Occupational License Plates (Dealers, Dismantlers, etc.).Special Recognition License Plates (Legion of Valor, Purple Heart, etc.).Special License Plates (Exempt, Livery, Historical Vehicles, etc.).Special Interest Motorcycle License Plates (Coastal, Tahoe, etc.).Special Interest License Plates (Arts, Kids, Tahoe, etc.).Standard License Plates (Passenger, Commercial, trailer, etc.).License Plate Introduction (Plate Sizes, Validity, and History).These are simple designs with two or three colors only. Most residents use the standard license plate, which may be white, blue, or black. The state of California has a wide variety of license plate options. If you move out of state, you must also file a change of address report with the DMV (form DVV14). When registering a new or used vehicle, you must present the title application or title, the odometer statement, and a smog certificate (unless the vehicle is four years old or less).Ĭalifornia vehicle registration must be renewed every year at the same time as last year. Vehicle License Fee (This is the fee that may be an income tax deduction).Your fees may be a combination of the following items: You must also file a Notice of Transfer and Release of Liability with the DMV. If you purchase from a private party, you have only ten days to transfer ownership. When purchasing a new vehicle or moving to California, you must register your car within 20 days. Before 2015, this requirement was not in place, and drivers could display a tiny index card type plate on their windshield instead. One on the front and the other on the back. You cannot look up a license plate using the VIN through official channels.Ĭalifornia requires every driver to display two license plates on their vehicle. When requesting records, you will need to supply your name, address, phone number, and driver's license number for an audit trail. You must use the form INF1125 and mail it into the DMV Headquarters to get an official copy. California allows you to look up your records online (but it is not considered an official record). Government agencies, law officers, companies and private investitures can get a full report which will have more information such as the owner's name, social security number, physical description, home address, home telephone number, education, vehicle insurance details, fingerprints, photographs, driving and vision tests, accident reports, financial matters, and medical or employment history.

After that, California does not allow residents to request a copy for someone other than themselves. You can use online portals to lookup free, basic information from a license plate such as the make, model, and year. How to Search for a California License Plate

California license plate lookup