The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a critical information for identifying a vehicle. It’s often located throughout the vehicle and its registration documents.
But what if you only have access to the registration plate of a vehicle?
Well, you can use the registration plate to find the VIN of any vehicle in the UK.
This article explains how to find the VIN from a registration plate, provides insights into where the VIN can be found, and discusses how to spot fake VINs. It’s a guide that you can apply in real-life situations. Keep reading to find out more!
What is a Vehicle Identification Number?
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), also known as the chassis number, is a unique code assigned to every vehicle during manufacture. It identifies a vehicle and holds critical information about its specifications and history.
With the VIN, car buyers and sellers can verify the specifications and history of any vehicle in the new or used car market. Just like you show your information through a government identity card, the VIN displays vehicle information using the VIN.
Some buyers usually have trouble finding the VIN, which is generally visible on several vehicle parts. Here are some easy-to-spot locations where you can find the VIN:
- On the dashboard, visible through the windshield on the driver’s side.
- On the driver’s side door jamb.
- Underneath the spare tire.
- On the engine block.
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 registration certificate or logbook
- Title
- Insurance policy, and others.
In some situations, however, you may want to confirm if a vehicle’s VIN is fake, and the reg plate and a vehicle enquiry tool can help here.
Can you find the VIN number from a registration plate?
Yes, you can find the VIN using 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 get the VIN from the plate number 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 VINs in the locations listed above.
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Can you get a VIN Check online?
Yes, you can get a VIN check online with our instant and easy-to-use VIN check tool. If the reg number can be checked, the VIN can also be checked with the right online tools. Why is it necessary to check the VIN? If you are buying a used car, a VIN check becomes essential as with it, you can:
- Verify the accuracy of vehicle details during transactions.
- Ensure the vehicle’s history matches the seller’s claims.
- Check for MOT history and safety issues associated with the vehicle.
You don’t want to spend thousands of pounds on a stolen or old vehicle with a rolled-back odometer. A VIN or reg number check protects you from fraudulent deals and helps you make the best decisions.
Can I check a VIN 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. However, do note that these websites may not provide accurate information.
These services typically provide information about the vehicle’s make, model, year of manufacture, and other information. You will, however, get partial access to records that can help you make the best decisions in the market.
On the other hand, our car history check tool provides a free VIN decoding service where you can get free vehicle specifications, and a paid vehicle history report will give you every record.
What can you get with a VIN check?
By simply entering the VIN or plate number into the form above, you can gain full access to the following information:
- Year
- Make
- Model
- Body style
- MOT and Tax dues
- Place of registration
- Last V5C issue date
- Auction records
- Car alerts
- Write-off checks
- Open recalls
- MOT history
- ULEZ checks
- Outstanding finance
- Stolen car checks
- Previous keepers
- High risk records
- Plate and color 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 standardized and follow specific formats depending on the manufacturer. You can easily find out if a VIN is fake with a VIN check tool or by checking for the VIN in other locations or documents.
Any inconsistencies or irregularities in the VIN format or placement may indicate tampering or forgery.
Conclusion
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 get the last five digits of the VIN with the number plate check in the UK.
Remember that a registration plate check is not the only way to get the VIN. The full VIN is typically found on the vehicle or in official documents.
By conducting thorough checks, you can ensure transparency in transactions and make informed decisions when buying or selling a vehicle.
