Louisiana License Plate Lookup
- How To Lookup Louisiana License Plates
- Why Run a License Plate Search in Louisiana?
- What Can You Get Out of a Louisiana License Plate Lookup?
- Why Choose GoodCar for Louisiana Plate Lookups?
- Louisiana License Plates
- How to Get a License Plate in Louisiana
- Frequently Asked Questions about Louisiana License Plate Lookups
How To Lookup Louisiana License Plates
A Louisiana license plate lookup service is an easy and useful way to access information on vehicles registered and operated in the state. A vehicle lookup typically returns information like the vehicle’s make and model, specific features, title history, and odometer reading, as well as its accident history. The Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV), which is part of the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections, manages the state's vehicle records and may provide access to them on request from members of the public. Third-party websites like GoodCar also allow users to access these records online using a license plate number or VIN.
License Plates
GoodCar’s Louisiana license plate searches return information like a vehicle’s title records, sales history, accident history, past problems, recalls, and salvage records. To start a search on the platform, enter the vehicle’s license plate into the search bar at the top of the homepage, select “Louisiana,” as the state of registration for the vehicle, and click the search button. Note that a small fee may be required to access the full report.
VIN
Vehicles are typically assigned a unique 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) during the manufacturing process (VINs may be less than 17 digits for pre-1981 vehicles). This VIN can be used on GoodCar to look up information on the vehicle. The process is similar to the license plate search; however, this time, you have to select the VIN tab on the search bar and enter the 17-digit code to initiate the search. A VIN search typically provides information on the vehicle's detailed history, optional equipment, safety features, recalls, and much more. These searches involve finding a more difficult number and inputting it into a computer. Both tasks are more difficult to complete than when using a license plate number.
Why Run a License Plate Search in Louisiana?
License plate numbers are typically easier to obtain and contain fewer characters than VINs, making them a more convenient search option for vehicle-related information. Many Louisianans run license plate searches to verify the history of a used vehicle before purchasing it. Unscrupulous auto dealers may misrepresent a vehicle's specifications to make a sale, but a GoodCar license plate search can verify these details, providing information such as accident history, recalls, mechanical issues, damage history, and odometer readings. Law enforcement and insurers also use license plate searches to identify stolen vehicles and to get information for accident and claim investigations.
What Can You Get Out of a Louisiana License Plate Lookup?
Vehicle-related information in Louisiana is generated and managed by the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and other relevant local, state, and federal entities. A Louisiana license plate lookup offers you convenient access to this information; a license plate search through GoodCar will return comprehensive reports detailing a vehicle’s history.
Vehicle Records
The American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators maintains the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS), which allows approved data providers to instantly cross reference and verify vehicle information against federal and state databases. GoodCar is one of these approved data providers. As such, you can obtain detailed and reliable Vehicle History Reports that include vehicle specifications, previous issues, and data on NHTSA recalls and crash test ratings from this platform.
Title Brands and Problem Checks
You can also access title brand information and perform problem checks to determine whether the vehicle has suffered water or hail damage, been classified as salvage, classic, antique, vandalized, junk, reconstructed, or previously been used for taxi or police purposes.
Why Choose GoodCar for Louisiana 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.
Louisiana Resources
Louisiana License Plates
Louisiana first began requiring vehicle owners to display license plates in 1915. Louisiana license plates are manufactured at the Louisiana State Penitentiary (commonly known as Angola), a move designed to reduce production costs and simultaneously provide inmates with job skills and work experience that can benefit their rehabilitation and reintegration into society. However, the state’s Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) is solely responsible for issuing the manufactured license plates to vehicle owners.
The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles currently issues the following types of license plates:
Standard Issue License Plates
These are the most common types of license plates available in the state and are issued to newly registered vehicles, vehicle owners who no longer wish to use a previously obtained specialty or personalized plate, and as replacements for lost or damaged plates. The cost of these standard license plates is usually included in the vehicle's titling and registration fees. However, a fee may be charged for replacements.
Personalized License plates
The OMV offers vehicle owners the option of purchasing personalized plates that allow them to display customized license plate numbers. These personalized plates are only available for automobiles, trucks up to 10,000 lbs., private buses (motor homes), and motorcycles, and the customization must comply with specific guidelines. These include having at least two letters, being unique, and not having any ethnic, racial, vulgar, or indecent connotations that may be offensive to good taste and decency. Be aware that the OMV reserves the right to refuse submitted personalization requests.
Louisiana personalized plates cost a $25 per year fee in addition to the regular registration fee, plus a one-time $3.50 administrative fee and $8.00 handling fee.
Specialty License Plates
These license plates allow vehicle owners to show membership or affiliation with an organization or cause. The OMV currently offers over 200 kinds of specialty plates across the following categories:
- Veteran
- Universities/Colleges
- Organization/Service
- Special Interest
- Louisiana High Schools
- Sorority/Fraternity
Louisiana specialty plates are only available to vehicle owners with valid registration and standard plates. The fees for obtaining these plates vary, and some specialty plates may also have specific qualifications and eligibility requirements that limit their availability to certain vehicle owners.
How to Get a
License Plate in Louisiana
You can only obtain a Louisiana license plate after titling and registering your vehicle with the state’s Office of Motor Vehicles. (OMV) You will typically need the following documents to complete this process:
- A completed Vehicle Application Form
- Proof of ownership in the form of the Manufacturer's Statement of Origin (MSO) or current certificate of title assigned by the seller to the purchaser
- Original itemized invoice or bill of sale
- Properly completed and signed odometer disclosure statement
- Original or copy of UCC-1 form or other security agreement, if a lien is to be recorded
- Proof of insurance
- A valid photo ID
- Applicable fees. These are determined by the vehicle’s type, weight, value, and local taxes and will include a $68.50 title fee, $8 handling fee, and a local fee of up to $6.
You can initiate the titling and registration process (and subsequently obtain a Louisiana license plate) at any OMV office or Public Tag Agent location.
LA License Plate Renewal
Vehicle registration (and license plates by extension) in Louisiana is typically valid for two years and must be renewed before their expiration date to retain their validity. The Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) usually sends a renewal notice before this date, which serves the dual purpose of reminding registrants to renew their plates and providing the necessary information for this renewal.
The OMV also provides a Vehicle Registration Renewal platform that you can use to renew your plates online. Note that you will need the Renewal Identification Number on your renewal notice or the information on your current vehicle registration certificate to utilize this platform. However, suppose your renewal notice does not include a renewal ID number. In that case, you are ineligible to renew online and have to provide additional information to the OMV. Call the office at (225) 925-6146 for assistance if faced with this situation.
LA License Plate Replacement
If your license plate is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can obtain a replacement in person at your local OMV office. You will typically be required to provide the license plate number or vehicle's VIN, a valid ID, proof of insurance, and a $12 replacement fee. Note that additional local fees may be charged. Contact your local OMV office for information on specific requirements for obtaining replacement plates through them. Queries can also be directed to the OMV’s headquarters at (225) 925-6146.
Frequently Asked Questions about
Louisiana License Plate Lookups
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Can I Look Up LA License Plates for Free?
Third-party websites like GoodCar offer free license plate searches that return basic information; however, you will typically have to pay a fee to view comprehensive search results. GoodCar offers various subscription options for different user preferences, and you can access detailed vehicle reports via license plate searches on this platform for as little as $2.95.
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Can I Use Louisiana License Plate Lookup Services to Find out about a Vehicle's Accident History?
Yes, license plate lookups are an effective way to find out the accident history of vehicles in Louisiana. In addition to determining if the vehicle in question has been involved in any accidents, you can also use the GoodCar license plate search to find out if it had been designated as junk, reconstructed, or salvaged.
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How Can I Register a Vanity License Plate in Louisiana?
You can request personalized Louisiana license plates online by taking these steps:
Step 1: Visit the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles’ Personalized Plate Inquiry webpage.
Step 2: Enter your personalization choice and confirm its availability.
Step 3: Click the “personalized plate request form” link that appears.
Step 4: Complete the form.
Be aware the Louisiana personalized plates are issued on a “first come, first serve” basis and are typically only available for automobiles, trucks up to 10,000 lbs., private buses (motor homes), and motorcycles already registered with the OMV.
- How To Lookup Louisiana License Plates
- Why Run a License Plate Search in Louisiana?
- What Can You Get Out of a Louisiana License Plate Lookup?
- Why Choose GoodCar for Louisiana Plate Lookups?
- Louisiana License Plates
- How to Get a License Plate in Louisiana
- Frequently Asked Questions about Louisiana License Plate Lookups