Check Vehicle’s Past With the Idaho License Plate Lookup

When you purchase a used vehicle in Idaho, be sure to check the past records. By checking the license plate and getting the report, you can see its crucial information like title, odometer reading, accident history, maintenance history, and much more.

10% OFF

Why do we need your phone number?

We'll send your vehicle report or sticker link via text for easy access.

Our support team may contact you if we find issues with your report or sticker.

Your data is never shared with third parties.

Get 10% off your purchases by providing your phone number.

What is an Idaho License Plate Lookup?

An Idaho license plate is an identification used for every vehicle within the state only. Every vehicle, like cars, motorcycles, and even trucks has to have a license plate. Plates are issued by the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) and must be properly registered and displayed to legally operate a vehicle in the state.

An Idaho license plate lookup is a service that lets buyers and sellers check a vehicle’s background using the plate number. It helps confirm that the vehicle’s details match official records before completing a sale or transfer.

With a trusted Idaho license plate lookup, a vehicle history report can show key details such as the year, make, model, engine information, title and line records, accident history, mileage readings, and other important data that helps reduce the risk of costly mistakes or misleading listings.

Why Should You Run an Idaho License Plate Search?

An Idaho license plate search helps you access useful vehicle information before money changes hands. Using a reliable Idaho vehicle license plate lookup service is strongly recommended.

Buyers

A vehicle history report gives you clarity before committing to a purchase, helping you avoid vehicles that may cause financial or legal issues later.

Reduce Legal and Safety Risks

The report shows the vehicle’s title status, making it easier to avoid cars with salvage or rebuilt titles that may come with safety or registration problems.

Decide If the Vehicle Fits Your Lifestyle

By reviewing specifications, estimated value, and past usage, you can judge whether the vehicle suits your daily needs and stays within your budget.

Sellers

For sellers, a vehicle history report acts as proof, making your listing stronger and more competitive.

Support a Fair Asking Price

Access to market value and pricing data helps you justify your price based on the vehicle’s condition and history.

Remove Buyer Uncertainty

Sharing a vehicle report answers common buyer concerns upfront, helping serious buyers move forward with confidence.

Buying a Used Vehicle

A license plate lookup gives you a clearer picture of the vehicle before signing any paperwork.

Understand Past Ownership and Status

See how many owners the vehicle has had and whether the title is clean, rebuilt, or salvaged to avoid future transfer issues.

Identify Red Flags Early

Accident records, damage history, or unusual changes often appear in reports even when they are not visible during inspection.

Avoiding Fraud and Hidden Problems

Running a license plate lookup helps protect you from vehicles with serious or undisclosed issues.

Verify the Vehicle’s Legal Standing

A plate search can reveal stolen records, helping you avoid vehicles that could be seized by authorities.

Uncover Damage You Cannot See

Reports may show accident or disaster-related damage that affects safety and long-term value, even if the vehicle looks fine on the surface.

What Our Idaho License Plate Lookup Report Shows?

An Idaho license plate lookup report gives you a clear picture of a vehicle’s background. It covers everything from basic specifications to records such as accidents, title status, liens, recalls, and more, helping you make informed decisions.

Vehicle Specifications

This section outlines the vehicle’s core details, including engine type, fuel system, transmission, body style, and country of manufacture. These details help you decide if the vehicle suits your daily use, driving habits, and budget.

Ownership History

You can see how many times the vehicle changed hands, how long each owner kept it, and the states where it was registered. Personal details like names and addresses are not shown due to privacy laws.

Title Status

Before buying or selling, it’s important to confirm the title status. This section shows whether the vehicle has a clean Idaho title or carries brands such as salvage, rebuilt, or lemon, helping you avoid legal or registration issues.

Theft Records

This check shows whether the vehicle has ever been reported stolen. If theft records exist, the report includes key details such as dates and locations. Purchasing a stolen vehicle can result in seizure without compensation, so this step is critical.

Accident Records

Reported accidents appear here, including the date and location of each incident. You can see how many collisions the vehicle has been involved in and assess potential risks before moving forward.

Mileage Verification

Mileage records are compared over time to identify irregularities. This helps detect possible odometer rollback by showing early mileage readings alongside the most recent recorded figures.

Auction Insights and Photos

If the vehicle was sold at auction, this section provides auction dates, locations, sale status, and final prices. When available, you may also see photos taken during the auction listing.

Lien or Loan Information

This part reveals active or past liens tied to the vehicle. Outstanding loans can delay or block ownership transfer, so it’s important to ensure all financial claims are cleared before completing a transaction.

Warranty Coverage

Find out whether factory or extended warranties are still valid. Coverage details may include mileage limits and expiration dates for warranties such as manufacturer coverage, corrosion protection, or roadside assistance.

Damage Records

Damage caused by accidents or natural events, such as floods or fires may appear in this section. Reviewing these records helps you understand the vehicle’s condition beyond what is visible during an inspection.

Maintenance Records

Maintenance history shows whether previous owners kept up with regular servicing. Records may include service dates, locations, and details of repairs or routine maintenance.

Recall Information

This section lists any manufacturer recalls linked to the vehicle. You can check recall dates, whether the issue is still open or fixed, the safety concern involved, and the corrective action taken.

How to Lookup a License Plate in Idaho?

To look up a license plate in Idaho, you can use our license plate search service in Idaho. Here are the simple steps you can follow to get the report.

Find the License Plate Number

Examine the front or rear side of the vehicle. If you can’t find it, you can ask the seller directly.

Fill in the Form

Click on the form above, then write down the license plate number. After that, click on the “Submit” button to submit the form.

Get the Report

Wait for few seconds until the report is generated. Examine the preview section, then, proceed to payment to get the full car report in Idaho.

Can You Check the Idaho License Plate for Free?

Yes, you can use our free Idaho license plate lookup to get the core specification of the vehicle. Aside from complete specification information, here’s what you will be getting:

Idaho License Plate Laws

Every registered vehicle must display a valid license plate issued by the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD). Most passenger vehicles are required to have one rear license plate only, and it must be securely attached and clearly visible at all times.

The plate must be readable, free from obstruction, and properly illuminated at night. Covers, frames, or materials that block the plate number, registration stickers, or state name are not allowed. Violation might result in penalties.

Security of Information

Access to full license plate data is restricted. Law enforcement, courts, insurance companies, and other authorised entities may access this information for lawful purposes. Members of the public cannot view personal details such as the owner’s name or address through a license plate lookup alone, in compliance with the Driver’s Privacy Protection Act (DPPA).

License Plate Design and Format in Idaho

The Idaho license plate has specific design and format requirements that were set by the Idaho Transportation Department. These rules ensure each plate is easy to read and unique, and the plate is issued after the vehicle is registered.

Format and Serialisation

Idaho license plates begin with a county designator, such as 1A for Ada County, followed by a unique serial number. Most plates feature scenic elements like potatoes and the “Famous Potatoes” slogan.

As of 2025, front plates are no longer required unless a mounting bracket is present, but all plates must remain clearly visible and securely attached at all times. For example: 1A 12345 (Ada County).

License Plate Design and Format in Idaho

Idaho license plates reflect the state’s identity through scenic artwork, agricultural themes, and cause-based designs. Drivers can choose from standard plates or specialty options that support wildlife, education, or service programs.

Standard Scenic Plate: Features a red, white, and blue colour scheme with “Idaho” at the top and a county designator at the beginning of the plate number.
World Famous Potatoes Plate: Available in a classic black-and-white vintage style or a newer teal-and-white design, both highlight Idaho’s well-known potato heritage.
“Don’t Tread on Me” Plate: An updated Gadsden Flag design that reflects historical symbolism and personal expression.
Wildlife Series: Includes designs such as Elk, Cutthroat Trout, and Mountain Bluebird, with fees often supporting conservation efforts.
Collegiate Plates: Available for several Idaho colleges and universities, allowing drivers to show school pride.
Military and Veteran Plates: Options for Disabled Veterans, Medal of Honour recipients, National Guard members, and other service-related recognitions.

Types of License Plates in Idaho

Idaho offers a wide range of license plate options, from standard scenic designs to retro styles and cause-based plates. Many specialty and personalized plates come with additional fees, and recent rules now allow some vehicles to go without a front plate if no mounting bracket is installed.

Standard Scenic Plate

Red, white, and blue design with “Idaho” at the top and a county code at the start of the plate number.

Retro Black and White Potato Plate

Classic potato-themed design, with higher fees supporting the Idaho Potato Commission and highway programs.

Retro Teal and White Plate

Features teal lettering on a white background, offering a simple retro-style option.

“Don’t Tread on Me” Plate

Patriotic design inspired by the Gadsden flag, available as an alternative standard plate.

Personalized Plates

Custom letter and number combinations available for many designs, including potato, wildlife, collegiate, and veteran plates.

Veteran Plates

Issued to eligible applicants, including Disabled Veteran, Purple Heart, and National Guard plates.

Collegiate Plates

Represent Idaho colleges and universities, allowing drivers to support their school.

Wildlife Plates

Feature designs such as elk, mountain bluebird, and cutthroat trout, often supporting conservation programs.

Cause-Based Plates

Support specific groups or interests, including Firefighters, Earth Sciences and Lapidary, Timber, and Snowskier programs.

License Plate Costs in Idaho

License plate fees in Idaho are added on top of your regular vehicle registration, which varies based on the vehicle’s age, type, and use. Standard plates have a low one-time cost, while specialty and personalized plates come with higher initial and annual fees.

Standard Plate Fee: About $3.75 per plate, in addition to normal registration fees.
Plate Validity: Plates are issued for up to 10 years, as long as registration remains active.
Initial Specialty Plate Fee: Most specialty plates require an extra fee of around $35.
Annual Specialty Renewal: Specialty plates usually add about $25 per year.
Wildlife Plate Pricing: Follows the same $35 initial and $25 annual fee structure.
Potato Plate Pricing: Potato-themed plates often cost around $70 initially, plus regular registration and renewal fees.
Personalized Plate Fee: Custom combinations cost about $60 initially, on top of plate and registration fees.
Annual Personalized Renewal: Personalized plates add roughly $40 per year, in addition to base registration and any specialty plate fees.

License Plate Lookup by States

Our license plate lookup service is available statewide; you can check license plates from other states, including:

Alabama

FAQs About Idaho License Plate Lookup

Can you look up Idaho license plates?

The black Idaho license plate is the World Famous Potatoes design, a retro-style plate inspired by the 1950s. Released in 2025 as a specialty plate, it carries an extra fee that supports Idaho Potato Commission research and state highway funding, while allowing drivers to celebrate Idaho’s potato heritage.

Can I look someone up by their license plate?

No, you generally cannot legally obtain someone’s personal details, such as their name or address, from a license plate number. Privacy laws like the Driver’s Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) restrict access to DMV records to law enforcement and other authorised parties.

What license plates are available in Idaho?

From the iconic "World Famous Potatoes" (in black or teal) to the Gadsden "Don't Tread on Me" flag, Idaho offers a plate for every driver. You can stick with the standard scenic design or choose from various wildlife, veteran, and collegiate specialty plates. Most designs are customizable for an extra fee.

What does a black Idaho license plate mean?

The black Idaho license plate refers to the World Famous Potatoes design, a retro plate inspired by 1950s styling. Introduced in 2025 as a specialty option, it comes with an additional fee that helps fund the Idaho Potato Commission’s research and state highway programs, while letting drivers show pride in Idaho’s potato heritage.

How accurate is the data in an Idaho license plate report?

The Idaho Department of Transportation Motor Vehicles Division offers several special license plates, including Amateur Radio, Classic Car, Classic Motorcycle, Disability, Disabled Veteran, Former Prisoner of War, Legislative, Medal of Honor, National Guard, Old Timer, Pearl Harbor Survivor, Personalized, and Purple Heart plates.