Delaware License Plate Lookup
No VIN, no worries. Try our Delaware license plate lookup to access the history of any used car in Delaware. Being cautious before buying a used vehicle can help you find good deals or reveal hidden issues underneath the cover, like unseen lien or loan, title status, etc. Simply enter the DE license plate number into our tool to generate the complete report instantly.
Table of Contents
How Does the Delaware License Plate Lookup Work?
Generating a vehicle report history is easy. Just enter the license plate number into the form search bar, click “search,” and wait for the report to be completed.
Video: How to Lookup a Kentucky License Plate
Step 1: Enter the License Plate Number
You can find the license plate number on the front and back of the vehicle. Fill out the form on this page and submit it.
Step 2: Review and Purchase
Check vehicle specifications and features and complete your purchase.
Step 3: Access Your Report
Access your vehicle history report instantly. Download and print it easily.
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.
- 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
Is There Any Free 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:

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 Specifications:
Include the year, make, model, trim level, and engine details to help confirm the vehicle’s authenticity and suitability.
Accident History:
Shows records of accidents, including damage severity and repairs, giving a clear view of the vehicle’s condition.
Ownership History:
Provides a timeline of past owners, duration of ownership, and how well the vehicle was cared for.
Sales Records:
Summarizes the vehicle’s sales history, including transactions, ownership changes, and sale dates.
Auction History:
Identifies if the vehicle was sold at auction, which can indicate market demand or possible quality issues.
Title Status:
Confirms if the title is clean, salvage, rebuilt, or branded, helping you assess its legal and physical condition.
Lien Records:
Highlights any active loans or liens on the vehicle that could affect ownership transfer.
Open Recalls:
Lists any unresolved recalls or safety defects, informing you about potential risks.
Theft Records:
Verifies if the vehicle was reported stolen, ensuring it is legal and free from issues.
Odometer Reading:
Confirms mileage accuracy to help evaluate the vehicle’s wear and usage, and to detect any odometer rollback.
Service and Maintenance History:
Details past repairs and servicing, showing how well the vehicle has been maintained.
Service History
Access maintenance and repair records, including service dates, types of work performed, and parts replaced.
License Plate and Regulations in Delaware
All the states in the U.S. have their laws and regulations regarding license plates, including Delaware. These rules and regulations comply with the country’s regulations and ensure that vehicle owners are in the right place.
Who is Responsible for License Plates 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.
License Plate Placement Regulations in Delaware
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.
License Plate Type in Delaware
Delaware offers a few license plate types you can apply aside from the standard version.
Standard Version of License Plate
Applies for 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 for certain plates, ensuring compliance before ordering.
Other Vehicle Check Tools
Before purchasing, verify a car’s history, factory details, and ownership records with these essential tools.
VIN Decoder
Our VIN decoder does the trick if the license plate number is unavailable. Quickly decode your VIN to access detailed information from factory details to original specifications and all vehicle history records.
Window Stickers
Get a copy of the original window sticker of any vehicle, showing all the options, packages, standard features and equipment, safety ratings, fuel economy, and factory-installed parts your vehicle came with.
Build Sheets for Classic Vehicles
Like window stickers, you can get build sheets for classic or vintage vehicles with our build sheet lookup tool for classic vehicles with the VIN only. View specifications, features, color, pricing, and more.
Classic Car History Report
You won’t find this anywhere else! Our classic car VIN check provides exclusive records for all old vehicles, giving you a full classic car vehicle history report that Carfax and AutoCheck can’t. Check a vintage car’s authenticity today!
License Plate Lookup By States
Fun Facts
In Delaware, low-numbered license plates are highly coveted status symbols, commanding exorbitant prices. A 2020 study valued plates numbered 10 to 99,999 at an astonishing $227 million, nearly six times the state’s operating budget, highlighting the premium on these exclusive identifiers.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
In Delaware, plate number 1 is reserved for the governor, 2 for the lieutenant governor, and 3 for the secretary of state.
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.
Yes, you can track a vehicle’s history using its license plate number, but not its real-time location. A lookup will show accident reports, ownership history, recalls, and mileage records, while the DMV can verify the last reported location of the vehicle.