Delaware License Plate Lookup

License plate lookups initiated through GoodCar generally offer two main types of reports - comprehensive data reports and premium data reports.

Comprehensive Data Reports

GoodCar's comprehensive reports are designed with the aim of offering data that provide a strong foundation for evaluating a vehicle's background. These reports typically contain the following types of information:

Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

A 17-character code used to verify a vehicle's identity and retrieve its history. GoodCar typically allows users to access this VIN when it is omitted/not included in advertised listings.

Accident and Damage Reports

This section may include a record of reported accidents and damage claims. Reviewing this data can help evaluate a vehicle's condition over time and assess reliability.

Title History

This section usually reveals past title designations, such as salvage, junk, flood, or other branded titles. This information is especially important in coastal states like Delaware, where flood-damaged vehicles may sometimes enter the market, especially from sales involving out-of-state cars.

Vehicle Specifications

GoodCar's comprehensive report may contain details on a vehicle's specifications, such as its engine type, body style, drivetrain, fuel type, transmission, and brake system. These specifications are often helpful to buyers who wish to determine if a car matches their needs, and also protects them from potential scams involving deceptive advertising.

Recalls and Complaints

This section typically includes data compiled from publicly available records and may show recall notices or owner-submitted complaints that signal recurring issues.

Mileage Verification

When accessible, odometer readings are reviewed to check for signs of tampering, which may assist in identifying discrepancies related to a vehicle's wear and tear.

Additional information, such as crash test ratings, safety features, estimated ownership costs, and manufacturer warranty details, may also be included in comprehensive data reports when available.

Premium Data Reports

For users seeking more detailed insights about a vehicle in Delaware, GoodCar's premium reports may offer the following additional information, when available:

Ownership Records

GoodCar's premium report may include the number of previous owners, the length of ownership, and the states where the vehicle was registered.

Market Value

Premium reports may contain value assessments of Delaware-registered vehicles. Details found in this section typically include trade-in value, wholesale value, retail value, and residual value. Note that available information is usually influenced by state and regional pricing dynamics, such as the absence of sales tax on vehicle purchases and fluctuations in registration fees, which typically impact overall costs.

Sales History

Premium reports may include an analysis of vehicle pricing and comparison of market value within the state. This section may also contain details on where the car was listed for sale, such as local dealerships, online marketplaces, or auction houses; links to the original sales listings may also be provided for further verification (where available).

The additional information in premium reports aim to offer enhanced transparency, making them valuable for individuals and businesses seeking additional context before making vehicle-related decisions.

To learn more about the available data through GoodCar's license plate lookup tool, review this Sample Report.

As an approved data provider for the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (a nationwide database supported by state agencies, insurers, and salvage yards), GoodCar offers access to comprehensive vehicle history reports.

Interested parties in Delaware may access this information by running a license plate lookup, which typically involves the following simple steps:

1. Enter the Vehicle License Plate Number: Input the complete license plate number exactly as it appears on the vehicle.
2. Select Delaware as the State of Registration: Choose "Delaware" from the dropdown menu to confirm the search pulls data from the relevant state records.
3. Click the Search Button: After entering the required details, click the search button to receive a comprehensive vehicle history report (generated based on the data available from public and proprietary sources).

Delaware License Plate Format

To obtain the desired results when conducting a Delaware license plate lookup through GoodCar, it is important to ensure that the license plate number is inputted following the format issued by the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

The standard Delaware license plate consists of up to six digits in gold lettering on a navy blue background. At the top, the plate displays the state's nickname, "The First State," while the word "DELAWARE" is at the bottom. See the picture below for reference:

Source: Image from Wikipedia

In addition to the standard plate, Delaware issues specialty plates that feature unique designs, colors, and logos that represent various causes, organizations, or affiliations. Examples of some of the specialty plates issued in Delaware are provided below:

Air Medal Design

Animal Welfare Design

Farm Preservation Design

Source: Images are from the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website

Delaware Personalized Plate Availability

While Delaware allows personalized plates with up to 7 characters, the state is also particularly known for its low-digit plates, which can have collectible value and may sell for hundreds of thousands at auction. When looking to apply for personalized plates in Delaware, it is always a good idea to check the availability of the desired combination before initiating the application. GoodCar offers a Vanity Plate Lookup tool that does this, providing a convenient alternative to contacting a DMV office in person.

Potential Limitations in Data Availability

While GoodCar aims to provide up-to-date and accurate information, users should be aware of potential data limitations, including:

• Limited Accident History: Not all accidents are reported, especially if they were not filed with insurance companies or law enforcement, so these events might not be included in the reports.
• Exclusion of Private Repairs: Vehicle repairs completed by private mechanics or owners without insurance claims may not appear in the report.
• Registration Update Delays: Some records take time to be updated, leading to potential delays between recent events and what is shown in the report.
• Privacy and Data Protection Laws: Certain vehicle-related information may be excluded from generated reports to comply with state and federal data privacy regulations.

Contact GoodCar customer support at (800) 764-0104 if any issues arise while using the platform's license plate lookup tool.

GoodCar generates Delaware vehicle history reports using data compiled from multiple sources. This includes the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS), which collects records from state motor vehicle titling agencies, salvage and junk yards, and insurance companies. This system provides information on title status, salvage history, and other key vehicle details. GoodCar also typically incorporates data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the recalls and safety-related sections of its reports.

Additionally, private data providers, like Black Book, J.D. Power, MarketCheck, and DataOne, may contribute market values, specifications, and other related information. GoodCar's also uses data from proprietary databases and user-submitted inputs to supplement these sources and offer a comprehensive view of the vehicle's history.

It should be pointed out that all collected data is evaluated for consistency and relevance, and GoodCar strives to maintain compliance with relevant state and federal laws when offering access to vehicle-related information. To this end, any detected red flags are monitored closely and promptly addressed to continuously provide transparent service to consumers.

GoodCar complies with both the Driver's Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) and the Delaware Personal Data Privacy Act (DPDPA) to ensure responsible handling of sensitive vehicle and driver information. The Driver's Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) is a federal law from 1994 that controls how state DMVs share personal information; this law aims to prevent unauthorized use of driver data while allowing approved entities to access it when needed. Similarly, the Delaware Personal Data Privacy Act (DPDPA) strengthens privacy rights in Delaware by regulating how businesses handle personal data and grants individuals the right to view, correct, and delete their information and opt out of targeted ads. These laws collectively protect various types of personal data, including:

• Driver identifiers (name, address, email, phone number)
• Driver's license number
• Social Security number
• Biometric data
• Medical and disability information
• Photographs
• Financial account details

To this end, GoodCar may only disclose this personal information under specific, legally permitted circumstances, including:

• Law enforcement investigations
• Insurance underwriting or claim evaluations
• Vehicle recalls and safety notifications from manufacturers
• Businesses to verify driver information for employment, credit, or legal matters
• Required in legal proceedings, like subpoenas or fraud investigations
• With the owner's consent for specific purposes

The Delaware DMV (Division of Motor Vehicles) is the official source for license plate (and other vehicle-related) information in Delaware. However, this agency does not currently offer an online tool for public license plate lookups. Instead, individuals who wish to access this type of information are usually required to submit a properly completed Personal Information Request Form to the agency, either in person at any Delaware DMV location or via mail to:

Division of Motor Vehicles
ATTN: Correspondence
P.O. Box 698
Dover, DE 19903

There is usually a $25 fee (which covers the cost of a three-year search) and requesters are typically required to provide information like their contact details and a reason for the request. For mail-in requests, the form must be notarized before submission and should also include a stamped, self-addressed envelope.

It is important to note that Delaware law prohibits the disclosure of personal information obtained from DMV records - violations may result in penalties, including fines of at least $2,500. For assistance, call the DMV at (302) 744-2538.

In addition to GoodCar and the Delaware DMV, other sources may offer limited access to vehicle data, such as the NHTSA Recall Lookup Tool provides recall histories, while court record systems may contain vehicle-related legal information. Likewise, local law enforcement agencies often maintain databases tailored to Delaware mobiles with histories of violations or theft and may provide access to this information upon request.

GoodCar offers various tools beyond the license plate lookup tool to help users find vehicle information in Delaware. These tools are designed to serve unique purposes, such as verifying vehicle ownership history, detecting recalls, and assessing a vehicle's long-term value, and they include:

• VIN Check
• Vehicle History Search
• VIN Decoder
• Recall Lookup
• Residual Value Lookup
• Car Depreciation Check
• Car Title Check

In addition to these tools, interested parties may access vehicle information directly from the Delaware DMV by performing a VIN lookup. This process generally follows the same procedure as the license plate lookup, which requires individuals to complete the Personal Information Request Form. However, requesters must provide the VIN instead of a license plate number.

Another way to retrieve vehicle information in Delaware is to utilize national databases like the NICB's VINCheck tool and the NHTSA's VIN Decoder, which allow interested members of the public to access information like vehicle theft records, manufacturer origin, and other data based on a valid VIN.