Louisiana License Plate Lookup

In Louisiana, driving without a valid and prominently displayed license plate issued by the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) is illegal. Each license plate has a unique combination of letters and numbers, known as the license plate number, which serves to identify the vehicle and link it to its owner for security and legal purposes. If you’re considering to buy a used vehicle, you can easily conduct a Louisiana license plate lookup here. According to the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD), in 2021, there were 914 highway crashes and 997 fatalities. VinFreeCheck offers a free and efficient Louisiana license plate lookup service. Note that for a license plate lookup to be conducted, the vehicle’s title and registration must already be approved by the Louisiana OMV.

Pelican Plates

The state is known for its unique “Pelican” license plates. Louisiana’s traditional license plate design prominently features the brown pelican, the state bird, which is a symbol of Louisiana’s wildlife and natural beauty.

Where Can I See the Louisiana Plate Number?

At the rear end of the vehicle, you’ll find your vehicle’s license plate. Inscribed on it are a blend of letters and numbers written in boldface, representing your license plate number. Alternatively, you can get this information from the registration certificate issued by the Louisiana OMV. For confirmation, you can visit any Louisiana OMV office near you.

How to Get License Plates for My Vehicle in Louisiana?

In Louisiana, your vehicle’s title and registration must have been approved and your certificate handed to you in order to acquire a Louisiana license plate. Upon completion of vehicle registration, you can proceed to get a certificate through any of the following means:

• Visiting a local OMV office
• Through mail; you must first make a license plate request through the LA OMV website; thereafter, you can mail your application materials to the Louisiana OMV headquarters located at 7979 Independence BLVD, Baton Rouge, LA 70806

To successfully apply for license plates, vehicle owners must submit the following documents:

• A completed Application form
• Vehicle’s current certificate of title
• A copy of the vehicle’s security agreement or financial statement (if applicable)
• Vehicle’s bill of sale or manufacturer’s statement of origin
• Lien release (if applicable)
• Proof of Auto insurance
• Proof of photo identification
• Proof of all required fees

Following the purchase of the car, you are given 60 days in which you are expected to apply for a Louisiana license plate. You will receive the metal plate alongside a sticker which you must attach to the plate. This sticker displays the expiration date of the plate. The law requires that vehicle owners display the license plate on their motor vehicles, motorcycles, and trailers.

In Louisiana, front plates are not necessary; what is required is that the license plate is clearly displayed at the rear end of the vehicle.

Types of License Plates in Louisiana

Standard: A standard plate will be given out if you do not express a preference. These license plates came into existence in 1915 and, following Louisiana law, are attached at the rear end of the vehicle. They come with blue lettering imprinted on a white background. The state name is found across the top in a deep red color, which led to it being nicknamed ‘the “lipstick plate”.

Personalized: These plates afford car buyers the benefit of selecting or customizing license plates to suit their taste and preference.

If you decide on a personalized plate, you will be required to choose what should be written on it. This could come in the format of a phrase, a quotation, or distinctive writing. You could also carry out a mix and match of letters and numbers. There are a few guidelines to follow when picking out a unique license plate number:

• You can have up to 7 characters printed
• For motorcycles and vehicles for handicapped drivers, the length is only up to 6 characters
• You cannot use any vulgar language or profanity
• Apply a mix of letters, numerals, and spaces

Make sure the writing on your plate is permissible by the general public and the government, as the government has the right to ban plates that go against what is acceptable. You can order and make payment for your distinctive car number online, via mail, or by visiting the local OMV office.

If your personalized plate is approved, you can proceed to make payment. Personalized license plates in Louisiana cost $25. You will also be required to pay an administrative fee of $3.50, as well as a handling fee of $8.

Specialized: This variety of plates is targeted toward creating unique plates for organizations, charitable groups, etc. These organizations or groups may have a unique style or design of plates, and the criteria for this style may vary from state to state.

Individuals with disabilities are equally given leverage to apply for handicap permits that give them legal rights to park in handicapped spots. To be eligible for a handicap permit, you must show that you indeed have a disability.

As a member of any of these groups/organizations, you may be allowed to apply for any of the following:

• Universities or college vehicles
• Persons with disabilities
• Antique cars
• Military license plates
• Organizations

You may also be required to make a donation when applying for a specialty plate.