If you’ve ever bought a car or are thinking about it, you’ve probably come across the term VIN check—a phrase that might sound like tech jargon but is crucial for every car owner. 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! Let’s dive into how you can check a car’s VIN number using just the registration plate 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!)
What is a VIN number?
Your vehicle identification number (VIN) is the 17-character code that uniquely identifies your vehicle. The VIN includes your vehicle’s make, model, year, and country of production, among other crucial information.
What does a VIN number look like?
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:
1XXXX11XXXX111111
The 1st character is always a number. This indicates the country, such as the UK, where the vehicle was manufactured.
Letters are the 2nd and 3rd characters. They indicate a car manufacturer such as Citroën.
The brand, engine size, gearbox, and fuel type are all indicated by letters and digits in characters four through eight.
The 9th character, a letter, is a security code pointing to the VIN’s manufacturer-approved status.
The year of your car model is indicated by the 10th character, which is also a letter.
The 11th character indicates the vehicle’s manufacturing plant, which is a letter.
The car’s unique serial number comprises the final 6 characters, which are all digits.
How to find my vin number?
Your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a unique 17-character code that identifies your car. Whether you need it for a DVLA VIN number check or to obtain a VIN report, here’s where you can find it:
Where to find car VIN number?
- On the Vehicle – Check the driver’s side dashboard (visible through the windscreen), inside the driver’s door frame, or under the bonnet.
- V5C Logbook – Your VIN is listed on the V5C registration document issued by the DVLA.
- Insurance Documents – Some insurers include the car VIN number in their paperwork.
Running a VIN number check helps verify a car’s history, including theft records, accident reports, and previous ownership. Always check before buying a used vehicle in the UK.
DVLA VIN number check
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 The 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.
- Firstly, run our vehicle check to get the last 5 digits of the VIN.
- Now check all the places on the vehicle mentioned above and note down the VIN at every location.
- Compare all to find any discrepancies. Any difference here means VIN cloning.
- 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.
Instead of going to the licensing department to confirm your VIN, especially for a busy college student with tight deadlines, it can be pretty hectic and time-consuming. Imagine having an impending essay deadline and needing to confirm your VIN; in such situations, consider the convenience of hiring a professional essay writer to manage your academic responsibilities efficiently. This way, you can focus on your studies and assignments without the added stress of navigating administrative processes.
Instead of going to the licensing department to confirm your VIN, especially for a busy college student with tight deadlines, it can be pretty hectic and time-consuming. Imagine having an impending essay deadline and needing to confirm your VIN; in such situations, consider the convenience of hiring a professional essay writer to manage your academic responsibilities efficiently. This way, you can focus on your studies and assignments without the added stress of navigating administrative processes.
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.
Answering your questions:
How do I check my car history with Vin from the registration number plate for free?
It is only possible to check a car’s history through VIN by paying a penny. However, you can get some information for free using The Auto Experts car reg check. It would include MOT status and history, tax status, mileage, vehicle description, performance data, and other details.
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.
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.
