Free vehicle check

Looking up a vehicle has never been easier. Simply enter a UK registration number to access important information about almost any car, van or motorcycle registered in the UK. Whether you're buying a used vehicle, checking your own car, or confirming vehicle details before arranging insurance, a car check can help you make a more informed decision.

GB

Our vehicle check uses trusted UK vehicle data to provide information including registration details, make, model, engine size, fuel type, colour, tax status, MOT history and much more.

What Can You Check?

A standard and premium vehicle check can provide information such as:

  • Vehicle DVLA records (free)
  • Vehicle detailed specification (premium)
  • Engine performance & Economy (premium)
  • Vehicle dimensions, weights, capacities (premium)
  • Vehicle safety records, such as euro NCAP (premium)
  • Colour changes, history (premium)
  • CO₂ emissions (free)
  • Tax status (free)
  • MOT status and MOT history (free)
  • Mileage detailed records (where available)
  • Number of previous keepers (premium)
  • V5C history (premium)
  • Plate history, plate changes (premium)
  • Import or export status (free)
  • Written-off records (premium)
  • Salvage record/s (premium)
  • Outstanding finance checks (premium)
  • Stolen vehicle records (premium)
  • Previous searches (premium)
  • Vehicle chronological timeline (premium)

Why Run a Car Check?

A vehicle's registration number can reveal a surprising amount of useful information. Running a check before purchasing a used car helps reduce the risk of buying a vehicle with hidden issues.

A vehicle history check can help you:

  • Verify that the vehicle matches the seller's description.
  • Confirm MOT and tax information.
  • Review previous MOT failures and advisories.
  • Check whether the vehicle has been reported stolen.
  • Find out if it has been written off by an insurer.
  • Discover whether there is outstanding finance attached to the vehicle.
  • Compare vehicle specifications before purchasing.

Even if you're checking your own vehicle, it's useful for confirming official records and keeping track of MOT and tax information.

Understanding MOT History and Vehicle Tax Status

Every MOT tells part of a vehicle's story.

Reviewing previous MOT certificates allows you to see:

  • Pass and fail history
  • Recorded mileage
  • Advisory notices
  • Reasons for previous failures
  • Dates of previous tests

Repeated advisories or recurring failures may indicate maintenance issues that deserve closer attention before purchasing.

Checking tax status helps confirm whether a vehicle is currently taxed and legally permitted to be driven on UK roads. You can also see important registration information alongside the tax record, making it easier to verify the vehicle you're viewing.

Premium Vehicle History Checks

For buyers wanting greater peace of mind, premium vehicle history reports include additional checks that aren't available in a standard vehicle lookup.

Depending on the report, these may include:

  • Outstanding finance
  • Insurance write-off
  • Salvage records
  • Stolen (current and past records)
  • Mileage detailed history
  • Previous keepers
  • V5C history
  • Plate changes
  • Previous searches
  • Colour changes
  • Chronological timeline
  • Detailed vehicle specification

These additional checks are particularly valuable when buying a used vehicle privately.

Includes a 12 month, £10,000 Experian-backed indemnity.

Terms and conditions for the Experian Data Guarantee including details of how to claim and the limits of protection can be found at www.experian.co.uk/data-guarantee. All claims in respect of Data Guarantees must be made and handled by Experian directly. 

Frequently asked questions
Is a car check free?

Basic vehicle information can often be viewed free of charge. More detailed vehicle history information, such as finance, theft, write-off and mileage checks, is typically available as part of a premium report.
What information do I need?

You only need the vehicle registration number (number plate) to begin a check.
Can I check any UK vehicle?

Most cars, vans and motorcycles registered in the UK can be searched using their registration number.
How accurate is the information?

Vehicle information is compiled from recognised UK data sources. Availability may vary depending on the vehicle and the type of report selected.
Should I still inspect the vehicle?

Yes. A vehicle history report is an important part of buying safely, but it should always be used alongside a physical inspection and, where appropriate, an independent mechanical assessment.