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updateUpdated 2026-10-18

Delaware License Plate Lookup

Get the full NHTSA vehicle report for any Delaware plate — make, model, year, recalls, and crash safety ratings — free with no signup. Vehicle data only.

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DELAWARE123456

870K

Registered Vehicles

Delaware (FHWA)

Since 1909

Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles

123456

Delaware DMV License Plate Quick Facts

Agency	Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles
Issuance year	1909
Current format	123456 — Six-character all-numeric plates issued since 1909, with low numbers carrying high prestige in Delaware (single-digit plates regularly auction for $100,000+ at state events). Delaware is a two-plate state.
Plates required	Two (front and rear)
Replacement fee	$10
Registration validity	1 year
Registered vehicles	870K (approx.)
DMV contact	1-302-744-2500 · dmv.de.gov

How do I look up a Delaware license plate?

Need a Delaware DMV license plate lookup-style vehicle report? Use the DE license plate lookup tool above — same NHTSA data, no DMV trip required.

1
Enter the Delaware license plate number in the search field above. Spaces and dashes are optional.
2
Confirm DE is selected in the state dropdown — plate numbers can repeat across states, so the state is required for accurate matching.
3
Press Search Plate. You'll see make, model, year, trim, engine, open recalls, and NHTSA crash safety ratings in seconds.

Run a DE plate lookuparrow_forward

What does a Delaware license plate lookup reveal?

Every delaware license plate lookup on this page returns NHTSA vehicle data instantly. Driver and registered-owner personal information is protected under the DPPA's 1994 federal restrictions and is not part of any free vehicle report.

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DPPA notice — vehicle data only

This Delaware license plate lookup returns vehicle information only — make, model, year, recalls, and safety ratings from NHTSA's public database. We do not return the registered owner's name, address, phone number, email, driving record, or any other personal information about the driver. Personal driver and owner information is protected under the federal Driver's Privacy Protection Act of 1994 (18 U.S.C. § 2721) and is not lawfully accessible through any free public lookup.

Free — available here

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Registered owner name, address, contact details, and driving records are protected under the federal Driver's Privacy Protection Act (18 U.S.C. § 2721) and are not returned by this site or any other free public lookup. This tool provides vehicle-level data only — make, model, year, recalls, safety ratings, and EPA fuel economy — sourced from NHTSA and EPA public databases.

What does a Delaware license plate format look like?

Six-character all-numeric plates issued since 1909, with low numbers carrying high prestige in Delaware (single-digit plates regularly auction for $100,000+ at state events). Delaware is a two-plate state. The Delaware license plate number lookup tool above accepts spaces, dashes, and historical Delaware plate formats.

DELAWARE123456

Delaware license plate number lookup: format history

Era	Format	Example
1909–1942	Sequential numeric (Delaware is the only US state to keep all-numeric plates from inception to today)	12345
1943–1958	Sequential numeric (white on black, then gold on blue)	12345
1959–1969	Sequential numeric (gold on dark blue 'riveted' design)	12345
1970–present	Sequential numeric (gold on dark blue, classic 'First State' look)	123456
Specialty (university, conservation)	Up to 6 alphanumeric characters with cause backgrounds	ABC 12
Black plate option (2009–present)	Same sequential numeric, retro gold-on-black colorway	123456

Delaware license plate laws you should know

Below are the four laws that most often trip up Delaware drivers. Rules are enforced at the stop, the inspection station, and at registration renewal.

Two plates required

Delaware requires two plates — front and rear — on every passenger vehicle under 21 Del. C. § 2126. Failure to display either plate can result in fines.

Front plate rule

No exemption exists for vehicles lacking a front mounting bracket. Owners must install a bracket or face a citation under § 2126.

Registration stickers & display

Delaware issues a registration sticker affixed to the upper-right corner of the rear plate showing the month and year of expiration. Registration is renewed annually.

Inspection / smog check

Delaware requires biennial OBD-II emissions testing statewide for most gasoline vehicles 2 model years old or newer through the Delaware Vehicle Inspection Program (DVIP). Combined safety + emissions inspection is performed every 2 years at DMV lane offices ($0 — included with registration).

Types of Delaware license plates

Delaware issues dozens of plate designs. These are the main categories you'll encounter on the road or see at the DMV counter.

Standard Delaware (gold-on-blue)

Default plate with gold numerals on dark blue background — the classic look unchanged since 1970. Two plates required.

Retro Black plate (2009 option)

Optional gold-on-black colorway, evoking the 1942 series. Same all-numeric format, $25 add-on.

Low-number / Vanity

Delaware is famous for low-number plates: 1-digit and 2-digit plates carry enormous prestige and regularly auction for tens of thousands of dollars at official state events. Personalized: $35/year.

Disabled / Disabled Veteran

ISA wheelchair symbol; qualifies for accessible parking statewide. DV plates carry waived fees for qualifying veterans.

Military specialty

Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Silver Star, POW, Pearl Harbor Survivor, Gold Star Family, and branch-specific plates.

Antique Vehicle

For vehicles 25+ years old used primarily for exhibitions, parades, and club events. Restricted to occasional use.

How much does a Delaware license plate cost?

Typical Delaware DMV fees for plates, registration, and related services. Always confirm current amounts on the official DMV site before paying.

Annual registration (passenger, varies by weight)	$40 + document fee
Replacement plate (per pair)	$10
Personalized plate	$35/year above standard registration
Specialty plate (university, conservation)	$10–$50/year (varies)
Title fee	$35
Document fee (on title transfer)	4.25% of vehicle value, $8 minimum

Source: Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles — https://dmv.de.gov

What if my Delaware plate is lost, stolen, or damaged?

Follow these steps to replace a Delaware license plate. Do not keep driving with a missing plate — it is a citable offense in most states.

1
File a police report immediately if the plates were stolen.
2
Visit any Delaware DMV lane office (Wilmington, Dover, Georgetown, New Castle).
3
Complete the Application for Replacement Plates (Form MV120) with vehicle information.
4
Pay the $10 replacement fee.
5
Surrender any remaining plate from the pair before substitute plates are issued.

Delaware DMV contact & privacy

Official agency

Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles

call1-302-744-2500

languagedmv.de.gov

DPPA privacy notice

Personal information tied to a Delaware license plate — driver name, address, date of birth, phone number, email, and driving record — is protected by the federal Driver's Privacy Protection Act (18 U.S.C. § 2721) and is not returned by this site. This page and the lookup tool provide vehicle-level data only: make, model, year, trim, recalls, and safety ratings from NHTSA's public database.

Frequently asked questions

Common questions about Delaware license plate lookups, DMV rules, and plate replacement.

How do I run a Delaware license plate lookup?expand_more

Enter any Delaware plate in the search field above and press Check Plate. You'll get the vehicle's make, model, year, trim, open NHTSA recalls, and crash ratings — free, no signup required.

Does Delaware require a front license plate?expand_more

Yes. 21 Del. C. § 2126 requires passenger vehicles to display two plates — one on the front and one on the rear. There is no exemption for vehicles sold without a front bracket.

How much does a replacement Delaware plate cost?expand_more

The replacement fee is $10 for a new plate pair. Replacements are processed at any Delaware DMV lane office (Wilmington, Dover, Georgetown, or New Castle) using Form MV120.

Why are Delaware plates just numbers?expand_more

Delaware is the only US state to keep its all-numeric plate format unchanged since 1909. Low-number plates (1-digit through 4-digit) carry high social prestige in Delaware and regularly auction for tens of thousands of dollars — single-digit plates have sold for $100,000+ at official state events.

Are Delaware license plate records public?expand_more

No. Owner information tied to a Delaware plate is protected under the federal Driver's Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) and 21 Del. C. § 305. Free lookups return only vehicle-level data.

Does Delaware require an inspection?expand_more

Yes. Delaware requires a biennial combined safety + emissions (OBD-II) inspection for most gasoline vehicles 2+ model years old through the Delaware Vehicle Inspection Program. Inspections are performed at DMV lane offices and are included with registration (no separate fee).

How do I get a personalized Delaware plate?expand_more

Personalized plates are ordered through Delaware DMV at dmv.de.gov for $35/year above standard registration fees. Up to 6 alphanumeric characters are allowed.

Can I buy a low-number Delaware plate?expand_more

Yes — when they become available. Delaware periodically auctions low-number plates (most often 4-digit and 5-digit) at official Department of Transportation events. Single-digit and 2-digit plates rarely change hands and command extraordinary prices when they do.

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