Delaware License Plate Lookup

Free Delaware License Plate Lookup

Check Any DE License Plate Number and Get a Free Vehicle History


Looking to buy a pre-owned vehicle in Delaware? It’s essential to approach this endeavor cautiously, especially considering the unique aspects of the local market. Challenges you may encounter include discrepancies in mileage records, undisclosed damages, and uncertainties surrounding the vehicle’s title history.

Gathering accurate information about a vehicle can prove to be quite difficult. It involves thorough searches across various platforms and databases to uncover crucial details about the car’s background, which can be a time-consuming and frustrating process. Without access to a comprehensive vehicle history upfront, there’s a potential risk of acquiring a vehicle with hidden issues or an unclear past.

Our Delaware license plate lookup service offers a solution by providing free and immediate access to a vehicle’s detailed history with just a few clicks. You’ll receive comprehensive information such as registration records, ownership history, accident reports, open recalls, and more. This empowers you to make well-informed decisions, steer clear of unexpected surprises, and save both time and money. Give our free Delaware License Plate Search a try today to gather vital information before finalizing your purchase.

Below is the list of critical information you’ll receive from a VinCheck.info free DE license plate lookup:

  • Vehicle specification: This includes details such as the make, model, year, and body style of the vehicle.
  • Title information: Information about the vehicle’s title, including whether it’s a clean title or if it has been branded as salvaged, rebuilt, or has a salvage title.
  • Accident history: Reports may include information about any accidents the vehicle has been involved in. This could include the severity of the accidents and whether there was any structural damage.
  • Odometer readings: Reports typically show the history of recorded odometer readings. This can help identify potential odometer rollback fraud.
  • Vehicle market value: This is the estimated current monetary value of a vehicle in the open market. It represents the price at which a vehicle is likely to be bought or sold based on various factors and conditions at a specific point in time.
  • Lien and repossession records: Information on whether there are any outstanding liens on the vehicle or if it has been repossessed.
  • Vehicle use: Data on whether the vehicle has been used for personal, commercial, or rental purposes.
  • Recalls and defects: Reports may include information about any manufacturer recalls or known defects related to the vehicle.
  • Theft records: Information about whether the vehicle has been reported as stolen.
  • Title and registration history: Details about changes in ownership, title transfers, and the state where the vehicle was previously registered.

Delaware DMV Vehicle Lookup and License Plate Search Services

The Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles provides numerous online services and resources for vehicle registration, titling, and other related tasks. Some of these services include:

  • Renewing vehicle registration

  • Renewing driver’s licenses

  • Applying for a new driver’s license

  • Requesting a duplicate driver’s license or identification card

  • Updating address information on driver’s licenses or vehicle registrations

  • Paying driver’s license or registration fees online

  • Checking the status of driver’s license or registration applications

  • Ordering personalized license plates

  • Scheduling appointments for driver’s license or vehicle registration services

  • Submitting a Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability

  • Requesting a driving record

Delaware License Plates, Decals, and Placards FAQs

What is a Delaware License Plate?

Delaware DMV

Delaware State issues vehicle license plates through the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV), which operates within each county (New Castle, Kent, and Sussex). The state provides a variety of plate options, including standard plates, specialty plates, and personalized plates. 

The standard license plate design of Delaware features a yellow background with blue lettering and the state’s iconic blue and gold diamond emblem. These plates are registered to the vehicle’s owner and require annual renewal, with updated registration decals applied to the plate.

License Plate Sizes

Automobile and commercial license plates: 12″ x 6″

Motorcycle license plates: 7″ x 4″

Identification plates for other vehicle types: 7″ x 4″

License Plate Validity

Delaware license plates are validated with registration decals indicating the registration’s expiration date. Generally, plates stay with the vehicle to which they are assigned. However, personalized or specialty plates can be transferred to another vehicle upon the owner’s request and payment of applicable fees.

Delaware Laws on License Plates

The state of Delaware has long required license plates on vehicles. Most vehicles, including passenger cars, only need a rear plate. License plates are crucial for vehicle identification, enabling law enforcement to identify vehicle owners through DMV records.

If your Delaware license plates are stolen, lost, or damaged, you must obtain replacements. This process can be done by ordering a duplicate license plate at the appropriate DMV office.

Transferring a Delaware License Plate

To transfer a Delaware license plate from one vehicle to another, follow these steps:

  1. Check eligibility: Ensure that both vehicles involved in the transfer are registered in Delaware and that the license plate is valid. Confirm that the registration for both vehicles is current.
  2. Remove the license plate from the original vehicle: Carefully take off the license plate from the original vehicle and store it securely.
  3. Complete the transfer application: Obtain the Delaware Vehicle Registration Transfer form from the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or a local DMV office. Fill out the form with all the necessary details, including the license plate number and information for both the old and new vehicles.
  4. Pay the transfer fee: Pay the required fee for transferring the license plate. The fee amount may vary based on the vehicle type and the type of plate being transferred.
  5. Submit the transfer application: Submit the completed transfer application and the fee payment to the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or a designated DMV office. If mailing the application, include a self-addressed stamped envelope for receiving the updated registration documents.
  6. Receive updated registration: Once the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) processes the transfer application, you will receive updated registration documents for the new vehicle with the transferred license plate.

Make sure to complete the license plate transfer within the timeframe specified by Delaware’s regulations. Note that certain specialty or personalized plates might have specific transfer requirements and additional fees. It’s recommended to check with the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or your local DMV office for any specific instructions related to your license plate type.

License Plate Renewal

To renew your license plate registration in Delaware, follow these steps:

  1. Check your renewal date: Find your current registration’s expiration date on your registration card or by visiting the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website.
  2. Review renewal requirements: Delaware may require vehicle safety and emissions inspections for registration renewal. Ensure your vehicle complies with the state’s safety standards and emissions regulations, if applicable.
  3. Update your information: Confirm your address is current with the Delaware DMV to receive your renewal notice and any relevant documents.
  4. Renew your registration: You can renew your license plate registration online through the Delaware DMV website, by mail, or in person at a local DMV office. Follow the website’s instructions for online renewal and have your vehicle information and registration fee ready.
  5. Receive your renewed registration: Once you complete the renewal process and pay the fees, you’ll receive a new registration card and sticker. These will be mailed to you or provided immediately if you renew in person.

Make sure to renew your license plate registration before the expiration date to avoid penalties and keep your vehicle legally registered in Delaware. Renewal fees may vary based on your vehicle’s type, weight, and other factors, so be prepared for the associated costs.

How Can I Find the Owner of a License Plate in Delaware?

To find the owner of a license plate in Delaware, you can follow these legal methods:

  1. Law Enforcement Assistance: Authorized law enforcement officials in Delaware can access databases containing details about a vehicle’s registered owner for official purposes.
  2. Private Investigator Services: Hiring a licensed private investigator in Delaware for lawful purposes enables the investigation of a vehicle’s registered owner.
  3. Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV): The agency may disclose owner information under specific circumstances, such as with a court order, subpoena, or law enforcement request.
  4. Accident Reports: If the vehicle was involved in an accident in Delaware, the accident report might contain information about the registered owner.
  5. Parking Enforcement Agencies: Contacting local parking enforcement agencies in Delaware regarding unauthorized parking may provide information about the vehicle’s owner.

It’s crucial to adhere to legal procedures and refrain from unauthorized access to personal data, as this is prohibited by law and can result in legal repercussions.

More Resources for Delaware Drivers:

Whether you’re in Wilmington, Dover, Newark, or any other city or town in Delaware, performing a license plate lookup is essential when considering a used car purchase. This crucial step helps ensure your safety, save money, and make an informed buying decision. Don’t skip this important process; it only takes a few minutes and can uncover hidden issues or title brands that might affect your decision. Protect yourself and your investment by conducting a license plate lookup today, regardless of where you are in Delaware. It’s a straightforward action that can help you avoid potential problems down the road.

  • Kent
  • New Castle
  • Sussex

Buying a used car in Delaware?  Don’t make a costly mistake. Run a Free License Plate Lookup on your vehicle!

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