Wyoming License Plate Lookup
How To Lookup Wyoming License Plates
Wyoming license plate lookups are services that allow you to find detailed information on vehicles registered in the state, including their make and model specifications, title history, odometer readings, and accident records. Wyoming vehicle records are primarily generated and maintained by the Wyoming Department of Transportation (DOT); the DOT may also allow interested parties to access these records in line with motor vehicle privacy laws. Third-party platforms like GoodCar also provide online access to Wyoming vehicle-related information through license plate or VIN searches.
License Plates
You can perform Wyoming vehicle lookups using a license plate through the GoodCar platform by entering the vehicle's license plate number into the search bar, selecting "Wyoming," and clicking the search button. This license plate search will provide information like the vehicle's title records, sales history, title brands/issues, recalls, accident history, and salvage records. However, you may be charged a small fee to view the complete report.
VIN
Vehicles are assigned a 17-digit code during the manufacturing/assembly process called a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This VIN is unique to each vehicle and can be used to track its history using the GoodCar platform, much like a license plate search. However, this time, you must choose the VIN tab on the GoodCar search bar before inputting the VIN; be sure to enter the number correctly. VIN searches typically return similar information to license plate searches, as well as details on optional equipment, security attributes, and other vehicle-specific safety features. VIN searches are less common than plate lookups because locating a vehicle's VIN is more difficult. VINs can be found on an engine firewall, just below the driver's side windshield, or on the doorjamb of the driver's door.
Why Run a License Plate Search in Wyoming?
Whether you're a prospective car buyer, a law enforcement official, an insurance agent, or simply curious, running a license plate search is an excellent way to obtain pertinent information on vehicles in Wyoming. License plate numbers typically have 5 -6 characters and are easier to get, making license plate searches a preferred method of looking up vehicle information over VIN-based searches, which involve longer characters that are relatively more difficult to access.
Checking a vehicle’s history and confirming details advertised by an auto dealer is one of the main reasons most Wyomingites run license plate searches. With lookup services like GoodCar, you can verify a vehicle’s accident history, mechanical issues, damages, recalls, and last reported mileage/odometer reading. These details are crucial when it comes to purchasing used cars and can mean the difference between a good buy and being scammed by dishonest sellers who might misrepresent a vehicle's condition to close a deal.
Law enforcement agencies, insurance companies, and private investigators also conduct license plate searches to track stolen vehicles, gather information on vehicles involved in accidents, determine appropriate insurance premiums, and for other similar purposes.
What Can You Get Out of a Wyoming License Plate Lookup?
Wyoming license plates are used to identify vehicles registered and operated in the state; each vehicle is typically assigned a pair of license plates that are linked to and can also be used to access information related to it. This information is generated and shared between relevant local, state, and federal agencies but is primarily maintained and accessed through the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT).
Third-party platforms like GoodCar offer alternative options for accessing vehicle records in Wyoming and obtaining detailed vehicle reports through license plate lookup services.
Vehicle Records
The National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) is an electronic system managed by the U.S. Department of Justice and overseen by the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators designed to prevent fraud and protect consumers across the county from unsafe vehicles. Approved data providers utilize this system to cross-reference vehicle records with federal and state databases and generate vehicle reports that interested members of the public can access. GoodCar is an approved National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) data provider and can generate comprehensive and reliable vehicle history reports on Wyoming vehicles that include information like the car’s specs, past problems, crash test ratings, and NHTSA recalls.
Title Brands and Problem Checks
Wyoming license plate searches via GoodCar can provide details on title brands and possible problems with a vehicle. These include whether it has been used as a taxi, has flood or hail damage, is classified as salvage, classic car, antique, vandalized, junk, reconstructed, and much more.
Why Choose GoodCar for Wyoming 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.
Wyoming License Plates
Wyoming started requiring its residents to display license plates on their vehicles in 1913; each vehicle owner is typically required to display two license plates – one at the front and another at the rear. The state’s license plates used to be produced by the Wyoming State Penitentiary until 2001, when the state’s Department of Transportation (WYDOT) took over.
The Wyoming Department of Transportation offers three main types of license plates to vehicle owners in the state: Standard, Specialty, and Prestige. Be aware that the WYDOT typically changes the design of most of its license plates every eight years; the newest series is expected to replace previous plates by 2025. At this time, all previously issued plates will expire, and vehicle owners will have to reapply for the new plates and pay all applicable plate fees again.
Standard Issue License Plates
These are the default license plates issued to vehicle owners across the state. They are typically issued for new registrations, and their cost is included in the vehicle registration fee.
Personalized License plates
Wyoming specialty plates generally feature logos and images related to causes or organizations. They are usually ordered by vehicle owners who wish to show affiliation, support, or spread awareness about these causes and organizations. The requirements for obtaining these plates vary; some have eligibility criteria that limit their availability to specific vehicle owners, while others require extra fees in addition to the regular vehicle registration costs.
Specialty License Plates
WYDOT offers vehicle owners the opportunity to personalize their plate numbers through its prestige license plates. These plates allow vehicle owners to display customized license plates featuring a maximum of five letters or a combination of up to five letters, numbers, and spaces. Note that the desired personalization cannot duplicate existing plates, have more than three W’s or M’s, have only numbers starting with zero, or numbers followed by a single letter. It must also not spell, connote, or abbreviate an obscene, vulgar, indecent, or sexually suggestive message. Prestige plates cost $30, with an optional $50 fee to emboss the plate. These plates are typically processed within 4 -6 weeks; however, embossed prestige plates may take 10 – 12 weeks.
How to Get a
License Plate in Wyoming
Wyoming license plates can only be obtained by individuals with vehicles properly registered with the state's Department of Transportation. This must be done within 45 days for private party vehicle purchases and 60 days for vehicles purchased from dealers and can be completed by taking the following steps:
- Title the vehicle with your local county clerk’s office (this is also required for all out-of-state vehicles with plates that have expired for more than 30 days). Some Wyoming auto dealers may handle this process for vehicles purchased through them.
- Visit your county treasurer’s office to register the vehicle. You will need to go along with certain documents, such as:
- The vehicle’s title
- Proof of insurance
- A valid ID
- Proof of sales tax payment
- Odometer statement
- Pay stipulated fees. Registration fees vary, depending on the vehicle type and value.
Note that additional documentation may be requested. It is advisable to contact your local country treasurer’s office beforehand to determine their specific process for vehicle registration. License plates for most vehicles can be issued from the county treasurer’s office after the registration process is completed. However, plates for commercial apportioned, government, schools, and law enforcement vehicles must be obtained directly from the Wyoming Department of Transportation; the same goes for custom vehicle, street rod, and pioneer specialty license plates.
WY License Plate Renewal
Wyoming license plates typically have to be renewed annually. County treasurer's offices usually send registrants a renewal notice before their vehicle registration (and plates) expire. Note that you are still responsible for renewing on time if you do not receive this notice. Renewals are typically done in person at the county treasurer’s office, and you will generally need proof of insurance and your current registration for this; however, additional documentation may be requested depending on your specific situation. Some counties also offer online, phone, and mail-in renewal options. Renewal fees vary by vehicle type, ranging from $25 to $200 or more.
WY License Plate Replacement
You can obtain replacements for lost, stolen, or damaged Wyoming license plates from your local county treasurer’s office. You can request a replacement plate for $8 or a duplicate plate with the same plate number as your previous plates for $30. Note that duplicate plates are only available for prestige and specialty license plates. You may be required to complete an Application for New or Duplicate License Plates Form to initiate the replacement process, and you must surrender any remaining old plates when you receive the replacement or duplicate plates. If you request duplicate plates because your old ones were lost or stolen (and therefore, you cannot surrender them), you must wait until the validation stickers on the original plates have expired before displaying the duplicates on your vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions about
Wyoming License Plate Lookups
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Can I Lookup WY License Plates for Free?
You can look up basic information on Wyoming license plates for free using platforms like GoodCar, but you need to pay a fee for a full report. GoodCar offers various subscription options, allowing users to access comprehensive vehicle reports on Wyoming vehicles for as little as $2.95.
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Can I Use Wyoming License Plate Lookup Services to Find out about a Vehicle's Accident History?
Platforms like GoodCar allow you to check a Wyoming-registered vehicle’s accident history and find out if it has been designated as junk, rebuilt, or used for purposes like police work or as a taxi.
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How Can I Register a Vanity License Plate in Wyoming?
You can request prestige (personalized) plates in Wyoming by mailing a completed Application for Prestige Plates Form and a $30 fee ($80 for embossed plates) to the state’s Department of Transportation at:
WYDOT
ATTN: Motor Vehicle Services
5300 Bishop Boulevard
Cheyenne, WY 82009-3340The Wyoming Department of Transportation also provides an online portal that you can use to check the availability of your desired personalization, order prestige plates, and check the status of your order. Prestige plates are typically processed within 4 – 6 weeks (10 – 12 weeks for embossed prestige plates) and shipped to your county treasurer's office for pickup/delivery. Suppose you have already been issued standard license plates. In that case, you must surrender these to the county treasurer's office before being issued the requested prestige plates.