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 being scrapped, and some are sold illegally in the used car market. Use the Pennsylvania license plate lookup and get the report now.
Table of Contents:
What is a Pennsylvania License Plate Lookup?
The Pennsylvania License Plate Lookup is a tool you can use to look up the license plate and get the vehicle history report that shows everything about the vehicle. If you are a buyer and want to purchase a used car in Pennsylvania, don't forget to look up the license plate number with our Pennsylvania License Plate Lookup service.
With just the license plate, you can get plenty of crucial information, such as past ownership, real mileage records, warranty coverage, accident history, recalls check, auction records, maintenance history, and more.
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:
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
Why Lookup Pennsylvania License Plate Number?
A vehicle history report is the extra guide you need to find the perfect car and make the right decisions. It does not matter if you are a buyer or a seller; you can always check the license plate number to ensure that the vehicle has no bad history, which helps you close the deal faster.
- For Buyers
- Verify Vehicle Authenticity Ensure the vehicle matches the description and hasn't been misrepresented.
- Identify Hidden Issues Discover any past accidents, liens, or title brands that could affect the car's value.
- Know What You're Paying For Get an accurate estimate of the car's market value and avoid overpaying.
- Protect Yourself from Fraud: Verify that the car isn't stolen or involved in any ongoing legal disputes.
- For Sellers
- Improve Transparency Provide detailed, verifiable information to help gain the trust of buyers.
- Price Your Vehicle Accurately Use info from history records to set a fair price based on the vehicle's value.
- Avoid Future Disputes Provide all information upfront to avoid any post-sale issues.
- Increase Your Sales Chances A complete history can make your vehicle more attractive to potential buyers.
What Information Can You Get With a Pennsylvania License Plate Lookup?
A Pennsylvania license plate lookup will provide the following information:
Vehicle Specification
Detailed data on the car's make, model, year, transmission, engine type, drive type, country of origin, MSRP, fuel type, and more. Check this section to ensure the vehicle matches your needs and budget.
Ownership History
See how many people have owned the vehicle.. Check their location, year of purchase, and duration of ownership.
Accident Reports
Verify if the vehicle has ever been involved in an accident. Check the date and the location where the accident happened.
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, the location, and the final price of the vehicle. You will also get up to 10 pictures that show the vehicle's condition during the auction (if available).
Lien/Loan Records
Information about any existing liens or loans that may affect the transfer of ownership. Before you purchase the vehicle, make sure that the lien/loan records are cleared off by the previous owners.
Theft History
Confirmation on whether the vehicle has ever been reported stolen or involved in theft. See the date, location, and data source of the stolen vehicle.
Mileage Records
Verification of the vehicle's mileage to assess overall wear and tear. In this section, you can get the date and mileage record and the last recorded mileage of the vehicle.
Title Information
Examine whether the title is clean, salvaged, or branded, affecting the car's safety and value. Make sure the car's title is clean before you buy the vehicle.
Damage Verification
Check if the vehicle has suffered any damage caused by natural disasters like floods, fire, accidents, dents, scratches, and more.
Recalls and Safety Issues
Check for any current recalls or unresolved safety concerns. Examine the date of recalls, the issues that cause recalls, and the resolution of the recalls. Thus, you can also see if the recalls are resolved.
Service History
Access to records of maintenance and repairs, detailing services performed, and parts replaced. See the date, location, and what kind of service was done.
How to Lookup a Pennsylvania License Plate Number
1
Enter the License Plate Number
2
Review and Purchase
3
Access Your Report
A Real Case: Why the Pennsylvania License Plate Report is Important?
Owen wanted to buy a used 1996 EAGLE TALON from a private seller in Harrisburg. Before he paid for the down payment, he decided to use the Pennsylvania license plate lookup, and here's what he found on the report.
Actual Condition
- 1 accident record
- 2 Record(s) of damage
- 9 service & repair records
- 1 sales record
Seller's Claim
- Never been in an accident
- Personally used
- Has no damage
- Price is the same as the market price
Outcome
- Owen decided not to buy the vehicle because it has been in an accident and has 2 records of damage that could be dangerous.
Why Checking the License Plate is a MUST
- Look up the license plate and get the report to ensure that the vehicle's condition is just fine
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 a 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” at the bottom.
Types of Pennsylvania License Plates
Pennsylvania offers a wide range of license plates to suit your needs and preferences. From standard plates to personalized designs, PennDOT provides different choices to honor the service, support causes, or reflect personal style.
Standard License Plate
This is the common license plate type that is usually used by drivers in Pennsylvania. They have the state's signature blue, white, and gold design, which is instantly recognizable. Standard plates are the most affordable and widely used option.
Military and Veteran Plates
This kind of license plate is reserved for military personnel only, such as active-duty members, veterans, and recipients of military honors like the Purple Heart. These plates allow drivers to proudly display their service and sacrifice. Each design is specific to a branch or medal.
Special Fund
Special fund plates are used to raise awareness of many causes, such as veterans' programs, wildlife conservation, or breast cancer research. By choosing the special funds, the driver will directly support the cause.
Special Organizations
Issued through schools, nonprofits, or clubs, these plates showcase affiliation with a group. To qualify, drivers usually need proof of membership. It's a way to represent a community or organization on the road.
Specialty
Specialty plates include unique themes and designs tied to Pennsylvania culture, history, or other interests. They let drivers customize their vehicles with a plate that feels more personal than the standard issue.
Personalized License Plates
By choosing the personalized license plate, drivers get to choose to personalize their license plate with up to seven numbers or letters. While being creative is completely allowed, PennDOT does not allow offensive or misleading phrases.
License Plate Cost in Pennsylvania
Getting a license plate in Pennsylvania comes with different fees depending on the type of plate you choose. Standard plates are part of the registration process, but personalized or specialty plates cost extra. Replacement fees also apply if a plate is lost or damaged.
- Standard plate (included with registration): $48.00
- Personalized Registration Plate (standard issue): $103.00
- Antique, Classic, and Collectible: (Fee is in addition to $72.00 certificate of title fee.) $102.00
- Replacement plate (lost or damaged): $14 for a standard license plate, while the personalized plate costs $0.
How to Register a Car Title in Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, every vehicle must have a valid title and registration before it can be driven. If you buy a car from a dealer, most of the paperwork is handled for you. But if you purchase from a private seller or bring a car from another state, you'll need to complete the process yourself.
To register a car title in Pennsylvania, you will need:
To register a car title in Pennsylvania, you will need:
- The vehicle title is signed by the seller
- A completed Application for Certificate of Title (Form MV-1 or MV-4ST)
- Proof of Pennsylvania car insurance
- A valid PA driver's license or ID
- Odometer reading and sales tax payment
- Applicable fees for registration and titling
All paperwork must be processed through an authorized PennDOT agent, tag service, or local DMV office. Once approved, you'll receive the new title in your name and a valid registration to operate the vehicle.
Transferring License Plates in Pennsylvania
When you get a new car, you don’t always need to buy new plates. In Pennsylvania, most drivers can transfer their existing plates to another vehicle they own. This is often cheaper than getting a new plate and keeps your registration number the same.
To transfer license plates, you must:
To transfer license plates, you must:
- Provide your current plate number and registration card
- Submit the title and registration application (Form MV-1 or MV-4ST)
- Show proof of insurance and a valid PA ID or driver’s license
- Pay the plate transfer fee along with registration costs
The plate transfer can usually be done at the same time you title and register your new car. Keep in mind that plates can only be transferred between vehicles owned by the same person or family.
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
Decode your VIN to access detailed information from factory details to original specifications and all vehicle history records.
Window Sticker Lookup
Get a copy of the original window sticker of any vehicle, showing all the options, packages, standard features, and equipment.
Build Sheets for Classic Vehicles
Get build sheets for classic cars with our build sheet tool for classic vehicles with the VIN only. View specifications, features, color, pricing, and more.
Classic Car History Report
Our classic car VIN check provides exclusive records for all old vehicles, giving you a full classic car vehicle history.
License Plate Lookup By States
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FAQs About Pennsylvania License Plate Lookup
A. 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.
A. 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 the history records.
A. No, there are privacy laws that prevent the public from viewing car owners' personal information through their license plates.
A. 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.
A. 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.
A. To get a vanity plate in Pennsylvania:
- 1.Check if your desired plate is available using PennDOT's Personalized Plate Availability Tool.
- 2.Fill out Form MV-904.
- 3.Mail the form with the required fee to: Bureau of Motor Vehicles, PO Box 68293, Harrisburg, PA 17106-8293.
PennDOT reviews all requests. If the plate meets guidelines, it will be issued within about 10 weeks. Requests with offensive, obscene, or restricted content will be denied and returned.
Quick License Plate Lookup
Enter license plate number to get vehicle information
Quick License Plate Lookup
Enter license plate number to get vehicle information