Iowa License Plate Lookup
How To Lookup Iowa License Plates
Iowa license plate lookups are a helpful service that allows people to find details on vehicles registered in the state, like their make and model specifications, title history, odometer reading, and accident history. The Iowa Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) manages this information and may perform license plate lookups on request. Third-party websites like GoodCar also provide access to this information in line with the state's motor vehicle record disclosure laws. You will usually need to provide a license plate or vehicle identification number to perform these lookups, both online and offline.
License Plates
To look up vehicles registered in Iowa using GoodCar, simply type a license plate number into the search bar, choose “Iowa,” and click the search button. An Iowa license plate search typically returns information on the linked vehicle, like its title records, title brands/issues, past collisions, recalls, sales history, and salvage records. Note that you may have to pay a small fee to access a complete report.
VIN
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a unique 17-digit code assigned to each vehicle when manufactured. You can use this VIN to track the vehicle's history on GoodCar, much like with the license plate search. Choose the VIN tab on the GoodCar search bar to perform VIN-based lookups and enter the correct 17-digit code. VIN searches also provide details on optional equipment, security attributes, and other safety features. While a VIN search is essentially the same, plate searches are more popular because VINs are harder to find and longer to input.
Why Run a License Plate Search in Iowa?
License plate searches are generally favored over VIN searches for checking a vehicle’s history because they require fewer characters and are more straightforward to obtain. VINs, on the other hand, have many characters and can sometimes be difficult to read, increasing the margin of error.
Iowa license plate lookups are commonly done to learn more about used cars before making a purchase. Shady auto dealers often misrepresent a car’s specs to close a deal. You can use a GoodCar license plate search to verify details advertised on a car you intend to purchase, such as the vehicle's history of accidents, recalls, mechanical problems, damage, and last reported mileage/odometer reading. This information can mean the difference between getting a good car and ending up with a problematic one.
License plate searches are also used in Iowa for several other reasons. For example, law enforcement officials use them to find stolen cars and identify suspicious ones. Likewise, insurers use this service to get details on cars involved in accidents and verify that cars haven’t been involved in fraudulent activities by comparing available information with law enforcement records.
What Can You Get Out of a Iowa License Plate Lookup?
Vehicles registered in Iowa are linked to the license plates assigned to them at the time of registration; these license plates, in turn, can be used to identify the vehicle and access records tied to it. The Iowa Department of Transportation (MVD) generates and maintains these records through its Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) in collaboration with the US Department of Transportation (DOT) and other relevant municipal, state, and federal government organizations.
You can access Iowa motor vehicle records and unlock a comprehensive report using GoodCar's license plate number search service.
Vehicle Records
The American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators maintains the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS), which allows authorized users to instantly and accurately cross-reference vehicle information with state databases. GoodCar is an approved NMVTIS data provider; as such, you can generate vehicle history reports that contain information on the vehicle's specs, past issues, NHTSA recalls, and crash test ratings via this platform.
Title Brands and Problem Checks
An Iowa license plate lookup can also provide information on title brands, including details about whether the car has ever suffered water or hail damage, had ever been used as a taxi, was classified as a salvage, classic car, antique, vandalized, junk, reconstructed, and much more.
Why Choose GoodCar for Iowa 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.
Iowa License Plates
Vehicle owners in Iowa were first required to display license plates in 1904 and were allowed to provide their own plates until 1911, when the state began issuing them itself. The Iowa Prison Industries’ Anamosa Plant began producing the state’s license plates in 1926. Note that the IPI is not permitted to issue or sell these license plates to the public. License plate issuance in Iowa is solely handled by the state’s Department of Transportation through its Motor Vehicle Division (MVD).
Standard Issue License Plates
Standard license plates are regular, non-personalized plates assigned to newly registered vehicles or to replace lost, damaged, or specialty plates. They are issued locally by County Treasurer's Offices. The initial cost of obtaining a standard license plate is usually included in the vehicle’s titling and registration fee (determined by age, weight, and applicable taxes), while replacement plates cost $5.
Personalized License plates
The MVD offers vehicle owners the option of personalizing their license plates with a unique combination of letters and numbers to reflect a name, slogan, or personal message. The chosen combination cannot be offensive, profane, inflammatory, obscene, or have sexual connotations; must not conflict with any issued license plate numbers or mimic a government agency and must be at least two characters. These personalized license plates are available in regular and specialty designs and cost an initial fee of $25 plus a subsequent personalization fee of $5 every year the plate is renewed. Be aware that regular vehicle registration and renewal charges still apply.
Specialty License Plates
Specialty license plates feature distinct designs, logos, or symbols associated with colleges, universities, military branches, charities, and other organizations. They are issued on request to vehicle owners who wish to honor or show their support for the cause or organization associated with the plate. The cost of these plates varies, and some have restrictions that limit their availability to vehicle owners who fit specific criteria (this is usually the case with military service specialty plates).
How to Get a
License Plate in Iowa
You can only get a license plate in Iowa after registering your vehicle with the state’s Motor Vehicle Division (MVD). The registration process is initiated at the local level by County Treasurers’ Offices and must be done no later than 30 days after purchasing the vehicle or establishing residency in the state. At the County Treasurer’s Office, you will be required to submit an Application for Certificate of Title and/or Registration or Application for Certificate of Title and/or Registration for a Leased Vehicle and your current out-of-state registration and title (where applicable). Note that additional documents may be required.
Titling and registration fees are determined by the vehicle's type and age, ownership status, local service fees, and applicable taxes. Processing times vary by location; however, you may be issued a temporary tag to use until your plates are ready for pickup or delivery, whichever your preferred option is.
IA License Plate Renewal
Iowa license plates are valid for one year and must be renewed before midnight on the expiration date of your vehicle registration; however, the MVD usually offers a one-month grace period after this date.
Renewals can be done online or in person at your local County Treasurer’s Office; some counties may provide additional options, such as mail-in and drop-box renewals. The County Treasurer’s Offices usually send renewal notices to registrants in their respective localities about a month before their registration expiration date. These notices contain necessary renewal requirements, including a PIN that will be needed to access the online renewal portal. Be aware that registrants with a "stop" on their renewal notice cannot utilize the online option.
Driving with expired plates after the one-month renewal grace period is considered a simple misdemeanor, punishable by a statutory fine of $70. An administrative penalty of 5% of the renewal cost per vehicle per month (with a minimum charge of $5.00 per vehicle) will also be assessed when you eventually renew your plates.
IA License Plate Replacement
You can replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Iowa license plate by contacting your local County Treasurer’s Office. You will have to return the remaining plate (if any), provide a copy of your current vehicle registration, and pay a $5 replacement fee ($8 if you do not have your current registration available). Note that this fee is for standard license plates; you may have to pay more for specialty or personalized plates. However, the replacement fee may be waived for license plates lost in a documented accident.
Frequently Asked Questions about
Iowa License Plate Lookups
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Can I Look Up IA License Plates for Free?
GoodCar provides free license plate searches that return basic information. However, a subscription is required to view the complete report. To this end, the platform offers a number of subscription options to cater to varied customer interests, and you can get a comprehensive vehicle history report through a license plate search for as little as $2.95.
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Can I Use Iowa License Plate Lookup Services to Find out about a Vehicle's Accident History?
Yes, you can use GoodCar's license plate lookup tool to check an Iowa-registered vehicle’s accident history and find out if it was designated junk, rebuilt, or even used as a police or taxi car.
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How Can I Register a Vanity License Plate in Iowa?
The Iowa Motor Vehicle Division provides an online portal for requesting vanity plates and checking the status of your order. Orders are typically processed within 3 – 6 weeks and sent to your county treasurer’s office for pickup. Note that you will be required to exchange your current plates for the new personalized ones at the county treasurer’s office. You must also assign the personalized plates to a vehicle within 90 days; otherwise, they will be voided.