Wyoming License Plate Search Online

Wyoming License Plate

A license plate is a metal or plastic plate affixed to an automobile for official identification. It is sometimes referred to as a number plate or registration plate. It usually shows a combination of letters and numbers allocated to a vehicle by the government agency in charge of registration. A license plate's primary function is to provide every automobile with a distinctive identity, which makes it easier for law enforcement to monitor and control traffic.

Wyoming requires license plates for all automobiles in the state. Vehicle registration and displaying license plates are legal requirements for operating an automobile on public roads in Wyoming. Vehicle owners must obtain license plates from the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) and affix them to their vehicles.

Through the Wyoming Motor Vehicle Service (MVS), the state's Department of Transportation oversees and controls the issuing of license plates for automobiles. Vehicle owners can apply for and pick up their license plates at their county treasurers' offices.

Most vehicles in Wyoming are required to have front and rear license plates according to the Wyoming Motor Vehicle Code. However, motorcycles, multifunctional vehicles, trailers, house trailers, and cars driven by dealers only need one license plate at the rear of the automobile. Furthermore, the requirement for two license plates was waived in 2015 for vehicles that were custom-built, vintage, or missing front license plate brackets. A Wyoming license plate cannot be given to another individual. However, the owner of the vehicle may transfer the license plate to another vehicle they own or purchase. Typically, a Wyoming license plate will contain the county code, alphanumeric characters, which can be all numbers or a combination of numbers and alphabets, and the state's name.

The following are the types of license plates in Wyoming:

  • Standard License Plate: The default license plate issued to vehicles
  • Specialty License Plates: Used to support or spread awareness about a specific cause. The cause receives a donation from a portion of the fees paid to obtain this plate
  • Temporary License Plates: These are issued to dealers or nonresidents working in the state
  • Personalized License Plate: It is also called a prestige or vanity license plate. It can be obtained for any registered automobile

Wyoming License Plate Design and Formats

A Wyoming license plate is a metal tag that displays the vehicle's specific alphanumeric registration characters. A vehicle license plate must be at least 12 inches long and 6 inches tall, while a motorcycle license plate must be 7 inches long and 4 inches in height. The plate features black serial numbers accompanied by an emblem of a bucking horse and rider, which is the state's recognized trademark. An overcast blue sky, Squaretop Mountain, and the Green River Lakes are also shown in the background. At the top, the word "WYOMING" is written in yellow.

The first number on a Wyoming standard license plate identifies the county that issued the plate and ranges from 1 to 23. Every Wyoming license plate begins with the county code and the allotted alphanumeric characters. A vehicle owner must attach the license sticker (decal) on the license plate. The decal shows the expiration date of the license plate.

Wyoming specialty license plates combine all the features of standard license plates with the symbols or emblems of the causes they support. Commercial license plates are distinguished by the inscription "COMMERCIAL" on them.

Standard license plates for passenger and commercial vehicles:

Specialty license plates

* Source: Wyoming Department of Transportation

Wyoming Vanity License Plates

Vanity license plates, sometimes called personalized or custom license plates, are special license plates on vehicles that display customized or personalized messages chosen by vehicle owners. Instead of the conventional alphanumeric combination assigned by the government, individuals can request specific combinations of letters, numbers, or both for their license plates.

Vanity license plates are called personalized prestige license plates in Wyoming. They can be obtained for all regularly registered vehicles upon paying the prestige license fees and submitting the completed Application for Prestige Plates form. An applicant can confirm the availability of their desired license plate number online. If available, they can request it and make payment on the website. Their prestige license plate will be sent to their local county office. Alternatively, they can visit their county treasurer's office to apply for the prestige license plate. Securing a prestige license plate costs an additional $30 and can take up to 10 weeks for delivery. The vehicle owner must return the existing standard license plate to the county treasurer before they can receive the prestige plate. Applicants may contact WYDOT at (307) 777-4709 to check for the availability of their desired personalized plates.

The following rules apply for the prestige license plate numbers:

  • A maximum of 5 characters
  • No symbols
  • Only capital letters and Arabic numbers
  • No combination of entire numbers except the first number is a zero
  • No conflict with existing license plates
  • Vulgar, indecent, obscene, or pruriently suggestive language is prohibited
  • No combinations of entire numbers suffixed by a single alphabet
  • No combinations with more than three W's or M's

Most Popular Wyoming Special Plate Numbers

The most popular specialty plate numbers in Wyoming include:

  • Radio Amateur
  • Disabled vet
  • University of Wyoming
  • Pioneer
  • Purple Heart Recipient
  • National Guard
  • Pearl Harbor Survivor
  • EMT
  • Firefighter
  • Former POW
  • Wildlife conservation
  • Tribal Plate
  • Street Rod & Custom Vehicles
  • Gold Star
  • Novelty
  • Veteran Plates

Wyoming License Plate Lookup

A license plate lookup entails obtaining information about a vehicle using its license plate number. The make and model, mileage, repair history, accident history, and repossession history of a vehicle are typically included in this data. Occasionally, a license plate lookup may also provide information on the registered owner. Some common reasons for conducting a license plate lookup in Wyoming include:

  • To investigate a used car's past before making a purchase
  • To obtain information on the vehicle's accident history
  • For the purpose of law enforcement

You can perform a license plate lookup on your vehicle or an abandoned vehicle on your property by submitting an MV-220 Title Search form to Wyoming Motor Vehicle Services:

WYDOT-Motor Vehicle Services
5300 Bishop Boulevard
Cheyenne Wyoming 82009-3340
(307)777-4709

The following must be submitted along with the completed form:

  • A copy of a VIN inspection of the vehicle by law enforcement
  • A government-issued photograph of the person requesting the search
  • A $15 search fee made payable to WYDOT

Alternatively, you can conduct license plate lookups using RecordsFinder and other third-party websites. While some of these services provide basic information about a car, such as its make and model, at no cost, others may charge a fee for more detailed information.

Wyoming Reverse License Plate Number Search

Vehicle owners in Wyoming can conduct reverse license plate number searches on the RecordsFinder website. However, the reason for the search must conform with federal and state privacy regulations for the request to be processed.

What Do I Need to Get a License Plate in Wyoming?

The following are needed to secure a license plate for a vehicle purchased from a dealer in Wyoming:

  • The original Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin
  • Proof of insurance and purchase invoice
  • A completed Application for Certificate of Title and VIN/HIN Inspection Form
  • The vehicle's odometer reading
  • Wyoming sales and use tax form provided by the dealer
  • A copy of IRS Form 2290 for vehicles that weigh above 55,000 pounds
  • Payment of the registration and titling fees, along with relevant county fees

The following are required to register a pre-owned car:

  • Original title duly signed by all concerned parties
  • A completed Application for Certificate of Title and VIN/HIN Inspection Form
  • Odometer reading
  • Sales and use tax form if the vehicle is purchased from a dealer
  • Purchase invoice if purchased from a dealer or notarized bill of sale if purchased from an individual
  • A copy of IRS form 2290 for vehicles that weigh above 55,000 pounds
  • Security agreement or loan contract if the vehicle is financed
  • Payment of appropriate registration fees.

The registration fees are:

  • Passenger vehicles - $30
  • Motorcycles - $25
  • School busses - $25
  • Trailers - varies based on weight
  • Electric vehicles - $200

The vehicle owner must submit the relevant documents and appropriate fees to their county treasurer's office.

Differences Between a Passenger License Plate and Commercial License Plate in Wyoming

Passenger license plates are the standard license plates issued to vehicles for personal use. Conversely, commercial license plates are issued to vehicles for commercial purposes, such as buses, taxis, and commercial trailers. However, in Wyoming, passenger and commercial license plates are not issued based solely on use. Rather, Wyoming typically issues commercial license plates to vehicles based on their weight. Vehicles weighing over 26,000 pounds gross vehicle weight (GVW) are designated as commercial vehicles and issued commercial license plates. Similarly, vehicles with power units having three or more axles, regardless of their weight, are designated as commercial vehicles.

Here are the critical differences between passenger and commercial license plates in Wyoming:

Features Passenger License Plate Commercial License Plate
Gross Vehicle Weight
  • 26,000 pounds and below
  • Over 26,000 pounds
  • Power unit with three or more axles
Vehicle Use
  • Personal
  • commercial
  • commercial
Design and Color
  • "WYOMING" written in gold
  • Bucking Horse and Rider featuring the Squaretop Mountain and Green River Lakes and against a cloudy blue sky
  • Same as a passenger license plate
  • 'COMMERCIAL' written on it
Requirements to obtain a License plate
  • The original Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin (for new vehicles)
  • Proof of insurance and purchase invoice
  • A completed Application for Certificate of Title and VIN/HIN Inspection Form
  • Wyoming sales and use tax form provided by the dealer
  • The vehicle's odometer reading
  • Payment of required fees
  • Same as a passenger license plate
  • Gross vehicle weight (GVW) of the vehicle
  • A copy of IRS form 2290 for vehicles that weigh above 55,000 pounds

How To Renew a License Plate in Wyoming

Vehicle license plates in Wyoming are renewed annually at county treasurer's offices by the Wyoming Motor Vehicle Service. Vehicle owners must renew their license plates in the month their license plates are to expire. They may renew online or in-person at the county treasurer's office. Online renewal is available in some counties, while in-person vehicle registration renewal can be done in all counties. A vehicle owner can contact their local county to confirm if online renewal is possible. The following are required for online vehicle registration renewal:

  • Vehicle information
  • Mailing address to send the decal or plates
  • Proof of current vehicle insurance policy
  • PIN on the renewal notice
  • Payment of all required fees using a credit or debit card

To renew in person, visit the local county treasurer's office with the following:

  • Registration renewal notice
  • Proof of current vehicle insurance policy
  • Current registration or license plate number
  • A copy of IRS form 2290 for vehicles that weigh above 55,000 pounds
  • The required renewal fees with county fees

The state renewal fees are as follows:

  • Passenger vehicles - $30
  • Motorcycles - $25
  • School busses - $25
  • Electric vehicles - $200
  • Trucks and trailers - determined by weight

The time it takes to renew a license plate in Wyoming varies. Typically, online vehicle registration renewals are faster than in-person renewals. On average, it takes counties between 1 and 5 working days to renew a license plate in Wyoming.

How To Transfer a License Plate in Wyoming

Wyoming license plates are associated with vehicle owners and cannot be transferred to other persons. A vehicle owner may only transfer a license plate to another vehicle they own after disposing of the original vehicle. They must transfer the license plate within 45 days of acquiring the new vehicle. They must register the new vehicle in their county treasurer's office and indicate that they are transferring license plates during the registration. After paying the registration fee for the new vehicle, the license plate transfer is completed. The new vehicle will be credited with the remaining validity period of the license plate.

Wyoming License Plate Lookup Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I Find the Owner of a License Plate in Wyoming?

No, you cannot find the owner of a license plate in Wyoming. Attempting to collect a vehicle owner's personal information breaches privacy laws and regulations, including the Driver's Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) and the Wyoming Motor Vehicle Code. The Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) requires a requester to affirm that their request aligns with the DPPA. WYDOT is prohibited from disclosing personal information contained in vehicle records except when authorized by the individual or by law. Protected personal information includes medical information, social security numbers, and photographs. Legal or official requests should be channeled to law enforcement or authorized agencies.

However, using websites such as Recordsfinder, you may use a vehicle's VIN or license plate number to get non-personal data from over 269 million registered cars in the USA. VINs and license plate numbers are typically linked in public vehicle records.

Can I Get a Replacement for My Lost License Plate in Wyoming?

Yes. You can get a new or duplicate license plate to replace a lost license plate in Wyoming. A new replacement license plate is the license plate with the next available license plate number sequence, and it costs $8. A duplicate license plate costs $30 and has the same number combination as the lost one. You must mail the completed Application For New or Duplicate License Plates form with the appropriate replacement fee to the County Treasurer to get your replacement license plate.

What Do the Police See When They Run Your License Plates in Wyoming?

When a license plate is run by the police in Wyoming, the following range of information can be obtained:

  • Vehicle details, including the year, color, make, and model
  • Details of the vehicle's registered owner
  • The status of the vehicle's registration
  • Stolen vehicle alerts
  • Criminal history and outstanding warrants

Can I Search License Plates for free in Wyoming?

Free license plate lookup services are generally used when purchasing used vehicles for a variety of reasons.

The following information can be gotten from free license plate searches:

  • Make and model of the vehicle
  • Year of manufacture
  • Car price
  • VIN
  • The car's gas tank size
  • The car's engine type

What is the Penalty for Driving with an Expired License Plate in Wyoming?

License plates are renewed annually in Wyoming. Your license plate expires on the last day of the license plate expiration month. The expiration date can be found on the registration slip or the sticker on the license plate. There is no grace period for renewing license plate registration in Wyoming. Vehicle owners must renew their license plates before their existing license plate registration expires.

Driving with an expired license plate is a traffic violation in Wyoming and is punishable under the law. Penalties for driving with an expired license plate include citations, fines, and impounding the vehicle for repeated offenses. The specific penalty varies depending on the length of time of the expiration and the driver's previous related offenses. Expired temporary license plates attract similar penalties.

Do I Need to Return License Plates in Wyoming?

Yes, vehicle owners in Wyoming must return their license plates in any of the following situations:

  • Relocating to another state: After receiving new plates in the new state, the Wyoming license plate must be mailed back to the county treasurer's office that issued it
  • Sale of the vehicle without transferring the license plate to another vehicle owned by the same person
  • Damage to the license plate: The damaged license plate must be returned at the point of receiving the replacement license plate

You must inform the county treasurer of the reason for returning the license plate and request a cancellation of the license plate registration.

Can I Keep my Wyoming License Plate if I Move to Another State?

Vehicle owners in Wyoming must return their license plates when they move out of the state. They must inform the Department of Transportation of their relocation within 10 days of moving out of Wyoming. After receiving a new license plate number from your new state, you must send your Wyoming license plate to the county treasurer's office and request that yor Wyoming license plate registration be canceled. Failure to return your license plate will attract severe fines as it is listed as active and will continue to incur annual fees.

What Size are License Plates in Wyoming?

The sizes of license plates issued in Wyoming are:

  • License plates for all types of vehicles and trailers are 12″ x 6″ (30 cm x 15 cm)
  • License plates for motorcycles are 7″ x 4″ (17.8 cm x 10 cm)

How Long Can You Drive with Temporary License Plates in Wyoming?

In Wyoming, temporary license plates are typically issued when a vehicle owner needs a temporary registration before receiving permanent license plates. Here are some common situations where a driver may be allowed to use a temporary license plate in the state:

  • Vehicle Purchase: When an individual purchases a new or used vehicle, they may be issued a temporary license plate by the car dealer, allowing them to legally drive the vehicle while awaiting the issuance of permanent license plates. The temporary plates are valid for 45 days with a title or 60 days if accompanied by a completed bill of sales
  • Out-of-State Registration: If a vehicle owner has recently moved to Wyoming and is waiting for their permanent license plate, they may be issued a temporary license plate to use. The temporary license plates can be valid for 30, 60, and 90 days, depending on the registration fee
  • Lost or Stolen Plates: If a driver's specialty license plates are lost or stolen, and they have applied for replacement plates, they may be provided with temporary plates until the permanent ones are ready
  • Temporary Worker Registration Permit: A nonresident employed in Wyoming on a temporary or full-time basis may obtain a temporary worker registration permit. The vehicle must possess a valid license plate from another state and be properly insured. The temporary worker registration permit may only be used for up to 120 days and must be paid for monthly at the rate of $50 per month
  • Dealer Demonstrations: Dealerships may use temporary license plates for vehicles used for demonstrations, test drives, or other temporary purposes before the sale is finalized. The permit is valid for 96 hours
  • In-transit permit: A nonresident may obtain an in-transit permit to transport a vehicle out of Wyoming. It is a one-time permit valid for 48 hours

What Are the Steps to Renew License Plates in Wyoming?

The steps to renew your Wyoming license plate are:

  • Visit your county treasurer's office with your renewal notice
  • Go along with the following documents
    • Current license plate number or registration card
    • Proof of vehicle insurance
    • Registration renewal notice
    • A copy of IRS Form 2290 for vehicles with over 55,000 pounds gross vehicle weight (GVW)
  • Pay appropriate fees

Some counties in Wyoming allow license plate renewals online. Consult with your county clerk to ascertain if online license plate renewal is available.

What Do I Do if My License Plate is Lost or Stolen in Wyoming?

If your license plate is lost or stolen, you will be required to take the following steps:

  • Report the loss/theft to the police or county sheriff and obtain a police report
  • Report the loss or theft to the Wyoming Department of Transportation via your county treasurer's office and complete the Application For New or Duplicate License Plates form (Form MV-405)
  • Pay a replacement fee of $8 for a new license plate or $30 for a duplicate license plate with the same number combination as the lost/stolen license plate

How to Pay Parking Tickets in Alabama

Cheyenne, Wyoming
State: Wyoming
County: Laramie
Pay by Mail:

Parking ticket payments can be mailed using the white envelopes provided with the ticket. To avoid late fees, payment must be made within five working days of the date that you receive the ticket. A $4 late fee will be added to fine if not paid within the five working days and an additional $4 will be added after 30 days.