Check a Car

MyPlateCheck

Check the car before you buy it.

Start with a free vehicle check, then go deeper only when you need to.

Run a Free Vehicle Check

VIN and vehicle identity

Make sure the VIN, registration and paperwork identify the same car.

The VIN is a permanent vehicle identifier and an important cross-check when buying. It should match the V5C and the identity of the vehicle returned by the registration lookup.

UK registration lookupMOT & tax contextBuyer-focused reports

Where the VIN fits into a used-car check

Locate the VIN or chassis number on the vehicle and compare it with the V5C. Depending on the car, identifiers may appear through the windscreen, on a body plate or as a stamped chassis number.

Look for evidence of tampering

A VIN plate or stamping that appears altered, damaged, freshly replaced or inconsistent with the rest of the vehicle deserves investigation. Do not accept an unexplained identity mismatch.

Use registration data before the viewing

A number plate check gives you the basic identity to expect. When you arrive, use the VIN and paperwork to confirm that the physical vehicle matches that record.

How to use this information

MyPlateCheck combines available vehicle data into buyer-focused checks. Data can contain omissions or recording errors, so use it alongside the V5C and VIN, service history, seller evidence and a physical inspection. Resolve material inconsistencies before paying for a vehicle.

Learn before you buy

Guides related to this check.

Use these practical guides to understand what the data can mean and what to verify with the seller or vehicle.

Vehicle dataVIN Check Before Buying a Used Car: What Should Match?How to compare the VIN with the V5C, vehicle identity and documents before buying a used car.Read guide →Vehicle historyHow to Check If a Car Is Stolen or Cloned Before BuyingPractical identity checks for spotting stolen or cloned vehicles, including registration, VIN, V5C and seller inconsistencies.Read guide →Finance & ownershipWhat Does a V5C Logbook Actually Prove?Understand what the V5C records, what it does not prove and why buyers should still check finance and vehicle identity.Read guide →

Questions buyers ask

Useful answers before you check.

What does VIN stand for?+

VIN means Vehicle Identification Number, a unique identifier assigned to the vehicle.

Should the VIN match the V5C?+

Yes. The VIN on the physical vehicle should match the vehicle identification information on the V5C.

Can I identify a private owner from a VIN?+

No. MyPlateCheck does not provide private keeper identity information.

Start with the registration

Check the vehicle before you commit.

Run the free vehicle check first, then choose deeper history checks if the purchase needs them.