What is a Number Plate Check?
A number plate check gives you a quick look at a car's details and history, especially if the plate has been changed. It shows you past mileage, MOT history, finance records and if the car has been stolen; it also helps you make a smart decision and avoid any hidden surprises when buying a car.
Proper Number Plate Display: Rules & Penalties
Displaying your number plate incorrectly can lead to a fine of up to £1,000 and even cause your vehicle to fail its MOT. The law is clear—your front plate must be white, and the rear must be yellow, both made from reflective material with no background pattern.
Plates must be easy to read, so altering the spacing or characters is not allowed. Since 1st September 2021, all letters and numbers must be a single shade of black, and the plate should meet the “BS AU 145e” standard. You can still have 3D-style characters, legal flags, or identifiers, and electric vehicles may display a green marker.
Additionally, your plate must show the name of the registered supplier; breaking these rules could land you a hefty fine, so always ensure your plates meet UK regulations.
How to Get a New Number Plate in the UK
To get new plates, you’ll need to go to a registered number plate supplier—not just any shop can make them.
You’ll have to prove your identity using one of the following:
- Driving licence
- Council tax or utility bill
- Bank statement
- National identity card
You also need to prove that you have the right to use the number plate. This can be done with documents like:
- Your V5C registration document
- The green ‘new keeper’ slip from the V5C
- A certificate of entitlement or retention document
- A V11 car tax reminder letter
If you don’t have these, there are other acceptable documents—just check with the supplier. Make sure everything’s in order before you go, as they won’t issue a plate without the right paperwork.
How to Get a Car Number Plate Check Report?
Getting a free number plate check is quick and easy; just enter the vehicle’s registration number into our
car reg check, and you’ll get instant access to key details about the car.
Your report will include VRM change history, previous owners, V5C counts, and more. This will help you check the car’s history and make sure everything adds up before you buy.
What's Included in Our Number Plate Check Report?
Our number plate lookup gives you a full picture of a vehicle’s history, helping you avoid potential risks when buying a used car. Here’s what you’ll get:
- Plate Legitimacy – If the number plate has been changed, we check whether it’s been done legally and isn’t linked to fraud.
- Ownership & Theft Check – We verify if the car is reported stolen or flagged on a criminal activity list, so you don’t unknowingly buy an illegitimate vehicle.
- MOT History – See past MOT results, including passes, failures, and advisories; this helps confirm the seller’s claims about the car’s condition.
- Mileage Verification – While changing a car’s mileage (clocking) isn’t illegal, failing to disclose it is. Our licence plate lookup shows the last recorded mileage at the most recent MOT, helping you spot inconsistencies.
- Engine Number Verification – We ensure the engine number matches the vehicle identification number (VIN) and the details in the V5C logbook, helping you avoid issues like vehicle fraud or cloning.
With this information, you can make a safer, more informed decision before committing to a purchase.
Is Using a Check My Number Plate Tool Worth It?
Yes. A reg plate lookup provides comprehensive vehicle information about a vehicle’s history so you can avoid costly mistakes when buying a used car. It will tell you if the vehicle has been stolen, has outstanding finance or has had its mileage tampered with. You’ll also see its MOT history, plate changes, and the number of prior owners.
Without this check, you may end up with a car that is not legally yours or has hidden flaws that may cost you money later. Spending a few minutes on a number plate check may save you a terrible purchase and a lot of trouble.
FAQs
How Can I Find the Car Owner Using the Registration Number?
You can’t get the current owner’s details from a number plate check due to UK data protection. But you can see how many previous owners the car has had and when ownership changed, so you can see the history.
How Accurate Are Number Plate Checks?
Our checks use data from reliable sources such as the DVLA, ensuring that the information is very accurate and up to date. However, it’s always a good idea to cross-check key details and inspect the vehicle in person before making any decisions.
Is It Legal to Perform a Number Plate Check in the UK?
Yes, it’s completely legal. A number plate check provides information about the vehicle, not the owner, ensuring it complies with UK data protection laws. It’s a safe and reliable way to check a car’s history before buying.
Should I Buy a Car That Has Had Its Private Number Plate Changed?
A number plate change isn’t always a red flag—many people switch to private plates. However, it’s important to check the car’s history, including the registration date, to make sure the change wasn’t done to hide something, like previous damage or theft. A number plate check will show past plates and help you verify the vehicle’s background.
How Do I Remove a Number Plate from My Car?
If you want to remove a private or personalised plate, you can do so through the DVLA online or by post. It costs £80, and in most cases, the car’s original registration will be reassigned. Once removed, you can either retain private number plate for future use or transfer number plate to another car.
Can My Number Plate Be Linked to Another Vehicle?
No, a number plate can only be assigned to one car at a time. If your plate is linked to another vehicle, it could be an error or fraud; a licence plate lookup will confirm if everything adds up.
How Can I Find My Car’s Original Number Plate?
If your car has had a number plate change, you can check its original registration by running a car history check. This will show all previous plates linked to the vehicle, including the original one. You’ll just need the current registration number to get started.
How Can I Check If a Vehicle Has Had a Number Plate Change?
A number plate check UK will reveal if a car has had any previous plates. It provides a full history of plate changes, including when they were made. This helps you spot any potential red flags, such as a change being used to hide the car’s past.
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