New Jersey License Plate Lookup
The New Jersey license plate lookup from Detailed Vehicle History is a one-stop license plate search solution for anyone considering buying a used vehicle in New Jersey to ensure you get the right vehicle with no issues.
Table of Contents
What is a New Jersey License Plate Lookup?
The New Jersey license plate lookup is a tool that can be used by both sellers and buyers who want to buy or sell used items in New Jersey. Sometimes, running a background check is a hassle, but the New Jersey license plate lookup makes it easy.
You just need to use the license plate number to obtain the vehicle history report, which will get you the important information such as recalls check, accident history, past owners, warranty coverage, auction history, service records, and more.
Don’t forget to always check the hidden information of the vehicle you are selling/buying with the New Jersey license plate lookup service.
Can You Look Up a License Plate for Free in New Jersey?
Yes, you can use a free license plate lookup service. Our service provides all the information below at no cost.
- 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
Please remember that the free license plate look-up service provides limited information. While it provides great starting points, you can use our paid service if you need more comprehensive information.
Why Do You Need a New Jersey License Plate Lookup?
In 2022, the number of stolen vehicles in New Jersey skyrocketed to more than 15,000. The majority of thefts occurred in Essex; there is a possibility that the stolen cars will be resold; hence, do a license plate search to make sure that you do not buy a stolen car.
If you are a buyer, make sure you do a proper background check to avoid accidentally buying a stolen car that could be seized by the government, and you will not get your money back. On the other hand, if you are a dealer, using the New Jersey license plate lookup will help you see if the vehcile is good enough to be sold and check the reasonable price based on the MSRP, market value, and the sales records.
What Can You Learn from New Jersey License Plate Records
The paid option for the license plate lookup service by Detailed Vehicle History offers more comprehensive and complete information on the vehicle report. Here is the information on the report you can get on the paid service.
Vehicle Specification
Helps you see the basic information of the vehicle. See the vehicle’s trim, drive type, country of origin, MSRP, drive type, fuel type, engine capacity, standard seating, and more.
Accident History
Reports whether the vehicle has ever been involved in accidents to help you assess the car’s safety. See the date, location, and how many times it was involved in an accident.
Ownership History
This section includes details about ownership, including the number of previous owners and how the car was cared for. Check the period of ownership, the location, and the year of purchase.
Warranty Coverage
See if the vehicle is still covered by the existing or extended warranty. See the months and mileage limit of warranties like basic, powertrain, corrosion, and roadside assistance.
Auction History
To check whether the car has been sold at auctions, because it could affect its market value and history. You’ll see the date, location, and the final sale price of the vehicle, and get up to ten photos that show the vehicle’s condition during the auction.
Title Status
Shows if the car was marked as salvaged, rebuilt, or a clean title. Make sure that the vehicle’s title is clean before you make any payment.
Lien/Loan Records
List any outstanding loans or financial obligations tied to the car that might affect its ownership transfer. Before you purchase the vehicle, make sure that the lien/loan is resolved by the previous owner.
Open Recalls
Warns you about any unfinished recalls or safety concerns of the car. Check the date of recalls, the causes, and the resolution taken by manufacturers to resolve the recalls. Thus, you can see if the recalls are still open.
Theft Records
To confirm whether the vehicle has ever been stolen and returned. See the date when the vehicle was stolen, the location, and the data source of the information.
Odometer Verification
Verifying the actual mileage the car has, just in case the odometer is rolled back. In this section, you’ll see the recorded odometer along with the date and the last recorded odometer of the vehicle.
Service and Maintenance History
This section shows the car’s service and maintenance history to ensure its reliability and safety. See the date, location, and what service was performed with the vehicle.
Past Usage Records
Be informed about the vehicle’s past usage. See if it was used as a personal vehicle, rented, leased, or even used as a government vehicle.
Always remember to perform a license plate lookup before buying a used vehicle with our license plate look-up tool.
Why Getting an NJ License Plate Report is a Must?
Christ wanted to buy a used 2010 BUICK ENCLAVE from a private seller. Before he paid for the down payment, he decided to use the New Jersey license plate lookup, and here’s what he got on the report.
Actual Condition
- 1 accident record
- 2 Records of damage
- 2 specific events reported
- 1 auction record
- 1 lien or loan record
Seller’s Claim
- Privately used
- Clean, without dents
- Never been in an accident
Actual Condition
- Look up the license plate and get the vehicle history report before buying.
- To help you see if the seller’s claim is real
Outcome
- Christ decided not to buy the vehicle because it has one lien record and was in an accident
How Does the License Plate Lookup Work?
To perform a license plate lookup, follow these steps to get your report in less than a minute
Enter the License Plate Number
Find the plate number on the vehicle and input it into the form on this page.
Review and Purchase
Submit the form, check the vehicle’s specifications, and proceed to payment.
Get Your Report
After the full report is generated, don’t forget to download the report in PDF format.
Why You Should Look Up the New Jersey License Plate with Detailed Vehicle History?
- Comprehensive Vehicle Reports: Access 200+ data points, including specifications, ownership history, liens, and title checks.
- Accident & Theft Records: Review past accidents, damage reports, and theft status to ensure peace of mind.
- Auction & Sales Photos: See up to 10 images from previous auctions to verify condition and spot hidden issues.
New Jersey Laws/Legislation on License Plates
The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission manages the licensing of plates in the state. This agency oversees vehicle registration, license plate issuance, and other related services related to license plates.
The state requires the vehicle owner to put the license plate on the front and the back to ensure proper vehicle identification; however, trailers, motorized bicycles, motorcycles, and autocycles are each issued a single license plate.
In New Jersey, most vehicles must have license plates to be legally driven on public roads. This includes:
- Passenger cars
- Commercial vehicles
- Motorcycles
- Trailers
New Jersey License Plate Type and Design
New Jersey offers various types of license plates. Each plate type serves a specific purpose and caters to the different needs and preferences of vehicle owners in the state.
Types of New Jersey License Plates
New Jersey offers a variety of license plates to meet the needs of different drivers. Some of the most common types include:
Standard License Plate
Issued exclusively for private vehicles, this plate is used for personal identification and registration purposes, ensuring that each vehicle is uniquely recognized on the road.
Dedicated Plates
These plates provide a special way to support and represent various causes, including non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and personal interests. They serve as a form of vehicle identification and allow individuals to express their support for specific groups and causes through their choice of plate design.
Personalized Plates
Personalized license plates allow you to customize your license plate with custom numbers and letters. Please note that personalized license plates are subject to availability and approval.
Sports Plate
You can purchase an official sports license plate, such as the NBA, NASCAR, or NFL, which can be customized.
Government Plate
The government uses special license plates, including those belonging to the state and local governments.
Historic and Street Hot Rod License Plate
Exclusively issued for vehicles at least 25 years old and only used for educational purposes and exhibition by the owner. In addition, owners of modified antique vehicles may apply.
Disabled Plate
This plate is only for qualified disabled New Jersey citizens. Individuals who meet the medical qualifications are eligible to choose from one of three options: one set of wheelchair symbol license plates, one person with a disability placard, or one set of plates and one placard.
Organization Plate
License plates representing various organizations and causes allow individuals to show their support for specific groups.
New Jersey License Plate Highlight
From 1909 to 1915, the New Jersey license plate was made of porcelain-baked over steel. During this time, vehicle owners received a new plate annually because the design changed yearly with a new state abbreviation and year.
License Plate Cost in New Jersey
- Standard plates (non-special/dedicated): $6 fee.
- Personalized plates: one-time fee of $50.
- Special interest / “Dedicated” plates: $50 initial fee, plus an additional $10 annual renewal for most.
How to Register a Car in New Jersey?
If you are still confused about the steps of registering a car in New Jersey, you can follow these simple steps and get it done. Make sure to read the steps carefully to ensure you do it correctly.
To register a vehicle and transfer its title in New Jersey, follow these steps to comply with MVC rules:
- Bring a properly signed title from the seller, or a Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin if the vehicle is new.
- Fill out the Vehicle Registration Application (Form BA-49).
- Provide proof of valid New Jersey insurance and a government-issued photo ID.
- If the vehicle is financed or has liens, you’ll need lien holder information.
- If the vehicle came from out of state, include the title or registration documents from that state. The sizes of compliance differ depending on whether the previous state issued titles.
Fees to expect:
- Basic title fee is $60 for standard vehicles.
- If there’s one lien, the title fee increases to $85; if two liens, $110.
How to Transfer the License Plate in New Jersey?
You can transfer license plates to a different vehicle you own, under certain conditions: the vehicle must be the same class (for example, car to car), and the name on the registration must remain the same.
What to do:
- Go to an MVC agency with the new vehicle’s title and registration documents.
- Present proof of identity and proof of insurance.
Fees & restrictions:
- If you need replacement of lost or damaged plates, standard plate replacement costs $6, and for special/dedicated (special interest) plates, the fee is $11.
- If you change vehicles and want to keep your plates, it’s allowed only if the plates were issued in your name and the vehicle class matches
New Jersey License Plate Lookup – What's Allowed?
Each state has laws and legislation on license plates. When you request to generate a license plate report on our free service, you may notice that the owners’ details are censored. This is because of the Driver Privacy Protection Act (DPPA), a federal law that protects personal information linked to vehicle reports. The DPPA stops unauthorized people from sharing the private details of the owner. These laws ensure that sensitive information is kept confidential and accessible only to authorized persons for specific purposes such as law enforcement or business needs.
New Jersey License Plate Highlight
- From 1909 to 1915, the New Jersey license plate was made of porcelain-baked over steel. During this time, vehicle owners received a new plate annually because the design changed yearly with a new state abbreviation and year.
- New Jersey was the first state to issue a license plate in 1903, making it a pioneer in vehicle registration in the United States.
- The iconic “Garden State” plate design was introduced in 1954 and has been the basis for several special edition plates since.
Everything You Need for a Complete Vehicle Check
Use these simple tools to check a car’s history and make the best decision before buying.
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.
FAQs About New Jersey License Plate Lookup
Q. Can you get a vehicle history report through the New Jersey license plate lookup?
A. Yes, you can get a vehicle history report by using the New Jersey license plate lookup.
Q. Can someone trace my license plate?
A. They can trace your license plate, but don’t worry, they cannot get the details like your address. However, a third-party VIN decoder might get you vehicle details like fuel economy, engine capacity, accident history, odometer reading, etc.
Q. Can you get a pulled over for no front license plate in New Jersey?
A. Yes, you can. The New Jersey government requires vehicle owners to put license plates on the front and back of their vehicles, so if one of the license plates is missing, be ready to get pulled over.
Q. How much is a ticket for no license plates in New Jersey?
A. The fine for not displaying a front license plate in New Jersey is up to $100. This violation is found in New Jersey Statutes Title 39, Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulation.
Q. Does the New Jersey license plate lookup work for common plates or personalized plates?
A. Our New Jersey license plate lookup can be used to look up both common plates and personalized license plates.
Q. Can I use New Jersey license plate lookup services to find out about a vehicle’s accident history?
A. Yes. A New Jersey license plate lookup can reveal details about a car’s accident history. Reports often include:
- Records of past collisions tied to the vehicle
- Supporting documentation, such as insurance or police reports
- Information about the severity and date of the incident
This helps buyers confirm whether a vehicle has been in an accident before making a purchase.
Q. Is it legal to run a free New Jersey license plate search?
A. Yes. Performing a license plate search in New Jersey is legal, but certain details are protected. Information restricted under the Driver’s Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) and state privacy laws, such as personal owner data, is not included in reports. Access to those records is only allowed with proper legal authority or written permission from the vehicle owner.
