How to Check Your Previous License Plate Number?
2 Answers
Methods to check your previous license plate number are as follows: 1. DMV Inquiry: Bring your ID card and vehicle registration certificate to the local DMV, use the self-service machine to locate the license plate query section, and directly input your plate number to check its current status. Alternatively, you can inquire at the manual service window, but it's advisable to visit during off-peak hours to avoid long queues. 2. DMV Official Website Query: Visit your local DMV's official website online, log in, locate the online license plate inquiry service section, enter your plate number, and proceed with the query.
I've driven cars for many years, and every time I get a new car, I keep the old documents. To look up previous license plate numbers, it's best to start with the saved vehicle registration certificates or insurance policies. These paper documents usually have the license plate printed on them—don’t lose them when moving. If the documents are gone, you can bring your ID card to the local DMV to inquire, as their system stores old records. You’ll need to provide the owner’s name and the vehicle identification number (VIN), but make an appointment in advance to avoid a wasted trip. Looking back, when I was young and careless, I sold a car without taking a photo of the license plate, and later, when I missed that car, I had a headache trying to find it. Although the license plate number is a small detail, it’s tied to many memories—that car carried me through stormy nights and adventurous mountain roads. Now, I take monthly photos of my car’s information and upload them to cloud storage for peace of mind. Life’s little routines become habits, and the process of retrieving a license plate can also remind us to cherish past experiences.
