Washington D.C. License Plate Lookup

Check License Plate Now GoodCar's license plate lookup provides interested parties with the right information on their vehicles.

Table of Content

How To Lookup Washington D.C. License Plates
What Can You Get Out of a Washington D.C. License Plate Lookup?
Why Run a License Plate Search in Washington D.C.?
Why Choose GoodCar for Washington D.C. Plate Lookups?
Washington D.C. License Plates
How to Get a License Plate in Washington D.C.
Frequently Asked Questions about Washington D.C. License Plate Lookups

How To Lookup Washington D.C. License Plates

Washington, D.C. license plate lookup services are a convenient and valuable resource for accessing details about vehicles registered in the district. With these services, you can retrieve information like the vehicle's make, model, specs, title history, odometer reading, and accident history. The DC Department of Motor Vehicles (DC DMV) manages this information and may grant interested parties access to its vehicle records online and offline. Third-party websites like GoodCar also allow users to conveniently access these vehicle records online by providing either a license plate number or Vehicle Identification Number.

License Plates

With GoodCar’s DC license plate lookups, you can get information like a vehicle’s title records, sales history, previous issues, accident history, salvage records, and recalls. To utilize this service, input the vehicle's license plate into the GoodCar search bar, select "District of Columbia," and click the search button. Be aware that you may need to pay a small fee to fully access the report returned.

VIN

Each vehicle is typically assigned a unique 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) during manufacturing (though VINs for vehicles manufactured before 1981 may contain fewer than 17 digits). With GoodCar, you can use this VIN to retrieve information about the vehicle. The process mirrors that of the license plate search; however, you must select the VIN tab on the search bar and input the correct 17-digit code to initiate the search. A VIN search typically provides details about the vehicle's history, optional equipment, security attributes, and other safety features. A VIN search is just as effective as using a license plate, but fewer people use the option because finding and inputting the longer number is more cumbersome.

What Can You Get Out of a Washington D.C. License Plate Lookup?

In Washington D.C., vehicle information is generated and managed by the DC Department of Motor Vehicles (DC DMV) in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Transportation and other relevant local, state, and federal agencies. DC license plate lookups through GoodCar allow district residents to access this information and obtain comprehensive records detailing a vehicle’s history.

Vehicle Records

The National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS), managed by the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators, allows approved data providers like GoodCar to cross-reference and verify vehicle information against federal and state databases instantly. Consequently, you can obtain detailed and reliable Vehicle History Reports from GoodCar that include the vehicle specifications, information on its previous issues (if any), and data on NHTSA recalls and crash test ratings.

Title Brands and Problem Checks

Additionally, you can access title brand information and perform problems checks through GoodCar. These checks help determine if the vehicle has suffered water or hail damage and has been classified under categories such as salvage, classic, antique, vandalized, junk, reconstructed, or previously used for taxi or police purposes.

Tracing a Vehicle’s History for Used Car Purchases with Washington D.C. Plate Checks

Why Run a License Plate Search in Washington D.C.?

Reasons to Run License Plate Search in Washington D.C.

License plate numbers are generally easier to obtain and have fewer characters than VINs, making them a more convenient option for accessing vehicle-related information. One of the most common reasons DC residents perform license plate searches is to check the history of used vehicles before purchasing. Unscrupulous auto dealers often misrepresent a vehicle’s specifications to make a sale, but a GoodCar license plate search can help you verify these details and confirm information like its accident history, recalls, mechanical issues, damage history, and odometer readings. In addition, law enforcement and insurers use license plate searches to identify stolen vehicles and to get information for accident and claim investigations.

Why Choose GoodCar for Washington D.C. Plate Lookups?

Requesters can benefit from extensive vehicle records and reports as they obtain information from accredited data providers like the NMVTIS. GoodCar also illustrates theft checks, collision records, recalls, flood, hail, or fire damage, and pricing.

Washington D.C. License Plates

Washington D.C., first mandated residents to register their vehicles and display license plates in 1903. Initially, registrants provided their own license plates until 1907, when the district started issuing official plates. These plates are currently issued by the DC Department of Motor Vehicles (DC DMV) and are commonly referred to as "vehicle tags." They must be displayed on the front and rear of most vehicles except motorcycles, mopeds, and trailers, which only require a single rear-display plate.

The DC Department of Motor Vehicles currently issues the following types of vehicle tags:

Standard Issue License Plates

These are the standard tags issued to vehicle registrants in the district. These tags are available in two variants: "End Taxation Without Representation” tags, which are issued to all newly registered vehicles in the district, and “WWW.DC.GOV” tags, which can be requested by registrants who do not want the “End Taxation Without Representation” variant. The cost of obtaining these standard tags is usually calculated into vehicle registration fees; however, you can get replacements for $10.

Personalized License plates

Personalized tags are customized license plates that display a unique message chosen by the vehicle owner instead of a license plate number generated by the DC DMV. These plates are available for automobiles and motorcycles, can only be requested by DC-registered vehicle owners, and cost a $100 request fee. Be aware that the DC DMV must approve your desired customization, and the department reserves the right to deny applications if it deems the customization offensive.

Specialty License Plates

Specialty tags are license plates that display images and designs of a group or cause. The DC DMV currently offers the following specialty tags:

Anacostia River Commemorative
Breast Cancer Awareness
DC Veteran
DC Woman Veteran
Disabled American Veteran (DAV)
Washington Capitals
Washington Mystics
Washington Wizards
Veterans Specialty
Vision Zero Bicycle Awareness

Specialty tags can be requested at the time of registration or after your vehicle has been registered and are typically available to all DC vehicle owners. However, individuals requesting a veteran specialty tag will be required to show proof of military service.

You will be required to pay a one-time application fee to obtain specialty tags plus a display fee for each year you use them; the cost varies by tag. Proceeds from the sales of these specialty tags are usually donated to the associated group or cause or deposited in the General Fund of the District of Columbia.

How to Get a
License Plate in Washington D.C.

Your vehicle must be registered with the DC DMV to obtain DC vehicle tags; new residents are required to register their vehicles within 60 calendar days of moving into the district. You can initiate the vehicle registration process by visiting any DC DMV Service Center and providing proof of the following:

Vehicle ownership
District residency
Odometer mileage
Vehicle insurance
Passed vehicle inspections (usually required for used cars and commercial vehicles)

You can determine the exact documents needed to register your vehicle by using the DC DMV's Document Verification Guide. The department also offers a Vehicle Registration and Title Fee Estimator that you can use to calculate the expected fees, which are usually determined by the vehicle type, weight, and fair market value. Note that you must pay any outstanding debts owed to the District of Columbia government before your vehicle will be registered.

DC License Plate Renewal

DC vehicle tags are typically valid for one or two years and must be renewed by midnight of the last day of their designated validity period. The DC DMV sends out a renewal notice containing necessary renewal instructions about 60 days before your vehicle registration expiration date. Renewals are typically done via mail-in by following the instructions outlined in this renewal notice. The DC DMV also offers a Vehicle Registration Renewal portal; however, this option is only available for passenger cars. Be aware that license plates that have expired for more than 90 days cannot be renewed online. You must also visit a DC DMV Service Center if you encounter any "stops" when utilizing the online renewal option.

It is unlawful to drive with expired registration and vehicle tags in DC; the penalty for doing this includes fines ranging from $200 - $2,400 and potential jail time of up to 30 days. However, in situations where the DC DMV fails to send you a renewal notice before your tags expire, the first ticket you receive for driving with expired registration may be dismissed.

DC License Plate Replacement

You can replace lost, stolen, or damaged DC vehicle tags by taking the following steps:

File a report with the Metropolitan Police Department and obtain a copy of the police report (this is not necessary for damaged license plates)
Visit a DC DMV Service Center with the MPD police report, a valid DC-issued ID, your vehicle’s registration card, and any remaining vehicle tags
Pay the replacement fee of $10 for standard vehicle tags and $25 for other types of tags

Be aware that failing to submit an MPD police report or surrender any remaining tags when requesting replacement license plates makes you liable for any tickets issued to the old license plate number.

Frequently Asked Questions about
Washington D.C. License Plate Lookups

Can I Lookup DC License Plates for Free?
Several third-party websites offer free license plate searches that return basic information. However, you will typically need to pay a fee for a comprehensive report. GoodCar offers several subscription options tailored to different user preferences, and you can obtain detailed vehicle reports via license plate searches on this website for as little as $2.95.
Can I Use Washington, D.C. License Plate Lookup Services to Find out about a Vehicle's Accident History?
Yes, license plate lookups are an effective way to check the accident history of vehicles operated in Washington, D.C. Beyond identifying whether these DC-operated vehicles have been involved in accidents, a GoodCar license plate search can also reveal if the vehicle has been designated as junk, reconstructed, or salvaged.
How Can I Register a Vanity License Plate in Washington, D.C.?
You can check the availability of your desired customization for personalized tags and also order these tags online via the DC DMV’s Personalized Tag Request portal. Requests can also be made by submitting a Personalized Tags Application Form to your nearest DC DMV Service Center. Note that you cannot change or cancel your request once it is submitted. You will be charged a $100 non-refundable reservation fee (in addition to any applicable registration fees); however, this fee will be returned if your request is rejected.

Processing takes approximately 6 – 8 weeks, and you’ll be notified when your tags are available for pickup at the DC DMV’s Southwest Service Center. You must bring your current tags, registration card, and valid DC-issued ID to collect your personalized tags.