The Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) through its Motor Vehicle Services division is responsible for managing all vehicle titles and license plate registrations.
In Wyoming, unlike in many other states, vehicle registration and the issuance of standard license plates are handled by the county treasurer's office for all drivers, including newcomers to the state. All related procedures and fees must be completed and paid in person at the local county treasurer’s office.
It’s important for buyers to be aware that when WYDOT issues a vehicle title, it checks the National Motor Vehicle Titling Information System (NMVTIS) for any existing brands on the title. Any such brands, even if not previously noted on the original title, will be transferred to the new title.
To avoid surprises, consider obtaining a vehicle history report before proceeding with your purchase. VinFreeCheck provides comprehensive and current vehicle information. Simply enter the license plate number and the state where the vehicle was registered on our website to get access to a detailed report.
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Wyoming uses a unique system for its license plates that incorporates the prefix number to indicate the county in which the vehicle is registered. This number is based on the county's rank in terms of population as of the 1930 census. For instance, Natrona County, being the most populous at the time, was assigned the number "1." This makes it easy to identify where a vehicle is from just by looking at the first digit of its license plate!
Where Can I Find My Wyoming License Plate Number?
The license plate will be mounted on the front and rear of the vehicle. The exceptions to this rule are antique and custom vehicles, as well as vehicles that didn't originally have a front plate bracket.
You can also refer to official documents pertaining to the vehicle's registration, such as its registration card/certificate, as well as the renewal slip.
How Do I Get a License Plate in Wyoming?
Some processes and requirements may differ from county to county. You may require:
- Proof of identification
- A copy of the vehicle title (or the title number)
- Current registration from your previous state (if applicable)
- Proof of insurance
- The vehicle identification number (VIN), for vehicles that are being financed
- A copy of the dealer invoice, for purchases at a dealership
- The lease agreement (if applicable)
New residents have 30 days to complete the registration process. They may also need to submit other documents such as their out of state registrations.
Fees also differ from county to county. There is, however, an additional state fee that's based on the type of vehicle being registered. Passenger vehicles, for example, have a $30 state fee.
What Types of License Plates are Available?
The typical license plate format comprises a one or two digit county prefix code, from 1 to 23, representing the counties of Wyoming state. It designates which county the vehicle was registered in.
Standard Plate: These plates feature the Bucking Horse and Rider image separating the county code from the five-digit license plate number.
Prestige Plate: These personalized plates feature a custom license plate number. They must be 5 letters long, and can be a combination of "5 letters, numbers, and spaces." Some restrictions include:
- No symbols are allowed
- No combination of "entirely numbers unless the first digit is a zero (0)"
- No combination "with more than three (3) W's or M's" (such as WMWW)
- No use of obscene, vulgar or inappropriate language, slang, abbreviations, etc.
Pioneer Plate: These plates are issued to vehicles that are 25 years or older, and owners who have resided in Wyoming for more than a year. These are only issued for "organized antique car club activities, parades, exhibitions, tours and other related activities."
Veteran Plate: These are issued to former members of any US military branch (e.g., US Air Force).
Specialty Plates: There are also a variety of special plates for various organizations, occupations, and so forth. These include:
- Radio Amateur
- University of Wyoming (also available to non-UW alumni)
- Firefighter
- Embossed Plates
- Gold Star Plates
- Tribal Plates
- Wildlife Conservation
What is in the License Plate Lookup Report?
A license plate lookup provides you with relevant data on the vehicle you intend to purchase or have already purchased. Information you will be able to access includes:
Accident Report: You'll find out if the car was involved in any major or minor accidents throughout its use. You might determine that the car has suffered significant damage that could affect its overall road-worthiness.
Previous Owners: Be provided with some info on the vehicle's previous owners and how long they owned the vehicle. The report does not reveal any personal records of these past owners, in compliance with US laws.
Flood Records: Find out if the car had suffered damage from floods. Knowing this is important to protect you from buying a faulty car. You can also identify any damage the vehicle may have undergone and what repairs were made (or not) to restore its condition.
Lemon Records: "Lemon" is a term used to describe a defective vehicle. You'll be able to find out if the car has any technical/mechanical defects that have (or have not) been addressed. These defects can potentially be life-threatening if not taken care of. Manufacturer's recalls are one such sign of defective components in a car.
Market Value: Get the actual market price of the vehicle you're looking at in real time. That way, you'll know if you're under- or overpaying for it.
Vehicle Specifications: Provides you with all the information you need about the vehicle’s make, year of manufacture, engine specs, vehicle trim, and more. You might be able to identify various changes made to the vehicle since its initial purchase.
Lien Records: Determine if the car you intend to buy has been used as collateral for a loan, or as a rental car unit. In some cases, the lien may not have been repaid in full. If you bought a vehicle that had a lien, you might end up taking responsibility for paying that lien - even if it was someone else's fault for defaulting.
Odometer Readings: Odometer fraud is where buyers are tricked into thinking the vehicle has been used for less than it actually has. It's considered a federal crime, so if you find that the odometer readings have been tampered with, you can report the seller to the authorities.
Why Should You Get the Report?
Although there has been a decline in motor vehicle and parts theft this year, it's still crucial to exercise caution during your car purchasing process.
Obtaining a vehicle history report is essential for safeguarding yourself, particularly when buying used cars. This report can help you avoid falling prey to automotive fraud by highlighting warning signs that might otherwise go unnoticed. For instance, you can detect discrepancies in odometer readings that suggest tampering, enabling you to report suspicious sellers to the authorities.
Furthermore, the information in the report can be a powerful negotiating tool. By understanding the car's true market value or uncovering past significant damages and necessary repairs, you can negotiate more effectively, potentially securing a better deal. However, it's important to consider the additional costs of repairs and whether you’re prepared to undertake them.
VinFreeCheck provides comprehensive data sourced from trusted authorities such as the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS), the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), ensuring you make a well-informed decision.
Is it Legal to Lookup a License Plate?
Yes, it is. Our site abides by the Driver’s Privacy Protection Act's (DPPA) restrictions on disclosing the private information of a car owner. As such, whatever information you look up will not be traced back to the previous owners, nor will it reveal anything pertaining to their private lives.
Rest assured that the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) grants individuals the right to access information collected by the government. All of this is also in line with other federal laws that protect consumers from automotive fraud.