If you’ve ever bought a car or are thinking about it, you’ve probably come across the term VIN check. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned vehicle enthusiast, the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is like your car’s unique fingerprint.
But how do you find this magic number? It’s easier than you think! Whether you’re looking to find a VIN number, find VIN by plate number, or simply want to verify the identity of a used vehicle, we’ll guide you step by step. Let’s explore how you can check a car’s VIN number using the registration plate right here in the UK.
Every registered car in the UK has a distinct registration number and vehicle identification number (VIN) stamped on it. The VIN can track recalls, registrations, warranty claims, theft, and insurance coverage. It also contains information about your vehicle’s manufacturer, features, and specifications.
The term “VINs” is frequently used to refer to VINs. (It’s similar to a PIN; although many people say “number” twice, you don’t have to!)
Table of Contents
What is a VIN and why does it matter?
If you’re wondering what a VIN is and why it’s so important, you can learn more in our detailed blog post on the importance of the VIN number. In that post, we break down everything you need to know about this essential code and its role in ensuring your vehicle’s history is transparent and verifiable.
For now, let’s focus on how you can use the registration plate to obtain the VIN number of a car.
VIN number example explained – What it looks like and what it means?
Your VIN is made up of both letters and digits, despite its name. Each one is associated with a code that describes your vehicle. The following is how the letters and digits are distributed:
Example – WVWZZZ1JZXW000001
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Digits 1 to 3 (WVW) – Identifies the manufacturer (Volkswagen) and country of origin (Germany).
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Digits 4 to 9 (ZZZ1JZ) – Describes the vehicle type, model, and engine (e.g., Golf Mk4 platform).
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Digits 10 to 17 (XW000001) – Reveals the model year (1999), factory code (Wolfsburg), and serial number.
The format and placement of VIN numbers are standardised. For official formats and placement guidelines, visit GOV.UK’s VIN number guide.
How can I find the VIN from the registration number plate?
Fortunately, you can check the last five digits of a vehicle’s VIN online through any car history checking platform. If you want to know the make, model, body style, year, type, class, and other details about a vehicle, you can run our instant car check online and get it for free.
Please note that we can only provide you with the final five digits of the VIN. All data history providers can only offer the last five digits, as DVLA data disclosure laws restrict us from revealing all 17 digits of the VIN.
How to find my vin number?
You can find your VIN number using a DVLA VIN number check, or to obtain a VIN report, here’s where to look:
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Inside the car (dashboard):
Look through the windscreen on the driver’s side—it’s usually stamped on a metal plate near the bottom corner of the dashboard. -
Driver’s side door frame:
Open the door and check the sticker or plate near the latch or pillar. The VIN is often printed there. -
Logbook (V5C) or registration documents:
Your VIN is printed on the front of the V5C document issued by the DVLA. -
Insurance documents:
Some insurance policies also list the VIN under vehicle details. -
Under the bonnet or engine bay:
In some vehicles, it may also be stamped on the engine or chassis near the firewall.
Running a VIN number check helps verify a car’s history, including theft records, accident reports, and previous ownership. Always check it before buying a used vehicle in the UK.
Why should you check your car’s VIN from the registration number plate?
When purchasing a used car, ensure the printed VIN on the registration papers matches the number stamped into the vehicle’s chassis. Moreover, it matches the number on any other plates on the car.
You may be looking in the wrong spot and can’t find the VIN.
When there is no VIN, then it is a red indicator. The most common “no VIN” reasons are that the cars have been modified, rewritten, or taken off. If you are still looking for the VIN, it is best to contact the seller. If you discover irrelevant causes or questionable activities, leave the transaction.
Is there a thing like a stolen VIN from a registration number plate check?
There is an illogical thing as a stolen car VIN number check, but running the vehicle registration number on our website will reveal the vehicle’s stolen status.
Besides, you would find about VIN Cloning – a trick thieves use to hide the identity of a stolen car. Therefore, what they do is alter the stolen vehicle’s VIN with another similar make and car model.
How can you check if a car with a VIN from the registration number plate has been stolen?
Most car history platforms in the UK reveal a vehicle’s stolen status when you provide the vehicle’s registration number (VRN). However, some websites claim to offer stolen car information using a VIN.
When you provide the registration number to Auto Experts, we will inform you of the car’s stolen status. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide information via VIN. Running our car reg check is the quickest way to find out if a vehicle has been reported stolen. It will reveal stolen data and identify outstanding finance, insurance write-off status, mileage clocking, number plate changes, keeper’s history, import status, and much more for just £9.99 in our stolen car check report!
How do you distinguish between fake and original vehicle identification numbers?
You must do these tasks to identify fake and original VINs.
1. Firstly, run our vehicle check to get the last 5 digits of the VIN.
2. Now check all the places on the vehicle mentioned above and note down the VIN at every location.
3. Compare all to find any discrepancies. Any difference here means VIN cloning.
4. Match the VIN you found on the vehicle with the identification number on our VIN check report. Any inconsistency here denotes the VIN is fake. The car could be stolen, cloned, scrapped, clocked, etc.
Consulting vehicle history check services:
Vehicle history check services are another option for obtaining VIN information from a registration number. These services often require a fee but offer comprehensive reports detailing the vehicle’s history, including any previous accidents, mileage discrepancies, outstanding finance, and more.
Final thoughts
In the UK, various methods exist for checking the VIN from a car’s registration number. Online VIN checkers, government resources like the DVLA’s Vehicle Enquiry service, and vehicle history check services provide convenient ways to access essential information about a vehicle’s account based on its registration number.
By performing a VIN check, individuals can gather valuable details about a car, allowing them to make informed decisions when buying or selling a vehicle and ensuring transparency and peace of mind.
What people ask about VIN checks?
How do I find the chassis number from the reg number?
Enter your vehicle’s reg number here, and we will reveal its chassis number. But remember, it will not include all the 17 digits but only the last 5 digits due to data disclosure rules of the UK.
Is a VIN number the same as a chase number?
No, a VIN is not the same as a Chase number. The VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is a unique code assigned to a vehicle to identify its make, model, year of manufacture, and other specific details.
On the other hand, “Chase number” seems to be a typographical error, as it is not a common term used in vehicle identification or registration. The correct word is “chassis number,” another word for the VIN and refers to the same unique identifier for a vehicle.
Is the engine number and VIN the same?
VIN and the Engine Number are not the same. The chassis bears a VIN stamp and remains there forever. On the other hand, the manufacturers assign a separate number to a car’s engine, which changes with the new machine.
This number signifies the size and power output of the mill. If the engine blows up and you must replace it, the new engine will come with a unique number.
How do you discover the VIN without a car from the registration number plate?
Finding a car’s VIN using a technique that you are familiar with is the only option. Own a vehicle; run a vehicle data check! However, the report will only disclose the last 5 digits of the VIN.
Can I change my car’s VIN?
No, the VIN on your car cannot be changed. This special number is affixed to your car from the moment of manufacture and doesn’t alter even if you change your registration or the vehicle.
How can I tell if the VIN has been tampered with?
Look for signs like scratched plates, mismatched fonts, or VINs that don’t match your documents. A professional car history check can also flag if the VIN has been cloned.
Can i get a free DVLA VIN number check?
No, the DVLA does not provide a free VIN number check directly to the public. However, you can retrieve limited vehicle details using the DVLA’s vehicle enquiry service by entering the registration number. For a full VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) lookup, you’ll need to use a paid vehicle history check service that sources data from the DVLA, insurers, and manufacturers.
How can i find my VIN number from my car registration?
You can find your VIN number from your car’s registration by using a reliable vehicle check provider. When you enter your car reg (number plate) on platforms like CarAnalytics, they can show you the VIN if it’s included in the DVLA records. The VIN is also visible physically on your car, typically on the dashboard near the windscreen or inside the driver’s door frame.
How to find my VIN number without my car?
If you don’t have physical access to your car, you can still retrieve the VIN by checking:
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Your V5C logbook (section D.2)
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Insurance policy documents
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Service history or MOT certificates
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Some online vehicle check services (if they include VIN in their report)
Note: Not all free services will display the VIN due to data protection rules.
How to find the VIN number from a car reg?
To find the VIN number from a registration plate, use a trusted car history check service. Some comprehensive checks can extract the VIN from the DVLA database, if available. Enter the reg number, and the report may display the corresponding 17-character VIN, alongside other vehicle specs and history data.
Is it possible to get a VIN number from a reg plate?
Yes, it’s possible to get the VIN number from a reg plate—but not through free tools alone. Services like CarAnalytics, HPI Check, or Total Car Check often include the VIN in their paid reports, especially if it’s available in the DVLA or manufacturer database. This is crucial for verifying a vehicle’s identity, especially when buying a used car.
