Virginia License Plate Lookup
The Virginia license plate lookup is essential for anyone looking to check a vehicle’s history by license plate. Simply enter the license plate number to get a report quickly. The report includes information about the vehicle, such as ownership history, title, mileage history, lien records, theft records, service history, and more.
Table of Contents
Why Conduct a Virginia License Plate Lookup?
A license plate check 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.
- 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
How Does the License Plate Lookup Work?
Yes, you can get a free license plate look-up 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.
How Does the License Plate Lookup Work?
To perform a license plate lookup, follow this step to get your report within seconds.
Video: How to Lookup a Virginia License Plate?
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.
Information You’ll Get in a Vehicle History Report
The vehicle history reports let you better understand the vehicle and help you decide before purchasing the unit. Here is the information you’ll be getting from the paid vehicle history report.
Vehicle Specification:
The detailed information about the vehicle, including its year, make, model, and engine specifications.
Accident History:
Offers information on whether the vehicle has been in any accidents.
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 and ownership timeline.
Auction History:
Indicates if the vehicle was sold at an auction, which can affect its value.
Title Status:
This shows whether the vehicle has a clean, salvage, or rebuilt title, helping determine its legality and current condition.
Lien Records:
Information about existing loans and liens that might impact ownership transfer.
Open Recalls:
Highlights any recall notices or safety issues related to the vehicle.
Theft Records:
Checks if the car was reported stolen, ensuring it is legal and secure.
Actual Odometer Verification:
Confirms the accuracy of the mileage to understand its usage and condition.
Service and Maintenance History:
Displays servicing and maintenance records to evaluate the vehicle’s reliability and longevity.
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.
Who Oversees the License Plate 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.
Which Vehicle Needs a License Plate?
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 Motorcycle, these are including:
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 alphanumerical 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 Vehicle 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.
License Plate Lookup By States
Our license plate lookups are widely available in all the states listed below.
Other Vehicle Information Check Tools
VIN Decoder: Whether you’re buying, selling, or just looking up a vehicle’s features, here are some other tools to get all the information you need about any vehicle—modern, classic, SUV, truck, motorcycle, etc.
VIN Decoder
Window Sticker Lookup: Decode the VIN to check title status, previous ownership, accident history, and mileage records. This helps confirm the vehicle’s legitimacy.
Window Sticker Lookup
Access the original window sticker to review MSRP, factory-installed options, and fuel efficiency ratings for any car.
Classic Car Window Sticker
Retrieve a classic car’s window sticker using the VIN to confirm its original factory features and design.
Classic Car History Report
Before purchasing, look up a classic car’s history report, including past owners, sales records, and condition insights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Visible license plates enable identity thieves to impersonate vehicle owners, leading to potential fraud and traffic offenses registered under the victim’s identity.
“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.
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.
