Wisconsin License Plate Lookup
Buying a used vehicle sometimes requires extra steps to avoid getting scammed and buying problematic vehicles. You can perform individual background checks on the vehicle using the license plate number to save time and money. Simply use our Wisconsin license plate search to uncover a used vehicle’s history before its purchase. Lookup any WI license plate without hassle..
Table of Contents
What is Wisconsin License Plate Lookup?
The Wisconsin license plate lookup is a tool you can use to look up the license plate and get the vehicle history report as a form of background check. This service can be for both sellers and buyers before any transaction happens to avoid any scams and to ensure that the vehicle is in very good condition.
By using the vehicle history report, you’ll get a vehicle history report that will show you the complete vehicle history, such as accident check, auction history, recall, warranty coverage, past owners, real mileage records, and more.
Can I Get a Free Wisconsin License Plate Lookup?
Yes, you can get a free license plate lookup from our service. However, the information provided in the report differs from that of the fully paid service.
- 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
The Importance of Wisconsin License Plate Lookup?
A Wisconsin family is suing Chase Auto Finance for emotional and property damages after their car was repossessed despite having settled all debts. The family’s lawyers seek compensation and highlight what they claim is a systemic issue with auto repossessions.
The couple had agreed to a repayment plan and had Chase confirm their debt as repaid, but their car was repossessed weeks later. The case underscores concerns about repossession practices, and the family is requesting a jury trial while Chase has moved to compel arbitration.
This situation underscores the importance of conducting a vehicle history report lookup before purchasing a used car. A vehicle history report can reveal if a car has been repossessed, involved in accidents, or has any title issues.
What Can You Get Through a Wisconsin License Plate Lookup?
The Wisconsin license plate lookup can get you the detailed information of the vehicle from the vehicle’s specifications up to the records, like the accident, recalls, past owners, and more. Here’s a clear picture of what you’ll be getting with the Wisconsin license plate lookup.
Vehicle Specification
Confirm the vehicle’s trim, fuel type, MSRP, country of origin, and engine type to ensure its authenticity and suitability for your needs.
Accident History
Access detailed records of past accidents, including the extent of damage and completed repairs, to evaluate the car’s condition. You can see the date and the location where the accident happened.
Ownership History
Learn about the car’s previous owners of the vehicle. See the year of purchase, period of ownership, and the location where the vehicle was registered.
Sales Records
Review past ownership changes and sales data to understand the car’s transaction history. You’ll see how many times the vehicle was put on sale, the status, the sales date, and the price.
Auction History
Find out if the car was sold at auction, which could indicate quality issues or market interest. See the location and the date when the auction happened. Also, you can get up to ten pictures that show the vehicle’s condition during the auction.
Title Status
Verify whether the title is clean, salvaged, rebuilt, or branded to assess its legal and physical status. Make sure that the vehicle’s title is clean before you decide to buy the vehicle.
Lien/Loan Records
Check for existing liens or unpaid loans that might complicate ownership transfer. Examine this section and make sure that the vehicle is free of liens and encumbrances.
Open Recalls
Identify any unresolved safety recalls or defects that require attention. Make sure to check the date, causes, and the steps taken by the manufacturer to fix the recalls. On top of that, you can see if the recalls were not addressed and left open.
Theft Records
Confirm that the vehicle has not been reported stolen to ensure its legitimacy. See the records like the date, location, and the data source of the stolen vehicle.
Odometer Reading
Validate the mileage to check for accuracy and estimate the car’s usage and wear. In this section, you can get the actual odometer reading of the vehicle along with the date and the last recorded mileage.
Service and Maintenance History
Examine past repairs and servicing records to understand how well the vehicle was maintained. See the date, location, and the maintenance done by the previous owners to the vehicle.
Warranty Coverage
Check if the vehicle is still covered by existing warranties like basic, powertrain, roadside assistance, maintenance, and corrosion protection.
Real Case of Why Wisconsin License Plate Lookup is Important
A buyer bought a used 1999 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS; she bought the car without checking the history first, and a few months later, the car broke down. Her husband runs the Wisconsin license plate lookup, and this is what they saw on the report.
Actual Condition
- 1 accident record
- 1 Record(s) of damage
- 1 sales record
Seller’s Claim
- Privately used
- Never been in an accident
- Has no major damage
- Never been in an accident
Actual Condition
- To check if the vehicle has ever been in an accident or has extensive damage
- Make sure that it’s all worth the money
Outcome
- They decided to sell the car for good because it was too expensive to repair
How Does the Wisconsin 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
First of all, find the license plate number of the vehicle you want to purchase. If you do not have it, ask the seller/salesperson directly.
Fill Out the Form
Write down the license plate number on the form above and click the button to submit the form.
Lookup MI License Plate
Wait for seconds for the report to be generated, proceed to payment, and then you will get the full vehicle history report.
License Plate Regulation in Wisconsin
Vehicle Types and Requiring License Plate
All motor vehicles operated on the road must have two license plates mounted on the front and rear sides of the vehicle. These are the types of vehicles that require license plates:
- Passenger cars
- Trucks
- Motorcycles
- Trailers
- Mopeds
Certain vehicles, like mopeds and motorcycles, have specific plate designs and requirements.
Wisconsin License Plate Types and Design
Wisconsin’s standard license plate features a clean, straightforward design representing the state’s identity and values.
Design
The standard plate has a white background with black lettering, making it easy to read. It includes a small red decal with the word “Wisconsin” written in bold, accompanied by the state’s slogan and imagery to reflect its culture and heritage.
Format
The plate number format typically includes letters and numbers, such as “ABC-1234” or “123-ABC.” This standardized format ensures that every vehicle registered in the state is unique.
Slogan
The plate carries Wisconsin’s slogan, “America’s Dairyland,” celebrating its status as a leading dairy producer in the United States. This slogan highlights the state’s agricultural pride and history.
Types of License Plates in Wisconsin
Standard Plates
The standard license plates are issued for passenger vehicles, motorcycles, and trucks. They display the standard Wisconsin design and are the most common type used on public roads.
Specialty Plates
Personalized plates allow owners to create unique messages, adhering to state guidelines. Additionally, there are plates for antique and collector vehicles, specifically for cars older than 20 and 40 years.
Military and Professional Plates
Veterans, active-duty military personnel, and certified professionals like firefighters and EMS workers can apply for plates honoring their service or profession.
Special Interest Plates
Wisconsin offers plates that promote universities, charitable causes, and environmental conservation. Examples include university logo plates and wildlife conservation designs.
Temporary and Dealer Plates
Temporary plates are issued for short-term use while waiting for permanent registration. Auto dealers use dealer plates for vehicles they own or are selling.
License Plate Costs in Wisconsin
In Wisconsin, most passenger cars are charged a base registration fee of $85 per year. The final price you pay, though, can be higher depending on your vehicle and where you live.
Here are the main factors that influence the total cost:
- Standard Registration Fee: $85 for regular automobiles.
- Vehicle Category: Light trucks are charged more, and the fee goes up with weight.
- EV and Hybrid Surcharges: Electric and hybrid vehicles may face extra charges of up to $175.
- Personalized Plates: Adding a custom message on your plate typically costs an extra $15 each year.
- Local Wheel Taxes: Some counties and cities collect their own registration fee on top of state charges. For example, Dane County adds $28, while Milwaukee County adds $30.
Because both surcharges and local fees vary, it’s a good idea to confirm the exact amount with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) before registering or renewing your plates.
Fun Facts about Wisconsin
- The “Sesquicentennial of Wisconsin’s Statehood” plate, issued from 1997 to 1999, won the Plate of the Year award for best new optional license plate in 1997 by the Automobile License Plate Collectors Association.
- Wisconsin first started issuing license plates in 1905, making it one of the earlier states to adopt vehicle registration.
- The current standard plate carries the slogan “America’s Dairyland,” celebrating the state’s strong reputation for cheese and dairy farming.
Other Vehicle Check Tools.
VIN Decoder
Window Sticker Lookup
Build Sheet by VIN
Classic Car History Report
License Plate Lookup By States
Our license plate lookup service covers other states, as listed below.
FAQs About Wisconsin License Plate Lookup
Q. What if my car does not have a license plate holder in Wisconsin?
A. In Wisconsin, your vehicle must have a front and back license plate. This legal requirement is specified in Wisconsin State Statute 341.15(1). This law mandates that vehicle owners properly display both plates.
Q. What does MV mean in Wisconsin license plates?
A. Statutory reference. s.218.10, s.341.51. DMV inquiry. MV (motor vehicle), MC (motorcycle).
Q. Can someone trace my license plate?
A. Not really. Suppose they use a third-party license plate lookup tool. Most likely, they are checking a license plate number, which can show you a car’s history. This includes maintenance
Q. Does a Wisconsin license plate lookup provide lien or loan information?
A. Yes, certain reports can show whether a vehicle has an active lien, helping buyers avoid unexpected financial responsibilities.
Q. Are auction photos available through a Wisconsin license plate search?
A. Many detailed vehicle history reports include past auction records and images, which help verify the car’s condition before purchase.
records, accidents, mileage, and even if it was repossessed.
Q. Can I look up a vehicle’s title history using just the license plate?
A. Yes, many lookup services allow you to enter a plate number (and state) to retrieve title records, including registrations in multiple states, lien history, and title changes.
Q. Does a license plate lookup show whether a vehicle was in salvage or flood damage?
A. It often can. Comprehensive reports typically include title brands and damage claims (like flood, salvage, or fire) tied to the vehicle’s history.
Q. If I don’t have the VIN, can I still get a full vehicle report by just using the license plate?
A. Yes, in many systems, you can use the license plate number and state to still get a detailed report, especially when the VIN is missing, illegible, or unavailable.
