Pennsylvania License Plate Lookup
In 2020, flood damage in Pennsylvania cost nearly $2.8 billion, and several vehicles were damaged in the process. Some of these vehicles end up scrapped, and some are sold illegally in the used car market to unsuspecting buyers. A Pennsylvania license plate lookup helps buyers spot these vehicles and avoid them. Get a check now!
Table of Contents
Can You Look Up a License Plate for Free in Pennsylvania?
Yes, you can look up a license plate for free in Pennsylvania. However, free checks only give you basic information about the vehicle, such as its specifications, engine specs, and features. For a more detailed check, we recommend you utilize our Pennsylvania license plate lookup tool.
Here’s what you can check with our tool for free:
- 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
- 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
What Can You Learn from License Plate History Records
First, you can check for flood damage. It’s illegal to sell flood-damaged vehicles, but scammers trick unsuspecting buyers into buying them regardless. A license plate lookup can expose these records. Not just that, you can get a full history check to access theft records, ownership history, accident records, service and repair history, and everything in between.
A Pennsylvania license plate lookup will provide the following information:
Vehicle Specifications
Detailed data on the car’s make, model, year, transmission, engine type, and notable features.
Ownership History
A record of past owners, including the duration of ownership, number of previous owners, and registration locations.
Accident Reports
A report of previous accidents, including severity, location, and damage details, including up to 10 photos if available.
Sales Records
Information on the car’s sale prices, locations, seller types, and any repairs or damages.
Auction History
Records of any auction sales, including dates, sale prices, up to 10 photos, and additional details.
Lien and Loan Records
Information about any existing liens or loans that may affect the transfer of ownership.
Theft Records
Confirmation on whether the vehicle has ever been reported stolen or involved in theft.
Mileage Records
Verification of the vehicle’s mileage to assess overall wear and tear.
Title Information
Clarification on whether the title is clean, salvaged, or branded, affecting the car’s safety and value.
Market Value Estimation
Ensure you’re getting a fair price when buying or selling.
Recalls and Safety Issues
Check for any current recalls or unresolved safety concerns.
Service History
Access to records of maintenance and repairs, detailing services performed, and parts replaced.
Why Look Up License Plates?
You don’t want to jump into a car purchase with just the seller’s word as your assurance. A vehicle history report is the extra guide you need to find the perfect car and make the right decisions.
In 2022, there was a total of 115,938 car crashes in Pennsylvania, and there’s a big chance that the used car you’re looking at buying or even selling has accident records. How can you find out for sure? With a license plate search in Pennsylvania.
Some more reasons why you must check a vehicle’s history with a Pennsylvania license plate search are:
For Buyers
For Sellers
- Verify Vehicle Authenticity: Ensure the car matches its description and hasn't been misrepresented.
- Identify Hidden Issues: Check for past accidents, liens, theft reports, or title issues that could impact the car's value.
- Know What You're Paying For: Get a reliable market value estimate to avoid overpaying.
- Protect Yourself from Fraud: Verify the vehicle isn't stolen to prevent legal troubles and financial loss.
- Improve Transparency: Provide clear and verifiable details to increase transparency.
- Price Your Vehicle Accurately: Use accurate market data to price all vehicles in your inventory fairly.
- Avoid Future Disputes: Share all relevant information upfront to avoid post-sale conflicts.
- Increase Your Sales Chances: Buyers are more likely to purchase quickly when they have confidence in the vehicle's history.
How To Lookup A Pennsylvania License Plate Number
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.
Pennsylvania Laws/Legislation on License Plates
As a car owner or buyer in Pennsylvania, you need to be aware of certain laws to drive your vehicle legally. First, Pennsylvania law requires license plates to be securely attached to the rear of a vehicle, clearly visible, and at least 12 inches from the ground. License plates that are illegible or obstructed are illegal.
These rules ensure all vehicles are properly registered and comply with safety regulations.
Vehicle Registration and Plate Requirements
- To register a vehicle in Pennsylvania, you'll need to provide proof of ownership, insurance, and safety inspection. You'll also need to pay registration fees and taxes.
- The license plate must be clearly visible
- License plate-flipping devices are prohibited
- If you purchase a vehicle from an individual without a transferable registration plate, you can get a temporary registration plate from an authorized PennDOT agent.
- Pennsylvania does not offer a grace period for renewing expired vehicle registrations.
Renewing Your Pennsylvania License Plate
Renewing your Pennsylvania license plate is straightforward. You can renew online, in person at the PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services, or by mail.
To renew online, you’ll need your plate and title numbers, insurance details, and payment information. In-person renewal requires the renewal notice and payment. Mail-in requires the completed application form and payment. Remember, there’s no grace period for expired plates, so renew promptly!
Pennsylvania License Plate Design and Format
The 2025 license plate is white with navy blue numbers and an illustration of the Liberty Bell. It includes the slogan “Let Freedom Ring” in red lettering. The previous design was introduced in 2017 and featured a white outline of the state map. It also included the slogan “visit.pa.com” on the bottom.
Types of Pennsylvania License Plates
There are several types of license plates in Pennsylvania. Some common ones are:
- Standard issue
- Military license plates
- Special fund
- Special organizations
- Specialty
- Personalized license plates
Get More Than a License Plate Lookup
Easily access all the tools you need to get a full car background check and make the best decisions:
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
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can look up a PA license plate with a license plate lookup tool. All you need to do is enter the license plate number into the form on this page and submit it. You will immediately receive the vehicle’s specifications, history records, and more.
Our license plate lookup tool decodes the license plate for free, allowing you to access vehicle specifications and features. However, you will need to make a payment to access history records.
No, there are privacy laws that prevent the public from viewing car owners’ personal information through their license plates.
Yes, the public can look up license plate numbers to view vehicle specifications, ownership records, theft records, accident records, damages, maintenance records, open recalls, and lots more. Note, however, that you cannot view personal information with the license plate number.
Yes, you can run a license plate online for any vehicle in Pennsylvania using our PA license plate lookup tool. Just fill out the form on this page and submit it to get a detailed report about your vehicle’s specifications, ownership history, theft records, damages, images, service history, lien and loan records, and more.
