Pennsylvania License Plate Lookup

Free Pennsylvania License Plate Lookup

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

Just like in any other state, when you buy a used car in Pennsylvania, there are big risks involved. It’s really important to protect yourself from scammers. Make sure you thoroughly check the vehicle history. There are a few different ways to get a vehicle history report. You can either ask the seller for it or get it online from providers. A Pennsylvania license plate lookup is a helpful tool you can use to easily download the vehicle information you need from the comfort of your own home.

VinCheck.info offers free license plate lookup. Using your Pennsylvania license plate, you can get a complete vehicle report at no cost. A vehicle report from VinCheck.info may indicate the following details:

  • Market Value
  • Vehicle Specifications
  • Equipment Details
  • Fuel Efficiency
  • Safety Rating
  • Inspection Checklist
  • Current Warranty
  • NMVTIS Vehicle History Report

Pennsylvania License Plates & Placards

Pennsylvania License Plate Lookup

Pennsylvanians who drive a motor vehicle must keep their vehicle registration up to date in order to get a license plate and drive on the road.

Out-of-state vehicles must be registered and owners must obtain new plates before driving on a Pennsylvania road. Owners need to apply for a Pennsylvania title and registration for their vehicles within 20 days of becoming residents. VIN verification is necessary for vehicles from out of state.

Once registration is finished, the department will give out Pennsylvania license plates to put on assigned vehicles. Starting from December 31, 2016, there won’t be a need to display registration stickers as PennDOT won’t be issuing them anymore.

If you lose, have your license plate stolen or damaged, or if it becomes illegible, you can get a replacement plate from the Department of Transportation. In case of loss or theft, you must notify the police within 48 hours.

Types of License Plates

Transferring Pennsylvania License Plates

License plates may be transferred to another vehicle owned by the registrant or to another vehicle owned by the registrant’s spouse, parent, or child.

Apply for Vehicle Ownership Transfer

In general, a car owner or driver interested in transferring ownership of a vehicle may need to provide the following;

  1. Pennsylvania Certificate of Title
    2. Pennsylvania Driver’s License or Pennsylvania Photo Identification
    3. Copy of current insurance identification card
    4. Form MV-4ST “Vehicle Sales and Use Tax Return/Application for Registration”

General Requirements for Vehicle Registration & Title

  1. Valid Title
    2. Proof of Pennsylvania Insurance (insurance identification card, declaration page, binder, or application for insurance)
    3. Proof of Identity (driver’s license or ID card)
    4. Tracing or verification of the vehicle identification number (VIN)
    5. Payment of appropriate title, lien, registration fees, and sales tax (if applicable)
    6. Form MV-1L (PDF) completed by the leasing company (if registering a leased vehicle)
    7. Power of Attorney (may be required from the leasing company)

Renew Vehicle Registration

Most passenger vehicles and trucks weighing 54,999 pounds or less that are currently insured can be renewed.

As an exception to the rule, the following types of vehicles are not eligible for renewal;

  • Dealer registrations
  • Fleet vehicles
  • Suspended registrations
  • Apportioned vehicles
  • Farm Vehicles (Biennial certificates)
  • Seasonal registration
  • Disabled Veteran code
  • Taxi registrations
  • Limo registrations
  • Bus registrations

More Resources for Pennsylvania Drivers:

Buying a used car in Pennsylvania? Don’t make a costly mistake.

Run a Free License Plate Lookup for your Pennsylvania-registered vehicle!

Check for accidents. In 2022, Pennsylvania recorded 115,938 reported crashes. For anyone purchasing a car, it’s crucial to ensure that the vehicle hasn’t been in a significant accident.

Check for title brands. Flood, hail-damage, and salvage titles are key examples of title brands that signal significant issues. When purchasing a used car, it’s essential to verify that the vehicle holds a clean title.

Check for special purpose designations, including taxi-use, rental-use, or police-use. Understanding these histories helps gauge potential wear, maintenance needs, and the overall condition of the vehicle before making a purchase.

Check for thefts. Run a license plate lookup to check for an active theft or previously recovered theft record. The PA Auto Theft Prevention Authority reported 21,084 stolen vehicles in 2022. To steer clear of legal entanglements, it’s crucial to verify that the vehicle you’re eyeing hasn’t been stolen.

Run a Free Pennsylvania License Plate Lookup to uncover the full story of your Pennsylvania-registered vehicle.

Enter a Pennsylvania License Plate: