Virginia License Plate Lookup
Plan to buy a used vehicle in Virginia? Use the Virginia license plate lookup and get the vehicle history report by simply entering the license plate number on the form below.
Table of Contents
What is a Virginia License Plate Lookup?
The Virginia license plate lookup is essential for anyone looking to check a vehicle’s history by license plate. Whether you are a buyer or a seller, getting a vehicle history report before the transaction process is important. The report includes information about the vehicle, such as ownership history, title, mileage history, lien records, theft records, service history, and more.
Can I Get a Free Virginia License Plate Lookup?
Yes, you can get a free license plate lookup for your vehicle in Virginia. Also, remember that the free vehicle history report doesn’t have as much information as the paid one. However, you can utilize our free license plate lookup to obtain some important information.
This is the information you’ll get on the free version of the vehicle history report.
- 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
Why Conduct a Virginia License Plate Lookup?
A license plate lookup is essential for buyers and sellers to avoid fraud and legal trouble. In Washington, D.C., and Virginia, stolen cars have been fraudulently registered and sold with clean titles, putting unsuspecting buyers at risk. A recent investigation found that the Virginia DMV issued clean titles for stolen vehicles, allowing criminals to resell them without suspicion.
For buyers, running a license plate lookup ensures the vehicle is not stolen, has no hidden liens, and matches the seller’s claims. Without it, you could unknowingly purchase a stolen car and face legal consequences.
For sellers, a Virginia license plate check helps prove ownership and builds trust with buyers. It also provides transparency and prevents future disputes. Whether buying or selling, checking a vehicle’s history through its license plate is a smart way to stay protected and make informed decisions.
What information You’ll Get in a Virginia License Plate Report?
Getting a vehicle history report through license plate lookup lets you better understand the vehicle and helps you decide before purchasing the vehicle. Here is the information you’ll be getting from the paid vehicle history report.
Vehicle Specification
The detailed basic information about the vehicle, including its year, make, model, engine specifications, country of origin, MSRP, drive type, and the standard seating of the vehicle.
Accident History
Offers information on whether the vehicle has been in any accidents. Check the date, location, and how many times the vehicle was involved in an accident.
Ownership History
Information about the vehicle’s previous owner, how long they owned it, and how well it was maintained.
Sales Records
Gives an overview of the vehicle’s sales history of the vehicle.
Auction History
Indicates if the vehicle was sold at an auction, which can affect its value. See the date, location, final price, and get up to ten pictures of the vehicle that show the vehicle’s condition during the auction.
Title Status
This shows whether the vehicle has a clean, salvage, or rebuilt title, helping determine its legality and current condition.
Lien/Loan Records
Information about existing loans and liens that might impact ownership transfer. Make sure the lien/loan records are cleared off by the previous owners.
Open Recalls
Highlights any recall notices or safety issues related to the vehicle. Check the recall dates, causes of the recalls, and the steps taken to fix the recalls. You can also examine if the recalls are still open.
Theft Records
Checks if the car was reported stolen, ensuring it is legal and secure. In this section, you can check the date, the location, and the data source of the vehicle information.
Actual Odometer Verification
Confirms the accuracy of the mileage to understand its usage and condition. See the date along with the recorded mileage and the last recorded mileage of the vehicle.
Service and Maintenance History
Displays servicing and maintenance records to evaluate the vehicle’s reliability and longevity.
Past Vehicle Usage
See how the vehicle was used in the past, whether it’s a leased, rented, personal vehicle, or was even used as a government vehicle.
Why VA License Plate Report Important?
A buyer wanted to buy a used 2008 SATURN OUTLOOK from a private seller. Before he paid for the down payment, he decided to use the Virginia license plate and get the vehicle history report. Here’s what he saw on the report.
Actual Condition
- 1 accident record
- 2 Record(s) of damage
- 4 specific events reported
- 1 service & repair record
- 1 auction record
- 5 lien or loan records
Seller’s Claim
- Privately used by the owner
- Have never been in an accident
- No damage
Why Lookup's License Plate is a Must
- To help the buyer see if the vehicle was ever involved in an accident
- Help you get the actual information about the vehicle
Outcome
- The buyer did not proceed to buy the vehicle because, in reality, the vehicle had never been involved in an accident.
How Does the License Plate Lookup Work?
To perform a license plate lookup, follow these steps to get your report within seconds.
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.
License Plate Law in Virginia
In Virginia, every vehicle owner must have plates on both the front and back of the vehicle. In contrast, motorcycles, trailers, and mopeds must display the license plate on the rear side, and trailers must display the license plate on the front.
The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) issues license plates, manages vehicle registrations, and enforces related laws regarding motorcycles in Virginia. This department ensures compliance with the state’s regulations and provides special services, such as issuing a special plate.
Which Vehicle Needs a License Plate in Virginia?
All motor vehicles, including passenger cars, motorcycles, commercial vehicles, and trailers, must have a license plate in Virginia. However, nonmotorized vehicles such as bicycles do not require a license plate. You are obligated to follow the vehicle laws and regulations in Virginia to avoid penalties and be able to drive legally in the state.
License Plate Types in Virginia
The design was introduced in 2014 with the famous slogan “Virginia is for Lovers” on Virginia’s license plate, and the format is ABC 1234. There are a few types of license plates available in Virginia, according to the Department of Motor Vehicles, these include:
Types of Virginia License Plates
Standard Plates
This type of plate is the regular plate issued to most vehicles. The standard license plate design features the state’s name and a unique alphanumeric combination of format ABC-1234.
Special Plate
Virginia provides more than 200 special plates; each represents various groups, including military personnel, emergency responders, fraternal orders, civic organizations, and more.
Personalized Plate
According to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles regulations and availability, you can customize your plate with a unique combination of numbers and letters.
Revenue Sharing Plates
This plate aims to support charitable organizations, with a portion of their fee directed to a specific purpose.
Clean Special Fuel Plates
Reserve only for vehicles eligible for certain fuel efficiency and emissions criteria. This type of plate could give you additional privileges, such as using the HOV lane without meeting the required occupancy in areas like I-64, I-264, I-564, the Dulles Toll Road, and the City of Alexandria.
Disabled Plates
Issued to individuals with qualifying disabilities, these plates and placards provide access to designated parking spaces.
Virginia Plate Fun Fact
- Did you know that the slogan “Virginia is for Lovers” was featured on the license plates issued in another state in 2014? Later, the slogan became a cultural icon for Virginia’s tourism and hospitality.
- Virginia was the first state to require license plates on both the front and rear of vehicles starting in 1945, enhancing vehicle identification.
- The state offers one of the largest selections of specialty and personalized plates, supporting causes ranging from universities to environmental conservation.
Do More Than Just a License Plate Lookup
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 Virginia License Plate Lookup
Q. Why do people hide their license plates?
A. Visible license plates enable identity thieves to impersonate vehicle owners, leading to potential fraud and traffic offenses registered under the victim’s identity.
Q. Why is Virginia known for lovers?
A. “Virginia is for Lovers,” introduced in 1969, is a landmark tourism campaign. Starting as a strategy to attract youthful visitors with varied interests, it evolved to represent a broader affection for the state.
Q. How much is a ticket for a no front license plate in Virginia?
A. Prepayable Criminal Code violations and associated fines include $92 for failure, improper display, or improper mounting of license plates and $97 for unlawful nighttime animal riding on highways.
