Nevada License Plate Lookup
How To Lookup Nevada License Plates
Nevada license plate lookups can be conducted either online or offline. In addition to fetching a vehicle's various histories, a license plate check helps to reveal certain information about a vehicle, and the intent for performing a license plate lookup can vary. However, it is always advised to look up vehicles only for lawful reasons in Nevada. Generally, with a license plate lookup, you may retrieve vehicle information such as specifications, odometer readings, accident history, engine capacity, recalls, and natural damage.
The Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) does not release vehicle records to prospective buyers and third parties unless there is a notarized release from the record owner. However, law enforcement and authorized third parties like insurance companies may still approach the department for offline vehicle lookups. Also, several resources are available for specific checks on vehicles. For instance, the NICB VINCheck helps to check for salvage and stolen vehicles, while the NHTSA VIN Decoder can help verify the validity of a VIN. Alternatively, with a third-party website like GoodCar, you can conduct a Nevada vehicle lookup using the car's VIN and license plate, as explained below.
License Plates
GoodCar's website offers a vehicle search service, allowing users to find a vehicle's information and certain histories using the license plate information. To use this service for a Nevada vehicle search, select the Search by License Plate option, provide the full license plate number in the appropriate field, choose Nevada as the state's name, and click the search button.
VIN
Like the license plate search, GoodCar also permits interested persons to find information on a vehicle registered in Nevada using its VIN. Short for a vehicle identification number, the VIN is a vehicle's unique identifier with 17 alphanumeric characters. On the GoodCar website, select the Search by VIN option, enter the full VIN, and then click the search button. The search result is usually the same as a license plate and will include information such as vehicle specifications, accident history, recalls, sale history, and the vehicle's market price. A VIN search is more complicated to use than a license plate number, and most users rely on a plate search instead for that reason.
Why Run a License Plate Search in Nevada?
Nevada license plate search can be run for various reasons and purposes. However, regardless of purpose, the main reason for performing a license plate lookup is to find a vehicle's history and obtain other important information about it. For example, police can pull a driver over and run their license plate to check outstanding violations, identify the driver or vehicle owner, or look up the vehicle's insurance status.
Conducting a Nevada license plate search is especially important to help you make a well-informed decision before purchasing a used car. For instance, the state ranks as one of the top states with the most car theft in the United States. At least 21,803 motor vehicle theft incidents were reported in Nevada in 2023, and between January and May 2024, about 4,070 vehicles have been reported stolen. Running a license plate search on any used car you intend to buy can help you determine if it is reported stolen because the vehicle history report will include such information. This can save you from some serious legal issues.
A Nevada license plate search will return information on a vehicle's last reported mileage. So, you will know if there has been an odometer rollback to make it seem like a vehicle's mileage is still low and a good buy. Similarly, with a license plate search, you can find out if a car has been involved in an accident. Such knowledge will help you decide whether to continue with the purchase. Generally, looking up a vehicle's information with the license plate number is easier because locating its VIN on the car can be hard sometimes. A vehicle's license plate number is linked to the VIN.
What Can You Get Out of a Nevada License Plate Lookup?
The license plate assigned to each registered vehicle in Nevada is unique, as is every information linked to it. Conducting a license plate search on any registered motor vehicle in the state will return associated details and records created and maintained by the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and other state and local agencies. As an approved National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) data provider, GoodCar will return various vehicle history reports from any Nevada license plate lookup conducted on its website.
Vehicle Records
A Nevada license plate search performed on GoodCar will return a comprehensive report of the vehicle, including specifications (make, model, year), rebuild records, engine type, flood damage, accident history, mileage, transmission type, recall, lien records, and several other details
Title Brands and Problem Checks
With a Nevada license plate search, you can access information about title brands, which will help you know whether a vehicle has been previously damaged and is safe (or not) to drive. Vehicle titles can be branded for various reasons, including reconstruction, fire damage, flood damage, certain major problems, and if the vehicles were once declared a total loss
Tracing a Vehicle’s History for Used Car Purchases with Nevada Plate Checks
Every registered and used car has a history. Consequently, it is advised that you conduct a Nevada license plate lookup to trace the history of any used vehicle you intend to buy in the state. Using GoodCar's license plate lookup service, you can trace a vehicle's accident history, recall history, sale history, title issues, and several other detailed reports.
Why Choose GoodCar for Nevada 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.
Nevada Resources
Nevada License Plates
Except for trailers and motorcycles that require only a rear license plate, most vehicles in Nevada must display license plates at the front and rear at all times. However, front plates are optional for vehicles that are not designed for front plates. Nevada license plates are issued to vehicle owners, not for vehicles. As a result, the state permits the transfer of a license plate from an old vehicle to a new vehicle owned by the same person. Nevertheless, license plate transfer between individuals is still possible. Most Nevada license plates are reissued every eight years to ensure they are in good condition and readable. The state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) issues various types of license plates with several designs, as discussed below.
Standard License Plates
These are the most common license plates in Nevada. They are issued by default to anyone registering a vehicle in the state and come in a pale blue plate with the inscription Home Means Nevada written on an abstract mountain range at the bottom of the plate.
Classic License Plates
Nevada Classic License plates are issued to individuals or businesses that own vehicles at least 20 years old and for retired military vehicles. The common classic license plates in Nevada include Classic Rod, Fire Truck, Retired Military, Horseless Carriage, Vintage, and Classic Vehicle license plates
Charitable and Collegiate License Plates
In Nevada, Charitable and Collegiate license plates can be obtained to show support for certain charitable causes or represent schools and colleges. A part of the fee paid to purchase this license plate is donated to the school or charitable cause. Popular examples in Nevada include the Raiders, Childhood Cancer, Breast Cancer Awareness, Missing and Exploited Children, UNR Collegiate, United We Stand, STEM Education, and Support Wildlife plates
Veteran and Family License Plates
The Veteran and Family plates in Nevada are issued to all veterans (disabled or decorated), their family members, and active duty members of the state's National Guard. Commonly issued veteran license plates in the state include Gold Star, Army, Coast Guard, Disabled Veteran, Women Veteran, Bronze Star (with Valor), Silver Star, Purple Heart, Pearl Harbor Survivor/Veteran, and Marine Corps license plates
Organization License Plates
Nevada Organization license plates are issued to individuals who wish to showcase organizational affiliation and support for special groups. Hall of Fame, Professional Firefighter, Civil Air Patrol, Amateur Radio, Press, and Decorated Peace Officer license plates are popular organization license plates in the state
How to Get a
License Plate in Nevada
In Nevada, you must register your vehicle to get a license plate. You need the following to register a vehicle in the state:
- A completed Application for Vehicle Registration Form (VP 222)
- Electronic Dealer Report of Sale (EDRS) (for a vehicle purchased from a Nevada dealer)
- Nevada proof of insurance
- Current odometer reading
- If needed, a Nevada emission vehicle inspection report
- Bill of sale or invoice and any one of lease agreement, title, security agreement, and manufacturer's certificate of origin (for a vehicle purchased from an out-of-state dealer)
- VIN inspection report (for new residents and a vehicle purchased from an out-of-state dealer or a private person if it was not previously registered in Nevada)
- Title or security agreement issued by a financial institution (if purchased from a private person)
- License plates and current registration certificate (for new residents)
Vehicles bought in private party sales must be registered within 30 days of purchase. This also applies to new Nevada residents. All required documents and information should be submitted in person at any of the Nevada DMV Offices. You may need to make an appointment if visiting the La Vegas, Carson City, Reno, or Henderson office location. You must pay all the required fees, including license plate fees and, if needed, sales taxes. Alternatively, you can submit a Nevada vehicle registration application online without visiting any DMV office.
You will receive your standard license plates once the DMV approves your vehicle registration application. A typical Nevada standard license plate with a sequential numbering costs $7.50, while a personalized standard plate costs $42.50. A single standard motorcycle and small trailer plate with sequential numbering costs $3.75, while a personalized one is $39.25.
NV License Plate Renewal
Your Nevada license plate will be renewed once you renew your vehicle registration. Generally, the state's Department of Motor Vehicles will mail you a renewal postcard or send you a notice by email if you have a myDMV account at least 30 days before your vehicle registration expires. The DMV offers various registration renewal options. These include in-person vehicle registration renewal at any DMV office or County Assessor office offering vehicle registration, renewal at DMV Now Kiosk locations, and One-time online renewal. Make sure to have your license plate number, VIN, and current odometer reading handy when renewing your Nevada license plate/vehicle registration.
NV License Plate Replacement
The state's DMV does not need a police report to accept a license plate replacement request. However, it is recommended that you notify your local law enforcement agency about your lost or stolen Nevada license and obtain a police report. If the license plate is lost or stolen, you may order a duplicate set of Nevada license plates with the same numbers or obtain plates with entirely different numbers. You can do this by submitting a completed Lost, Stolen, or Mutilated License Plate Affidavit (VP 202) by fax, mail, or in person at any DMV office. In contrast, for a case of a lost plate, you must submit the VP 202 Affidavit, any remaining plate, and a police report (if available) in person at any Nevada DMV office. All the fees for original license plates apply to replacement plates in addition to a $5 substitute plate fee
Frequently Asked Questions about
Nevada License Plate Lookups
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Can I Look Up NV License Plates for Free?
Yes, you can look up a Nevada license plate for free. Several third-party websites provide free license plate check services, but they may only provide basic information about the vehicle. For as little as $2.95, GoodCar will provide a detailed and comprehensive report for a Nevada license plate lookup performed on its website. At the very least, a GoodCar license plate search report will include accident history, theft alerts, recalls, safety rating, brand history, total loss history, and odometer rollback.
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Can I Use Nevada License Plate Lookup Services To Find Out About a Vehicle's Accident History?
Yes. A Nevada license plate lookup conducted on any reliable vehicle search website like GoodCar will provide a detailed report that includes the vehicle's accident history.
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How Can I Register a Vanity License Plate in Nevada?
In Nevada, you may register a vanity license plate while applying for vehicle registration or renewing your registration at a County Assessor's or DMV office. Alternatively, you may download the appropriate application form, complete it, and mail it to the address on the form. Interested persons can also order Nevada vanity license plates online.