Running a license plate lookup can help find vital information about a vehicle and its owner. From confirming a vehicle's make and model to details like uncovering a history of accidents or ownership, a license plate search can provide valuable insights. However, one needs to be aware that strict laws govern what information can be accessed through a license plate lookup and how it can be used.
In this definitive guide, we'll share what you need to know about running a Louisiana license plate lookup, including the state's rules and regulations.
Three ways to search a Lousiana (LA) license plate
1) Louisiana Department of Public Safety & Corrections
The Office of Motor Vehicles, a subunit of the Louisiana Department of Public Safety & Corrections (DPS&C), maintains records of all vehicles and drivers registered in the state. The OMV also offers a driver record search tool to search for a plate and view associated information. The cost per report is $18.
You need to fill up the form and mail it to the following address:
Office of Motor Vehicles
P.O. Box 64886
Baton Rouge, LA 70896
Phone: 225-925-6146
Email: [email protected]
The federal DPPA (Driver's Privacy Protection Act) restricts who can access Personal Identifiable Information (PII) records and for what purposes. So the tool is only available to law enforcement agencies, businesses, and individuals with written consent from the vehicle owner.
2) Public record services
You can also look into various public record services available online. These services usually have access to private databases along with various public sources. Generally, these websites offer a more comprehensive technical vehicle report and history, which you don't find in official sources. Some services might be free but lack in-depth information, and the premium ones cost anywhere from $5 to $20.
3) LookupAPlate.com
You can also search for the plate on our website and view basic vehicle data. Additionally, you can also check if there were any reports against the plate and share your own if you have had a negative experience.
What does a Louisiana license plate look like?
A Louisiana vehicle license plate is made out of aluminum and measures 12 inches by 6 inches. The state's name, "Louisiana", is imprinted at the top of the plate, while "Sportsman's Paradise" is located at the bottom. The plate's background consists of a yellow-pink gradient with a pelican graphic in the middle.
The license number is embossed in black in the center and is six characters long. The first three characters are numbers, while the last three are letters.
Typical LA license number format: 123 ABC
The current license number series was introduced in February 2005.
Types of Louisiana license plates:
The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles offers over 200 different license plate designs as well as the option of custom vanity plates.
Here are some of the most popular designs:
1. Standard license plate: The standard issue plate and also the most common one. It has the state name, "Louisiana", at the top and "Sportsman's Paradise" at the bottom.
2. Specialty plates: These plates allow people of common interest to show support for their group or organization. Some of the designs include:
- Veteran
- Retired Veteran
- Organization/Service
- Special Interest
- Vietnam Veteran
- Korean War Veteran
- Desert Storm Veteran
3. Personalized plates: Vehicle owners can also choose personalized characters for their license plate. The license number can be up to 7 characters long, with a maximum of 2 letters.
