Resources and Articles

Tips, guides, and resources to help you use PlateQuery — notify vehicle owners across all 50 states.

NYS Vanity Plate: How to Order, Rules & Ideas (2024)

Want a personalized NYS vanity plate? New York lets you customize up to 8 characters on a standard plate for an extra fee, as long as your message isn't already taken or against DMV rules.

July 17, 2026

Illegal Parking Stickers: Do They Actually Work?

Illegal parking stickers are adhesive notices you slap on a badly parked car to shame the driver into behaving better. They're popular, but are they legal, effective, or the smartest way to handle bad parking? Here's what you need to know.

July 17, 2026

Abandoned Vehicle Towing: How It Works & What to Do

If a car has been sitting untouched on your street or property, abandoned vehicle towing is usually handled by local police or a licensed tow company after a legally required waiting period, typically 48 to 72 hours.

July 17, 2026

License Plate Lookup West Virginia: How It Works

Need to run a license plate lookup in West Virginia? Whether you're tracking down a hit-and-run driver, checking a plate before buying a car, or trying to reach a vehicle owner, here's how to do it legally and effectively.

July 16, 2026

NC Specialty License Plates: Guide, Costs & How to Apply

North Carolina offers more than 150 specialty license plates, from college pride tags to cause-based designs. Here's everything you need to know about NC specialty license plates, including how to order one, what they cost, and which options are avai

July 16, 2026

Ohio Vanity Plates: Cost, Rules & How to Apply (2025)

Ohio vanity plates let you personalize your car with up to 7 characters for about $50 per year on top of standard registration fees. Here's everything you need to know before ordering yours.

July 16, 2026

Missouri License Plate Laws: What Drivers Need to Know

Missouri license plate laws require every registered vehicle to display two plates—one on the front and one on the rear—kept clean, unobstructed, and clearly visible. Here's what else Missouri drivers should know.

July 16, 2026

How to Contact a Car Owner by Car Number: Full Guide

Need to contact a car owner by car number? You can't legally pull personal DMV data, but you can reach the owner through platforms like PlateQuery, notes, police reports, or towing companies—depending on the situation.

July 16, 2026

Abandoned Vehicle in NC: How to Report and Remove It

If you've spotted an abandoned vehicle in NC sitting on your street, property, or a public lot, North Carolina law gives you clear options to report and remove it. Here's exactly what to do.

July 15, 2026

Specialty License Plates California: Complete 2024 Guide

Specialty license plates in California let drivers support causes like the environment, veterans, or the arts while personalizing their vehicle. The DMV offers over a dozen designs, with fees that fund state programs.

July 15, 2026

Specialty License Plates Tennessee: Complete 2024 Guide

Specialty license plates in Tennessee let drivers support causes, showcase affiliations, and personalize their vehicles—with over 100 designs available through the Tennessee Department of Revenue. Here's how to get one, what they cost, and which opti

July 15, 2026

Georgia Vanity Plates: Cost, Rules & How to Apply

Georgia vanity plates let you personalize your car with up to 7 characters for a $35 annual fee, on top of standard registration. Here's how to apply, what's allowed, and what to know before ordering.

July 15, 2026

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