Louisiana License Plate Lookup

A Louisiana license plate lookup is a powerful tool for trying to uncover essential details about a vehicle’s history, including numbers of previous owners, title information, and potential liens. This service may help verify the number of past owners, or whether the vehicle has been reported stolen. It is particularly useful for buyers looking to research a vehicle before making a purchasing decision.

Understanding the report

After conducting a license plate search, the resulting report can provide detailed information about the vehicle’s history:

1. Vehicle history: This section can include critical details like number of past owner changes, and potential liens, which help gauge unresolved financial obligations.
2. Title status: This indicates whether the vehicle has a clean title or issues such as salvage or rebuilt titles, crucial for legal ownership and insurability.
3. Insurance claims: Insurance claims filed on the vehicle can provide insights into previous damage and repairs.

Types of license plates in Louisiana

Standard passenger plates

Standard Louisiana license plates feature black plate numbers and letters on a reflective white, yellow, and pink blended background with a thin black border. A pelican design occupies the center, while “Louisiana” appears at the top in red, handwritten-style text, and “Sportsman’s Paradise” sits in red at the bottom left. These plates currently use a 123 ABC serial format, with three numbers followed by three letters.

Specialty plates

Military plates

The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles offers over 50 distinctive military license plate designs to recognize the service and sacrifice of Veterans, active-duty military personnel, retired service members, and their families. These plates are available for various privately-owned vehicles, including passenger cars, pickup trucks, motorcycles, and vans. To obtain a military plate, applicants must provide specific documentation proving their eligibility. The cost of most military plates is the same as standard license plates, and they can be ordered online or at any Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles location. Certain plates, such as the Medal of Honor and Purple Heart plates, are issued free of charge and do not require renewal.

College & University plates

Louisiana offers a variety of college and university license plates, allowing drivers to show pride in their alma mater or support their favorite Louisiana educational institution. These plates are available for privately owned vehicles, including passenger cars, pickup trucks, and vans. The cost of these plates varies, with a portion of the fees typically supporting the respective school’s scholarship programs or other educational initiatives. Applicants can request a college or university plate through the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles, either online or at a local office. Proof of eligibility is not required, and the plates are subject to standard renewal fees and requirements.

Special interest plates

Louisiana’s special interest license plates support various causes, including professional recognition, health advocacy, environmental conservation, and community service. Options range from plates for educators and civil law notaries to those promoting breast cancer awareness and wildlife preservation through groups like Ducks Unlimited and the Coastal Conservation Association. These plates can be ordered online or at the Office of Motor Vehicles, with proceeds from some benefiting related causes. Standard renewal requirements apply.

Organization & Service plates

Louisiana provides a variety of organization and service license plates that allow drivers to show support for civic, charitable, and professional groups. These plates represent a range of categories, including health advocacy, public safety, community service, and professional organizations. For example, plates are available for members of the Autism Society and the Fraternal Order of Police. Many of these plates come with additional fees, which often help fund related programs or initiatives. Plates can be requested online or at an OMV office, with specific documentation required for some organizations. Standard renewal fees and requirements usually apply.

How to apply for license plates in Louisiana

Application process

To apply for new license plates in Louisiana, follow these steps:

1. Visit a Louisiana OMV office: Head to your local Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) in person to start the process.
2. Complete the Vehicle Application Form (DPSMV 1799): Obtain and fill out the DPSMV 1799 form, available at the OMV office or online.
3. Submit required documents: Provide all necessary documentation, such as the vehicle title, proof of insurance, and your driver’s license.
4. Pay applicable fees: Make the necessary payments for registration and title transfer fees. Payment options include cash, check, credit card, or money order, depending on the submission method.
5. Receive your plates: Once your application is reviewed and approved, you’ll receive your new license plates and registration stickers.

Renewal processes

Renewal

In Louisiana, vehicle registration renewals are tied to the value of the vehicle. The state calculates the annual registration fee at 0.1% of the vehicle’s selling price, with a minimum base value of $10,000. This means that even for less expensive vehicles, the minimum annual fee is $10. Since license plates are issued for two-year periods, the minimum cost for a registration renewal is $20.

The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) offers a convenient online option for registration renewals. Vehicle owners can renew through the OMV website using either the Renewal Identification Number from their mailed notice or information from their current registration certificate. This streamlined process allows Louisiana residents to easily keep their vehicle registrations current without visiting an OMV office.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

General FAQs

How can I perform a Louisiana license plate lookup?

Visit a website such as Bumper and enter the license plate number along with selecting Louisiana as the state to perform the lookup.

How can I apply for a personalized or specialty license plate?

Personalized and specialty plates can be applied for through the Louisiana OMV website. Visit their website for detailed instructions and requirements.

What are the costs associated with personalized plates?

The cost for a personalized plate is $25 per year in addition to the regular registration fee, plus a one-time $3.50 administrative fee and an $8.00 handling fee.

How can I renew my license plate?

License plate renewal can be done online, by mail, or in person. Visit their website for a comprehensive guide on the renewal process.

Other common questions

Are there any restrictions on personalized plates?

Yes, personalized plates cannot include patented logos, substitute a number 1 for a letter I, or a letter O for a zero. They must be reviewed and approved by a committee before issuance.

What are the eligibility requirements for special plates?

Special plates can be issued to automobiles, trucks up to 16,000 lbs., private buses, and motorcycles. Each special plate may have specific qualifications and eligibility requirements.

Can I get a refund for the unused portion of my current plate when applying for a new one?

Yes, credit will be given for the unused portion of the plate shown on your current registration certificate when applying for a new personalized plate.

How are personalized plate requests processed?

Requests are reviewed by a committee and the plate will be held for two weeks pending paperwork submission. The availability indicated online is not guaranteed until confirmed by the OMV.

Understanding how to effectively use Louisiana license plate lookup tools is vital for both vehicle buyers and sellers.