Free Iowa License Plate Search
Whether you are buying a new or used car, buying for yourself or for a family, and buying from a dealer or from an individual, safety should be the first thing on your mind. Before purchasing a used vehicle in Iowa, it’s essential to conduct a thorough license plate search to ensure the vehicle’s history is free from any red flags. VinCheckPro offers a free and easy-to-use license plate search tool to help you get the information you need.
What is an Iowa license plate lookup and what are the benefits?
An Iowa license plate lookup is a means of obtaining information on a vehicle registered in the state of Iowa. This lookup service provides data such as the make, model, year, and vehicle identification number (VIN). This information can be useful for verifying the authenticity of a vehicle.
A used car buyer wants to know that the vehicle they are about to purchase is free of defects and does not have any hidden issues. For dealers, this tool can help in verifying important vehicle information and ensuring compliance with state regulations. A quick license plate search will provide information about the vehicle’s registration status, any accidents it has been involved in, and if there have been any recalls issued.
VinCheckPro’s free Iowa license plate search offers users access to a range of important information about any vehicle registered in the state. Some of the key information that you can obtain through this vehicle search tool includes:
- NMVTIS vehicle history report
- Vehicle specifications
- Accident records
- Manufacturer recalls
- Junk & Salvage records
- Lien records
- Odometer Readings
- Total Loss History
- Sale history, estimated ownership costs, and market value
- 60+ Problem Checks – signs of odometer rollback, theft and others
- Taxi, Lease, Police Use – past occupation or line of business
- Safety Report – safety reviews by auto experts and consumers
Iowa license plate lookup is a valuable tool for individuals who need information on the ownership history of a particular car.
What is an Iowa license plate?
An Iowa license plate is a small metal plate issued by the Iowa Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division (MVD). It is attached to the front and back of a vehicle registered in the state of Iowa. The plate allows law enforcement officials to easily identify the vehicle and its registered owner.
In addition to being used for identification purposes, Iowa license plates are also used to determine whether a vehicle has been properly registered and has valid insurance. Driving a vehicle without a valid license plate in Iowa can result in a fine and possible impounding of the vehicle.
In Iowa, there are several types of license plates available for motorists.
- Regular – the most common license plate type issued to most passenger vehicles
- College and University Plates – feature the logo or name of a college or university, and can only be issued to current students, alumni, or employees of the institution
- Military Service Plates – offered to members of the military, veterans, and their families, including plates for specific branches of the military, Purple Heart recipients, and Gold Star families
- Personalized – allows drivers to choose their own custom message or combination of letters and numbers, for an additional fee
Some Iowa license plates also feature special designs or themes, such as those supporting a particular charity or organization, or commemorating a historical event or milestone.
How do I get a license plate in Iowa?
To get a license plate in Iowa, you need to visit your county treasurer’s office and fill out an application for a certificate of title and registration. The application must be signed by all owners, and if there is a lien against the vehicle, a completed lien release must be provided.
Once your application is processed and approved, you will receive your license plate in the mail or in person at the county treasurer’s office. You will also receive a registration card and a sticker to place on your license plate that indicates when your registration expires.
Can I transfer my Iowa license plate to another vehicle?
Yes, you can transfer your Iowa license plates to another vehicle. You will need to fill out a transfer application form, available at your local county treasurer’s office. You need to present your current registration certificate and license plates. You will also need to show proof of ownership for the new vehicle along with a valid insurance certificate.
Once you have all the necessary documents and pay any fees required, the county treasurer will provide you with new vehicle registration materials and the existing license plates will be transferred to your new vehicle. It’s important to note that license plates in Iowa must stay with the registered owner rather than the vehicle, so if you sell the vehicle or move out of state, you will need to surrender the license plates to the county treasurer.
How can I find the owner of a license plate in Iowa?
There is no public database that provides personal information about the owner of a license plate in Iowa. However, you can perform a free online search to get information about the vehicle, such as the make, model, and year. You can also perform a VIN check to obtain more detailed information about the vehicle, such as its history and any accidents it may have been in.
Can you look up vehicle records and history by VIN in Iowa?
Yes, the Iowa DOT offers vehicle record research by vehicle identification number (VIN), along with other search criteria like name, title number, and license plate number. To request vehicle records, complete the Privacy Act Agreement for Request of Motor Vehicle Records form, make a legible photocopy of your driver’s license or non-driver ID card, and include payment of $5 per record request. The information will be sent to you via secure email after completion. The services available include vehicle histories, title research, registration research, owner name research, and more.
If you’re interested in purchasing a used vehicle or want to learn more about the history of your current car, VINCheckPro is a helpful resource. Running a free license plate check or a free VIN check from VINCheckPro.com can help you learn about a vehicle’s history, and help you determine whether the car is safe for you and your family.