A simple change in a vehicle’s number plate may seem innocent enough and may even be done for personalization. However, it’s essential to recognize that a change in the license plates can also be a red flag, indicating an attempt to conceal the vehicle’s past. As a prospective buyer, it’s crucial to protect yourself from vehicle fraud by getting a number plate check on any car, van, or motorbike you’re considering purchasing.
Many users of vehicle check find that the vehicle they’re interested in has undergone at least one license plate change in the past. It’s essential to be aware of this possibility, and if the seller fails to disclose this information, it’s a cause for suspicion. By staying vigilant and checking the car number plate change history, you can ensure you’re making an informed and safe purchase.
What information can you get from a UK registration plate check?
If you run the vehicle’s plate number through our reg plate checker, we can provide you with the following information in an instant:
- Vehicle registration details (make, model, date of registration, and color)
- MOT history (last test date, result, and advisories or failures)
- Vehicle tax status (whether the vehicle is taxed or not and when the current tax expires)
- Previous owner’s details (how many previous keepers a car has had, the date ownership was transferred to the current keeper.)
- Outstanding finance (any loans or hire purchase agreements on the vehicle)
- Insurance write-offs (whether the vehicle has been written off due to damage)
- Mileage history (recorded mileage to verify dashboard display accuracy)
- Color changes (reveals whether the car has undergone any color changes)
- Imported car check (verifies whether the car is an import and whether it has been imported legally; provides information on any differences in specifications or safety features)
Why is it essential to check car number plate history?
For several reasons, checking the plate change history is essential before purchasing a used car.
- Checking the number plate history can help you to confirm that the car has yet to be written off or has outstanding finance. A vehicle that is written off due to damage or has outstanding finance can be a financial burden for the buyer, as they may be required to pay off the remaining debt or repair costs.
- Verifying the car registration details can help ensure the car is not cloned, meaning the registration plate has been illegally copied from another vehicle. A cloned car can have profound legal and safety implications, as the car’s true identity and history may be unknown.
- Checking the license plate history can help you confirm that the car has not been used for criminal activities or is associated with illegal or suspicious behavior. This can help you to avoid purchasing a vehicle that may have been involved in unlawful activities or may have a criminal history.
How can I get a number plate check?
Enter the registration number into the search box on a reliable provider’s website and click the ‘check vehicle’ button. For a fee of £9.99, you can receive a premium vehicle check report containing the entire vehicle history, which is a crucial way to obtain information about a car. This report can provide information such as the car’s history, VRM change history, V5C count, and other essential details.
FAQ
1.Can I find the owner of a car with the license plate number UK?
No, it is impossible to find a car’s owner with just the license plate number in the UK. The UK’s Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) records registered vehicle owners, but it is not publicly accessible for privacy reasons. Only authorized bodies such as the police and government agencies can access this information for official purposes.
2.How do I find out my original number plate?
If you want to find out a vehicle’s original number plate, there are several license plate history checker tools available online that can help. Using these tools, you can see the DVLA number plate change history, which includes any previous registration numbers and the dates of each plate change.
3.Why is it essential to display number plates correctly?
If you fail to display your registration plates correctly or display invalid plates while driving, you could receive a fine of up to £1,000. Ensuring that your license plates are always correctly displayed is essential to avoid legal consequences.
4.How long does it take for DVLA to update my vehicle details after I change my license plate?
Suppose you choose to change your registration number online. In that case, the process is usually instantaneous, and your vehicle details will be updated with the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) within a few minutes. However, if you change your registration number by post, you’ll typically have to wait between two and five weeks for the transfer to complete.
5.Should I buy a car that’s had a plate change?
There’s no straightforward answer to whether you should buy a car with a plate change. While it’s common for a car to have a plate change, it’s important to investigate why. A plate change could be a sign of something sinister like the car being stolen or having an accident. On the other hand, it could be a simple case of the owner wanting a personalized plate. Make sure to do your due diligence and research the vehicle’s history before making a decision.
