DVLA Data

Why do cars have plate changes?

Vehicles go through plate changes so the owner can personalise the vehicle. It will always go back to an age related plated once the 'private' plate has been moved to another vehicle.

Why is there no record of the vehicle I am trying to check?

We would suggest that you contact the owner of the vehicle and check the registration number carefully with them. If the registration number you are trying is correct, then we are unable to carry out a check as we do not have a record of this vehicle on our database. This may be because the vehicle has recently had a plate change. In this instance we advise contacting the vendor to obtain the previous plate and carry out the check on this. It may take a little while for the plate change to become effective.

The transmission is incorrect

We obtain the transmission directly from the manufacturer when the vehicle is first registered. We would suggest that you contact your local dealership to confirm the correct transmission for this model.

Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

A VIN or chassis number as it is sometimes known, is a unique identification number for every car manufactured, consisting of a combination of 17 letters and numbers. A registration number can be changed and may appear on different cars over a period of time, but the VIN is a constant throughout the lifetime of the car.

How to find the VIN

The VIN will be documented on the V5C registration certificate issued by the DVLA or DVLNI, and usually in the service book. You can find it in several places on the car:

• It is engraved on a metal plate usually found in the engine compartment. Be suspicious if it shows signs of having been tampered with, such as rivets having been disturbed or if it has been removed.
• The VIN is also stamped in several places on the chassis of the vehicle, often under the bonnet or in the floor panel on the driver's side. Check the surrounding area for signs of any alteration, the 17 digits should be evenly stamped. If you cannot find the stamped VIN, contact a franchised dealer for advice.

The VIN on the registration certificate, and held in our data, does not contain the alphabetic letters I or O, these are always shown as numbers one and zero.

I have entered the VIN and it says it doesn't match, what do I do?

We advise you to go back to the vehicle and double check the VIN on the logbook and the vehicle itself. If they do not match do not purchase the vehicle. If the vehicle and the V5 match contact us and we will investigate the matter further for you. Please note that there are no letters I or O in a VIN, they are always shown as the numbers one and zero.

Can you supply the VIN to me?

We do not give the VIN out for security reasons to reduce the risk of vehicles being cloned. We would advise that you obtain the VIN from the vehicle itself, check it against the V5C and then input it into the AutoCheck.

What do I do if there isn't a logbook/V5C and/or MOT?

We do not recommend purchasing the vehicle without the V5C, if you do you will not be covered under the terms of the insurance. If the vendor states that they have sent the V5C to the DVLA, wait for it to come back before completing the purchase, and ensure that you are buying from the registered keeper if buying privately. Check the ID of the seller such as a passport and a recent utility bill, this should match with the name and address of the registered keeper on the V5C.

If you are buying from a trader you will need to question why the V5 and/or MOT is unavailable. The dealer may not have the V5C if for example its been sent to the DVLA for a number plate change, you should wait until he has the new one or walk away.

What if the details are different to that supplied in the report?

• If vehicle and V5C match, but AutoCheck does not, please contact Service Support.
• If V5C and AutoCheck match, but the vehicle is not as described - the owner should contact the DVLA for help and advice.