Louisiana License Plate Search: How to Search Louisiana License Plate

If you are searching for used cars in Louisiana, it is common to hear dealers sing praises about the capacity of their stocks. Louisiana has over 3 million registered cars in the state, meaning you have many options to choose from when purchasing a pre-owned vehicle. 

However, buying a used car is not the same thing as shopping for groceries. Relying on only the physical description of the vehicle will not provide sufficient insights into the automobile's past. 

However, with a Louisiana license plate lookup, you can discover vital details about a vehicle's past, including accident history, odometer verification, manufacturer's specifications, etc. 

In this piece, we shall be evaluating the administration of license plates in Louisiana, the types of Louisiana license plates, and how to conduct a Louisiana license plate lookup!

Administration of License Plates in Louisiana 

Louisiana license plates are registration plates fastened on automobiles. These plates play a crucial role in tracking and identifying owners of vehicles. 

In Louisiana, the Office of Motor Vehicles is responsible for issuing license plates to vehicles in the state. 

Since 1952, Louisiana has mandated every vehicle on its highways and roads to attach only rear plates on their vehicles. 

However, in 2015, Louisiana ran out of license plate combinations; consequently, the state started issuing a novel license plate number in this format: 555 AAA rather than AAA 555. 

The Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) issues various license plates to motor vehicles, including standard, specialty, and personalized plates. Customized plates are issued to vehicles, motorcycles, and trucks weighing up to 10,000 lbs. 

Louisiana custom plates contain letters ranging from A-Z, figures between 0-9, periods, hyphens, and spaces. Only six numbers and alphabets are allowed on a vehicle or a handicapped customized plate. 

The state charges $25 for personalized plates, a $3.50 administration fee, standard registration fees, and an $8 handling fee. 

Payments are made upon approval by the Office of Motor Vehicles. Other types of Louisiana license plates include: 

* Professional License Plates
- EMT 
- Shriners 
-  Firefighter 

* Educational License Plates
- Fraternities and sororities 
- Universities and colleges 
- High school 

* Charities and Special Causes License Plates
- Food bank license plates
- Protect our forests' license plates

* Special Vehicle License Plates
- Street cruiser license plates
- Antique vehicle license plates
- Street rod license plates

Distinction Between Commercial License Plates and Passenger License Plates

It is common for people to conflate commercial and passenger license plates as the same thing; this is not the case. 

Under Section 32.401(b) of the Louisiana Driver's Law, Louisiana defines commercial vehicles as a combination of motor vehicles employed in commercial activities, such as transporting persons and services. 

While commercial license plates are issued to commercial vehicles, passenger license plates are provided to privately registered vehicles. 

According to Section 1-901 of Title 73 of the Louisiana Administrative Code, owners of commercial vehicles in need of license plates can obtain them at the Vehicle Registration Bureau of the Office of Motor Vehicles. 

Interested parties can also send inquiries to the department using the following contact information: 

Title Support and Information Section
Vehicle Registration Bureau
Public Safety Department
P.O. Box 64886
Baton Rouge, LA 70896
Phone: (225) 925-6278

How to Conduct License Plate Lookup in Louisiana 

One of the mistakes most potential car owners make is failing to conduct a license plate lookup on their prospective vehicle. They end up regretting this decision, which might prove costly to correct. 

It is, therefore, important to take a cursory look into the vehicle's past before going ahead with your purchase. 

A Louisiana license plate lookup is a great way to achieve this goal. Conducting a Louisiana license plate lookup is the most convenient way to research registered vehicles. 

In addition, you can obtain valuable information online, free or at a stipulated charge, through a license plate lookup. 

You can also carry out a license plate lookup if you are an accident victim. 

For instance, if you were involved in a hit-and-run, you can quickly conduct a license plate lookup on the other vehicle without physically contacting the owner. 

In business, it can also help you ensure that a seller or dealership has the legal right to offer up the vehicle for sale. 

Persons looking to conduct a Louisiana license plate lookup can start by visiting the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles. 

Below are steps on how to run a license plate lookup on the site:

* Navigate to the official website of the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles
* Click on the "Forms and Documents" button
* Select the "Vehicle Title and Registration Form" on the drop-down menu
* You will be provided various options, including an odometer disclosure statement, an official report of stored vehicles, a title history request form, etc
* Click on the item (s) that meets your requirement
* Proceed to complete and submit the form using the provided email address

You will be required to pay a fee depending on the nature of your search; for instance, title history requests cost $10 per vehicle and $2 per page certified. Payments can be made using a cashier's check, money order, personal check, or any other means accepted by the Office of Motor Vehicles. 

The Office of Motor Vehicles will provide you with a response after proper verification of your application. You can contact the OMV using the following details:

Mailing address: 
Office of Motor Vehicles
P.O. Box 64886
Baton Rouge, LA 70896.
Physical address: 
Office of Motor Vehicles 
7979 Independence Blvd.
Baton Rouge, LA 70806.

Conclusion 

Louisiana license plate lookup is crucial to a buyer's due diligence practice. Even car sellers and dealers can employ this practice to determine the price point for their vehicles. 

Use the above technique to discover the latest information on the vehicle you intend to purchase.