Frequently Asked Questions

Free Car Checks is a free vehicle checking service. Enter a UK registration number and we instantly retrieve official vehicle data from the DVLA and full MOT history from the DVSA: vehicle details, tax status, MOT results, advisories and recorded mileage. Every check is completely free.

Our free checks draw on official UK government data sources:

• DVLA vehicle records - Make, model, colour, fuel type, engine size, tax status and SORN status
• DVSA MOT history - Complete test history for UK vehicles (pass/fail, advisories, mileage)

We do NOT provide:

• Outstanding finance, write-off or stolen-vehicle data - These come from private databases, not public DVLA or DVSA data
• Garage or dealership service records - Maintenance records are not part of the official public datasets

Any UK-registered vehicle. Because our data comes from the DVLA and DVSA, coverage isn't limited by manufacturer or age - if the vehicle is registered in the UK, you can check it. All you need is the registration number.

Results appear instantly. Enter a registration number and your check is displayed on screen within seconds - no payment, no sign-up and no waiting for an email.

Nothing - every check on this site is completely free. There are no hidden charges, subscriptions or premium tiers. Our checks are built on official DVLA and DVSA data.

Just the registration number (number plate). DVLA and DVSA records are looked up by registration, so that's all you need to run a free car check. There's no need to dig out your V5C logbook or find the VIN.

Your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is a unique 17-character code. You can find it in several locations:

• V5C Registration Document (Logbook): Look in the VIN/Chassis Number box on the front page
• Windscreen: Small metal plate visible through the windscreen at the bottom of the driver's side
• Driver's Door Jamb: Open the door and check where the door latches
• Under the Bonnet: On the bulkhead between engine and passenger compartment
• Insurance Documents: Your insurance certificate lists the VIN

Format: VINs are exactly 17 characters (letters and numbers, excluding I, O, and Q to avoid confusion with 1 and 0). Example: WBA1234567890ABCD. Learn more in our guide: VIN Check: Where to Find and Verify a VIN.

Any vehicle currently registered with the DVLA can be checked. MOT history is available for tests carried out since 2005, when digital MOT records were introduced.

No problem - checks are free, so simply run the check again with the correct registration. The results always relate to the registration you entered, so double-check the plate before relying on them.

Prevention tips:

• Double-check the registration before submitting
• UK registration numbers are 2-8 characters
• Compare your entry with the number plate or V5C document character-by-character

Yes! There's no limit - every check is free, so you can check as many vehicles as you like. If you're shopping for a used car, check every vehicle on your shortlist before viewing.

We take data privacy seriously and comply with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. Running a check only requires a vehicle registration number. Here's what we collect and why:

• Registration Number: To query official DVLA and DVSA databases
• Email Address: Only if you contact us or create an account

Your data is:

• Stored securely in encrypted databases
• Never sold or shared with third parties for marketing
• Protected by industry-standard security measures

Read our full Privacy Policy for complete details on data handling and your rights under UK GDPR.

Yes. You have the right to request deletion of your personal data under UK GDPR (Right to Erasure). Contact us at hello@freecarchecks.org to make a deletion request and we'll delete all personal data we hold about you.

For any questions or issues, please use our contact form.

Response time: We aim to respond within 24-48 hours (typically much faster).

Our complete Terms of Service, including service limitations and user responsibilities, are available at: Terms of Service