A Wyoming license plate lookup involves using a vehicle's license plate number to obtain, copy, or inspect information about the vehicle and its owners from public or private databases. This includes vehicle attributes, title and lien records, repair history, and vital traffic-related records.
A study based on data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) from 2017 to 2021 reveals that Wyoming has the highest highway fatality rate in the U.S., at 24.62 deaths per 100,000 people.
Thus, gathering traffic-related records through these lookups helps various stakeholders. Records of past accidents, driving behavior, and associated violations or warrants are critical for car buyers to assess safety and value.
Additionally, law enforcement uses this data to investigate incidents and track repeat offenders, while insurance companies rely on it to evaluate risk and set premiums.
Why Run a License Plate Search in Wyoming?
People conduct license plate searches in Wyoming to obtain valuable driver or vehicle records for various reasons, such as:
- A vehicle history lookup reveals previous accidents and title status.
- Individuals verify license plates to prevent purchasing stolen vehicles.
- Legal cases may require license plate information for evidence.
- Insurers confirm vehicle history before providing coverage.
- Potential buyers ensure sound investments and avoid costly repairs.
- Law enforcement recovers stolen vehicles using license plate searches.
- Enthusiasts research vehicles to learn specifications and options.
Is it Legal to Perform a License Plate Lookup in Wyoming?
In Wyoming, individuals, organizations, and entities can perform license plate lookups to access vehicle records maintained by the WYDOT. This access is authorized under Wyoming Statutes (WS) Section 16-4-202(a), which makes such information publicly available.
However, the statute allows the department to create rules to implement the federal Driver's Privacy Protection Act (DPPA), which safeguards personal information in vehicle records.
Consequently, WYDOT established regulations under WYDOT Rules and Regulations, Motor Vehicles and Licensing, Chapter 7, Motor Vehicle Records and Privacy. These rules prohibit disclosing personal information from public vehicle records without explicit consent from the individual or proof of the requestor's identity and certification of authorized use.
Personal information includes photographs, Social Security numbers, driver identification numbers, names, addresses, and medical or disability information.
Permissible disclosures and uses of personal information are limited to the following:
- Government agencies addressing motor vehicle safety
- Businesses verifying the accuracy of submitted personal information
- Researchers producing statistical reports without personal data
- Towing companies notifying vehicle owners
- Licensed private investigators conducting investigations
- Marketers distributing materials with individual consent
While authorized individuals can access some personal information, highly restricted data like Social Security numbers or medical records can only be accessed in specific situations. Such situations involve insurers conducting claims investigations and employers verifying information under the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act.
Violations of the DPPA can result in fines of up to $5,000 per day, and affected individuals may pursue civil claims for damages of up to $2,500 per violation.
How Can You Conduct a Wyoming License Plate Lookup?
Here are the available resources and options for running license plate searches in Wyoming:
Wyoming Department of Transportation
The Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) offers a service for obtaining driver or vehicle information using a license plate number and other basic vehicle information (vehicle type, make, and year) through the License Plate Registration Search.
To initiate the process, individuals must complete Form MV-220 and pay a $15 fee. Payments can be made via check or money order. All required documents and payment should be mailed to the address indicated on the form.
Approved NMVTIS Data Providers
Authorized providers like GoodCar.com, InfoTracer.com, Recordsfinder.com, and StateRecords.org offer vehicle history reports through license plate lookups by accessing the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) database. This federal system helps protect consumers from fraud and unsafe vehicles and prevents stolen cars from being resold.
Established under the Anti-Car Theft Act of 1992 and enhanced in 1996, NMVTIS operates under the U.S. Department of Justice's Office of Justice Programs (OJP) and Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA). Since 1998, the system has been managed by the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA).
Here are typical steps for conducting license plate lookups through these providers:
- Select an approved NMVTIS provider website.
- Enter the license plate number and state of registration.
- Pay the required fee.
- Review the generated vehicle history report.
What Information Can You Obtain from a Wyoming License Plate Lookup?
Depending on their specific needs, individuals, organizations, and entities conducting Wyoming license plate lookups can choose between basic or comprehensive reports.
Basic Reports
Basic reports help potential buyers check whether the actual vehicle matches its advertisement, providing key details such as:
- Make, model, and year (e.g., 2021 Tesla Model 3, 2018 Jeep Wrangler)
- Vehicle type (whether it's a car, truck, or motorcycle)
- Body style (e.g., sedan, SUV, or truck)
- Engine size and trim level (e.g., V8 engine for towing heavy loads)
- Fuel type (e.g., electric for lower emissions, diesel for long trips)
- Transmission type (e.g., automatic, manual)
- Exterior and interior color
- Details about any existing warranties
- MSRP (Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price)
Comprehensive Reports
To access detailed information about a driver or vehicle, buyers, insurers, and businesses can obtain comprehensive reports that include the following additional details beyond the basic reports mentioned earlier:
- Title status such as clean, salvaged, rebuilt, or junk
- Accident history details, including severity and damage
- Odometer reading history for mileage verification
- Current market value estimate for the vehicle
- Lien and repossession information, if applicable
- Vehicle usage types such as personal, commercial, or rental
- Recall and defect information from the manufacturer
- Theft record details, including theft and recovery
- Ownership and registration history across states
What Does a Wyoming License Plate Look Like?
Wyoming county treasurers' offices issue license plates under the regulation of the WYDOT’s Motor Vehicle Services Division (MVS). Since 1913, the state has required residents to display two plates—one at the front and another at the rear.
According to the Wyoming Motor Vehicle Code, license plates should measure 12 by 6 inches. The current design showcases Green River Lakes with Squaretop Mountain set against a cloudy blue sky.
At the top, the word "WYOMING" is inscribed in yellow. Each plate includes a county code, ranging from 1 to 23, followed by unique black serial numbers.
Each plate also displays Wyoming's iconic bucking horse and rider logo, a trademark symbolizing the state’s cowboy heritage. Truck plates are marked with the letter "T" to distinguish them from passenger plates. The University of Wyoming plates have a gold background with brown numbers.
WYDOT typically updates plate designs every eight years, with the next series expected in 2025.
License Plate Types in Wyoming
The type of license plate affects search processes in Wyoming. For example, standard passenger plates follow a predictable alphanumeric format and require only the plate number, making lookups straightforward.
However, specialty or personalized plates require additional steps or information since their unique combinations may not directly match database entries.
The following are the major types of license plates in Wyoming:
- Standard Issue Plates: Default plates are issued for new vehicle registrations, and costs are included in registration fees.
- Specialty Plates: Feature organizational logos and images, requiring specific eligibility criteria and additional fees.
- Prestige Plates: For a $30 fee, they allow personalization of up to 5 characters or letters and digits, with restrictions on letter combinations and symbols.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Individuals or organizations may have concerns about Wyoming license plate lookups. Some are addressed here:
Can I Look Up WY Plates for Free?
Some third-party vehicle report providers and organizations, such as car dealerships, online marketplaces, or auction sites, may offer free Wyoming license plate lookups. However, the information is usually limited to basic vehicle details. Be cautious of unauthorized sites, as their data may not be reliable or secure.Do All Wyoming License Plate Lookups Work for Custom or Personalized Plates?
Personalized plate lookups may fail due to database limitations, privacy regulations, data entry errors, and variations in customization rules. Public databases often prioritize standard plate formats, making personalized designs harder to access and sometimes leading to incomplete or unavailable search results.How Long Does a Typical Wyoming License Plate Lookup Take?
WYDOT typically processes mailed license plate lookup requests within 7-10 business days. Meanwhile, authorized NMVTIS providers can deliver vehicle history reports in minutes or hours through automated online platforms or services.Can I Perform Bulk License Plate Lookups in Wyoming?
In Wyoming, third-party vehicle data providers often offer bulk license plate lookups to employers, insurance agents, and online businesses. These services often require a service subscription or the purchase of multiple reports. Individuals interested in bulk searches should contact the provider directly to explore options.Are There Any Alternatives to a License Plate Lookup for Obtaining Vehicle Information in Wyoming?
Individuals can access vehicle information other than conducting a license plate lookup by submitting WYDOT’s "Release of Driving Record & Personal Information" form via mail or in person, with proof of identification required. Alternatively, Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) checks from NMVTIS-approved providers offer vehicle and driver information.