Vermont License Plate Lookup

Bumper’s Vermont license plate search tool taps into a detailed database of public records from the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), NMVTIS, NHTSA, and third-party data providers like J.D. Power. Whether you’re intrigued by a vehicle spotted while driving through Montpelier or preparing to sell your daily driver in Burlington, our reports can reveal valuable information about Vermont-registered vehicles. Vehicle reports may offer insights into a wide range of data, from vehicle specifications and open recalls to title changes.

A Vermont license plate lookup is useful for both potential buyers and current vehicle owners. Buyers can uncover potential issues such as a compromised VIN, past accidents*, or odometer fraud, helping to avoid purchasing a damaged or stolen vehicle.

Obtaining Vehicle History

Vehicle Information from License Plates

A vehicle history report from a license plate lookup could include critical data such as the vehicle’s model, year of manufacture, Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), previous owners, accident history, service records, and more. For instance, through Bumper, you may also discover information about the car’s lien and repossession records, flood, hail, and fire damage, and mileage rollback to detect odometer fraud.

Benefits

Access to vehicle history reports is crucial for potential buyers and current owners. For buyers, this information can confirm the authenticity of the seller’s claims, reveal any hidden issues, and help avoid purchasing a car with a troubled past. For example, knowing if a vehicle has been in a major accident or if it has unresolved safety recalls can be decisive in making an informed purchase decision.

For current owners, these reports are equally beneficial. Imagine buying a used vehicle only to later find out it had significant flood damage leading to persistent issues. Utilizing a service like Bumper can help prevent such scenarios by providing full details on the vehicle’s title and salvage records.

A license plate lookup can also offer peace of mind by confirming that a vehicle is legally registered and has passed necessary inspections, ensuring it’s safe for yourself and others on the road. In cases of minor parking lot incidents, a license plate lookup can facilitate owner contact without involving police, streamlining resolution.

Types of Vermont License Plates

Standard Plates

Since 1990, the standard license plate in Vermont features white lettering on a green background, with a white rectangular border around the numbers. “Vermont” is printed in white at the top center, with a white sugar maple symbol at the top left. “Green Mountain State” is printed in white along the bottom center. Currently, the plates use an ABC 123 serial format, with three letters followed by three numbers.

Vanity Plates

Vanity plates allow for customizable and personalized combinations of letters and numbers. These plates are great for those looking to add a personal touch or convey a specific message. To check personalized plate availability, visit mydmv.vermont.gov and select the “Check Personalized Plate Availability” option.

Specialty Plates

Specialty plates in Vermont come in a variety of designs and support various causes or organizations. These plates can be used on vehicles registered at the pleasure car rate and trucks registered for less than 26,001 pounds.

Military plates

Vermont offers military license plates for veterans, which require a completed Vermont Certificate of Veteran Status, certified by the Vermont Office of Veterans Affairs. These plates can be used on vehicles registered at the pleasure car rate and trucks under 26,001 lbs. Some plates come with a one-time fee, depending on the specific type. Personalized or vanity options are not available for any of these military plates.

Safety/Service organization plates

Vermont safety and service organizations, such as fire departments, rescue squads, emergency medical services, the National Ski Patrol, and licensed amateur radio operators, can obtain special license plates. Members must apply with authorization from the organization’s leader. Organizations make an initial deposit to cover plate fees, and members pay an annual fee once the deposit is depleted, with a one-time $21 fee also required.

Special fund plates

Vermont offers special fund plates, including the Building Bright Futures plate and Conservation plates, which support important state programs. These plates are available for an annual fee of $29 for Building Bright Futures and $32 for Conservation plates, with the option to personalize them for an additional fee.

Building Bright Futures Plate

The Building Bright Futures plate supports the development and improvement of child care facilities in Vermont. Funds from these plates, managed by the Department for Children & Families, are used to award grants that enhance child care quality across the state.

Conservation Plates

Vermont’s Conservation plates, featuring the Loon, Deer, and Brook Trout, support the Non-Game Wildlife Fund and Watershed Grants Program. These plates have generated over $1.5 million for conservation efforts since 1997, with older designs like the Catamount and Peregrine Falcon still available for renewals or replacements.

Organization plates

Vermont organization plates are available for members of groups such as Lions Club International, Rotary International, Freemasons, and the American Legion. These plates are subject to a one-time fee and cannot be personalized. To obtain one, applicants must provide a copy of their membership ID or authorization from the organization.

Replacement Procedures

In cases of lost, damaged, or stolen plates, replacement is straightforward. Submit a form to the DMV detailing the reason for replacement along with any required fees. For most scenarios, this can be done via the mydmv.vermont.gov platform.

Accessing Vehicle and Owner Information

DMV Records

The Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) serves as the primary source for accessing vehicle and owner information. For those needing to obtain another person’s driving or vehicle records, a request can be submitted using a Request for Record Information (INF 70) form. This form, along with a check or money order for $5, should be mailed to the address provided on the form .

Individuals can also request their own vehicle registration records through an online system that requires the creation of an online account and payment of a $2 fee. It’s important to be prepared to print the records immediately after payment.

Confidentiality Protocols

Confidential information, such as a person’s address or social security number, is not shared by the DMV as it’s protected under privacy laws. Publicly accessible information includes vehicle registration details, historical ownership data, and statistical info about vehicle registrations and driver’s licenses.

NMVTIS Data

The National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) is an industry resource for obtaining reliable vehicle history reports, specifically designed to prevent auto fraud and theft.

Using NMVTIS Providers

To access NMVTIS data, consumers must use approved data providers like Bumper. These providers offer essential vehicle condition and history information, ensuring the data is accessible to all interested parties, including consumers, car dealerships, and financial institutions. NMVTIS data is not available through Carfax, DMVDesk, or Experian for consumers.

Information Included

An NMVTIS Vehicle History Report includes five key indicators crucial for consumer protection:

1. Current State of Title and Last Title Date

• The title information is important for verifying the legitimacy of the vehicle’s title, helping prevent fraud and theft.

2. Brand History

• Brand labels such as “junk,” “salvage” or “flood” provide insights into the vehicle’s condition. This information helps consumers avoid purchasing a damaged vehicle that is misrepresented.

3. Odometer Reading

• Odometer data is crucial in identifying discrepancies that may signal odometer fraud. This ensures consumers do not overpay or purchase an unsafe vehicle.

4. Total Loss History

• Information on whether the vehicle has been declared a total loss is vital. Such vehicles often have severe damage, making it essential for safety considerations.

5. Salvage History

• Similar to total loss data, knowing if a vehicle has a salvage history helps consumers avoid potentially unsafe or severely damaged vehicles.

NMVTIS vehicle history reports ensure timely and accurate data sourced from state motor vehicle titling agencies, insurance carriers, auto recyclers, junk yards, and salvage yards. This comprehensive approach enhances consumer protection by providing clear, concise, and essential vehicle history data that helps identify potentially unsafe vehicles.

Conducting a Vermont license plate lookup is a critical step for anyone involved in car buying, vehicle ownership, or legal inquiries. It could help bring transparency to the process and may ensure you make informed decisions based on reliable data. For prospective car buyers, this tool may help avoid fraud, uncover hidden issues, and verify vehicle histories, preventing costly mistakes.

* Bumper reports are based on data available and may not include historical accident records in all states.