 30 days; if you fail to register the vehicle within 30 days, penalty fees may be applied. To complete the process, you need:
- Completed title with buyer’s information, date, price, and odometer reading
- Proof of insurance for the vehicle
- Valid ID and Delaware residency documents
- Payment of title fee: $35 (without lien; higher if lien applies)
- Submission at a Delaware DMV office
How to Transfer License Plates in Delaware
- Submit a plate transfer request at the DMV
- Provide vehicle registration details and proof of insurance
- Pay the $5 transfer fee plus regular registration charges
- Use your existing plate on another vehicle you own
What’s Allowed in Delaware License Plate Lookup?
Thinking about running a self-background check by using our Delaware by using our license plate lookup. Here’s an important note that you should know beforehand.
What You Can Access:
What You Cannot Access (Due to DPPA Compliance):
Names, addresses, or contact information of current or past owners
Phone numbers, driver’s license numbers, or other private identifiers
Fun Facts About Delaware
- In Delaware, low-numbered license plates are highly coveted status symbols, commanding exorbitant prices.
- Delaware was the last state to switch to the standardized license plate size of 6 by 12 inches in 1958, long after most other states had adopted the size.
- Low-numbered plates in Delaware, especially numbers 1, 2, and 3, have traditionally been reserved for top state officials like the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Secretary of State, adding to their prestige
Other Vehicle Check Tools
Before purchasing, verify a car’s history, factory details, and ownership records with these essential tools.
VIN Decoder
Window Sticker Lookup
Build Sheet by VIN
Classic Car History Report
License Plate Lookup By States
Our license plate lookups are widely available in all the states listed below.
Fun Facts
FAQs About Delaware License Plate Lookup
Q. Should you blur your license plate in the photo?
A . Sharing images of visible license plates online poses significant data security and identity theft risks. Blurring license plates in online content is crucial to mitigate these dangers, particularly given that high-end vehicles are prime targets for auto theft.
Q. What is the 3 number of a Delaware license plate?
A . In Delaware, plate number 1 is reserved for the governor, 2 for the lieutenant governor, and 3 for the secretary of state.
Q. Are license plates owned by the state?
A . Remember, license plates are tied to the person who registered them. When a vehicle is sold, the plates must be removed. If this isn’t done, the original owner will be held accountable for misusing the vehicle or the plates.
Q. What Does a Black License Plate Mean in Delaware?
A . In Delaware, black license plates are not standard issue but rather a special option. They are often replicas of the original plate design from the early 1900s and are made from porcelain or stainless steel. Drivers purchase them as a status symbol or collectible upgrade, paying extra fees compared to a regular plate.
Q. Why Are Delaware License Plates Considered Special?
A . Delaware license plates hold a unique reputation because of their rarity, especially low-number plates. These plates are seen as symbols of prestige, with many collectors willing to pay high prices to own them. The strong demand has turned them into both a status symbol and an investment, making them stand out from regular plates found in other states.
