When buying or selling a used car, finding the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is very important in accessing the vehicle information and all past records, helping to verify a car’s history and real condition by running a VIN check.
A vehicle’s VIN is unique and permanent and contains information about its origin, manufacturer, specifications, and history. The VIN number is essential in verifying a vehicle’s past or ensuring it matches official records.
If you can’t access the VIN on the car or in the document, this article will show you how to find the VIN number from the registration plate. Checking the VIN can help track previous keepers, tax and MOT status, MOT history, theft, outstanding finance, mileage records, insurance write-offs, and more.
READ ALSO: Is the VIN the Same as the Chassis Number?
What is a VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)?
The VIN number, also known as the chassis number, is a unique 17-digit code assigned to every vehicle when manufactured. It identifies a vehicle and holds critical information about its specifications and history.
With the VIN, car buyers and sellers can quickly verify the year, make, model, trim, engine, transmission, and more. It’s also essential in checking the vehicle history to spot hidden issues like write-offs, finance, mileage discrepancies, etc.
Can you Find the VIN Number from the Registration Plate?
Yes, you can find the VIN number from the registration plate. A vehicle registration number check essentially breaks down the reg number to gain access to vehicle specifications and history records, including the VIN.
However, you can only get the last five characters of the VIN. Unfortunately, it is illegal to provide the entire length of the VIN.
If you intend to find the VIN number from reg to verify its accuracy on documents and vehicle parts, these five characters should be able to do so. To find all characters, you must inspect the various VIN locations as stated above.
Where to Find VIN Number: Easy Locations
Aside from finding the chassis number from the registration, which only shows the last five digits of the VIN, you can access the full 17-digit VIN by generally checking the car itself or the paperwork.Â
Finding the VIN Number on the Car
If you can access the car, here are some easy-to-spot locations where you can find the VIN:
Dashboard windshield
Visible from outside, lower driver’s side corner. Easiest spot to check without opening doors or hood.
Driver’s door jamb
Located on sticker/plate when the door opens. Contains the VIN number, the manufacturing details and tire pressure information.
Underneath Spare Tire
Found in the trunk/cargo area beneath the spare. Less accessible location, requires removing tire to verify VIN clearly.
Engine Block
Stamped directly on the motor. Hardest to access, requires opening the hood and locating among engine components precisely.
Finding the VIN Number on the Vehicle Documents
The VIN is also located on several vehicle documents; looking closely, you might spot the 17-character code. You can find the VIN on these documents:
V5C/logbook
The UK registration document contains the VIN number. The V5C logbook shows you own the car in the UK, and it’s required for ownership verification..
Title
Legal ownership document showing VIN. Essential for sales, transfers, and proving vehicle ownership in all transactions securely.
Insurance policy
Contains VIN for coverage identification. Matches vehicle to policy, necessary for claims and renewal processes annually.
If you want to confirm if a vehicle’s VIN is genuine, you can enter the car’s reg using our car reg check tool to get the VIN from reg.
READ ALSO: How To Find Out What Extras My Car Has – Step-By-Step Guide
Where to Get VIN Number Online
You can find your VIN online using a paid vehicle check service like Smart Car Check number plate check by entering the registration plate. This will also provide basic vehicle specs, tax and MOT status for free. You’ll typically find the VIN itself on the V5C logbook, dashboard, or door frame, with the online check linking the registration to the car’s VIN number to retrieve the vehicle history report.
Can I Find My VIN Number from Reg for Free in the UK?
No, you cannot check the VIN from the plate number for free. If you already have the VIN, several websites offer VIN check services for free to provide basic information, including the year, make, model, engine, transmission, colour and more.
You might also access records like the MOT and tax status that can help you make the best and informed decisions in the used car market. For instance, Smart Car Check offers a free VIN decoder where you can get vehicle specifications for free.
The advanced or paid VIN decoding service provides access to the full vehicle history report which shows every past and hidden record including theft, high risk records, writeoff record, finance, scrapped records, and more.
Why is it necessary to check the VIN Number?
If you are buying a used car, a VIN check becomes essential, as with it, you can do the following:
Verify the Accuracy of Vehicle Details During Transactions
A VIN number check confirms the car’s real specs match what the seller says so you don’t get tricked into buying something different than advertised.
Ensure the Vehicle’s History Matches the Seller’s Claims
Checking the VIN reveals the car’s true past including writeoffs, and previous keepers so you catch lies before handing over your hard earned money to dishonest people.
Check for MOT history and Safety Issues Associated with the Vehicle
Looking at MOT records shows if the car failed safety tests or has serious problems that could make it dangerous to drive on roads.
Avoid Fraudulent and Bad Deals
You don’t want to spend thousands of pounds on a stolen or old vehicle with mileage discrepancies. A VIN check can protect you from fraudulent deals, helping you make the best buying decision.
What You’ll Get by Running a VIN Check
By simply entering the VIN number into the VIN check form, you will gain full access to the following vehicle information:
- Vehicle specifications (Year, make, Model, engine, colour and more)
- MOT and Tax status
- Place of registration
- Last V5C issue date
- Auction records
- High-risk records
- Write-off checks
- Outstanding finance
- MOT history
- Stolen car checks
- Previous keepers
- High-risk records
- Plate and colour changes
- CO2 emissions
- Mileage discrepancies
- Fuel economy
- And more!
Is it Possible to Identify Fake VINs?
Yes, it is possible to identify fake or altered VINs. Genuine VINs are standardised and follow specific formats depending on the manufacturer. You can easily confirm fake VINs using our VIN check tool or by checking for any VIN mismatch in other locations or documents like the V5c and insurance paperwork.
Any inconsistencies or irregularities in the VIN format or placement may indicate tampering or forgery.
Conclusion On How to Get VIN from Reg
If you are in the market for a used car, a simple car reg check can verify the VIN and the seller’s claims. If you also want to identify altered or fake VINs, you can view the last five digits of the VIN with a number plate check in the UK.
Apart from using a car registration plate check to find the VIN, you can typically find it on the vehicle or in official documents. By conducting thorough checks, you can ensure transparency in transactions and make an informed decision when buying or selling a used vehicle in the UK.
Frequently Asked Questions About Finding VIN Number from Reg
Is there anything like a stolen VIN from a registration number plate check?
Yes. In the UK, checking a car’s registration plate is one of the main ways to find out if it’s been reported stolen or if something doesn’t match up correctly with its unique VIN number and official records. Be aware of common car scams like VIN cloning, a trick where thieves replace a stolen car’s VIN with one from a similar make and model to hide its true identity.
How do I check my car history by VIN from reg for free?
You can check a car history for free using the Smart Car Check number plate check tool to retrieve information like the model, year, engine, MOT and tax status. If you need more records, like finance and write-offs, you need to pay a fee to get the complete vehicle records.
Can I find my VIN number from reg?
Yes, you can find your VIN number from reg i.e, the V5C logbook. You will typically find the VIN on the car by checking the dashboard, door jamb, and engine block or checking other documents like the insurance paperwork.
Is the engine number and VIN the same?
No, the engine number and VIN are two completely different codes, even though both identify parts of your car uniquely. The VIN stays with the vehicle forever and identifies the whole car, but the engine number only identifies that specific engine, which can be replaced with a different one anytime.
