If you're thinking about buying a used car in Virginia, it's important to do your due diligence before making a purchase. Researching the vehicle's history is an essential step.
When buying from a private seller, which is legal under certain conditions, one of the initial steps should include conducting a license plate check. This can provide up-to-date information about the vehicle's past. A license plate lookup in Virginia can uncover any undisclosed issues that sellers or car dealers might want to keep hidden to facilitate a sale.
License plate identification is also crucial for deterring traffic violations and aiding in crime investigations or audits. It can be particularly useful for identifying stolen vehicles.
Performing a license plate lookup is a straightforward way to learn about a vehicle's background. By entering the vehicle's plate number, you can quickly access details about its history, such as involvement in accidents or any crimes committed with it.
Good to Know! 🌟
Virginia is known for having one of the strictest vehicle safety inspection programs in the United States. Every car in the state must pass an annual safety inspection, which is more rigorous than in many other states. It's a practice that reflects Virginia's commitment to road safety and has set a standard that many other states look to for guidance.
Where to Find My Virginia Plate Number?
Of course, you can find your car's license plate number by checking out the license plate on the vehicle itself. But you can also check your registration card and find it there.
How to Get a License Plate in Virginia
If you've recently purchased a car in Virginia, your initial step after acquiring the vehicle should be to title and register it with the DMV. New residents are required to complete this process within 30 days of relocating to Virginia.
If you're planning to move to Virginia, you will need to obtain replacement plates from the Virginia DMV.
You can apply for new plates and buy the latest validation stickers online at the following URL: Virginia DMV Vehicle Registration.
Types of Virginia License Plates
When you register your car and apply for license plates, there are four different categories of plates to choose from i.e.
- College
- Military
- Special Interest
- Other
Personalized license plates are available for an annual fee of $10. They can be made up of combinations of up to 7 letters or numbers - but please make sure your choice of personalized plates is available before ordering.
What is the License Plate Report, and Why Should You Get It?
License plates are public domain, cataloged by authorities and accessible to everyone, including us! You don't need an account to use our service—simply enter the license plate details you're interested in and hit enter. The entire process takes less than 30 seconds.
Our Virginia License Plate Lookup provides more than just VINs. You'll receive details about the car’s model, color, and the odometer reading before it even reached the dealership.
Ready to start? Just type the license plate number into the box. Our free Virginia license plate lookup will provide you with critical information about the car, including:
Salvage Title Report Discover if the vehicle has been involved in major accidents, fires, or flooding, any of which could render it a total loss according to insurance standards. A salvage report will be issued for the car, alerting potential buyers to any past damages and the repairs needed before it can be sold again. This helps ensure you don’t overinvest in repairs or face unexpected issues when reselling.
Use and Previous Owners’ Report Looking up license plates can confirm the car's history, revealing its origins and how often it has changed hands, ensuring that no one can misrepresent the vehicle’s past to you.
Accident Reports In Virginia, any significant car accident must be reported, and this information is publicly available online. However, owners may not disclose minor incidents to avoid increased insurance rates. It’s important to review each report carefully to fully understand the vehicle’s condition before making a purchase.
Performing a background check on any used car in Virginia is advisable to ensure you’re making a well-informed decision.
More Ways to Prevent Car Fraud
While our database is extensive, it's important to remember that it cannot protect you against all possible scams. However, there are simple precautions that can help save you money and even protect your safety:
Examine the Vehicle's License Plate: If the license plate is damaged or lacks a validation sticker, gather as much information about the vehicle as you can.
Conduct a Test Drive and Inspection: It’s worthwhile to invest in a full inspection by a professional mechanic. This one-time expense can prevent future costs related to repairs, medical bills from potential accidents, or the need to purchase another vehicle.
Be Cautious with Dealers: Pay attention to how dealers interact with you and present their vehicles. If a dealer appears unusually eager to make a sale, it could indicate underlying issues with the car.
Is Doing a License Plate Search Legal?
Yes, we are compliant with the Driver's Privacy Protection Act (DPPA), as we do not disclose information about the vehicle's owner's personal details. Our license plate lookup does a reverse lookup to obtain the VIN number and query the vehicle history reports for it. Nothing in our report is personably identifiable to a particular individual.
Additionally, the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) allows any individual the right to access information collected by the government. There's no reason for you not to give our auto license plate lookup tool a try. It's totally legal and FREE!