Number Plate Check
Enter car registration below to run a number plate check
What is a Number Plate Check?
A number plate check quickly assesses a car’s details and history following a plate change. The check provides key information about the vehicle, such as last known mileage records, MOT history, financing details, whether the vehicle is stolen, and so on. Altogether, this data can help ensure an individual makes an informed decision and that the purchase is genuine.
How to Get a Car Number Plate Check
Get a car number plate check by entering a registration into our vehicle check service, and you’ll be able to see a range of helpful information about the car. This includes the VRM change history, previous car owners, V5C counts, and a range of other details.
Why is a Number Plate Check Important?
There are numerous reasons why a number plate checker is important, and clarifying these can help you make the right choice for your next vehicle. Some of the main reasons why a plate check is important include the following:
Make sure the plate is legit: If a plate has been changed, it’s crucial to check whether the number plate is legitimate.
Ensure the seller owns the vehicle: One of the biggest risks is that the vehicle may have been stolen when buying a new car. As such, making sure your car is not registered on a criminal activity list is crucial – otherwise, you could buy an illegitimate vehicle.
Check the vehicle’s MOT history: When buying a new car, checking the MOT history matches up with the seller’s claims is crucial. A plate check provides details on the past MOT results, informing your decision further.
Estimate the mileage: It’s not actually illegal for someone to clock a vehicle’s mileage – but it is illegal not to inform the buyer of these changes. Luckily, a check can highlight the recorded mileage at the vehicle’s last MOT, helping reassure you as to the authenticity of the mileage.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you need to find out the past owners of a car, running a number plate check won’t be enough; you’ll need to contact the DVLA directly, although they may not provide this information. However, a check can highlight how many past owners the car had.
Is a plate change a cause for concern?
A plate change isn’t necessarily a cause for concern. However, make sure you have checked the previous number plate first to ensure the change is genuine and authentic.
Number plates legally can only be assigned to one car; when a car is destroyed, the number plate will also be scrapped (unless the owner of a private plate asks the DVLA for permission to keep it). Thus, if your number plate shows details for a different car, the number plate details you’ve been provided may be forged or fraudulent.