Number Plate History vs Vehicle History
A number plate check and a vehicle history check provide different information. Here's what each one can tell you.
What is a number plate history check?
A number plate history check focuses on the registration mark itself rather than the vehicle displaying it.
PlateData helps identify UK registration formats, original issuing regions and available historic DVLA auction records.
What is a vehicle history check?
A vehicle history check focuses on the actual car. Depending on the data available, it can include vehicle specifications, MOT history, recorded mileage and other relevant vehicle records.
What's the difference?
Number Plate History
DVLA auction history
Historic auction prices
Registration format
Original issue region
Registration age information
Vehicle History
Vehicle specifications
MOT test records
Recorded mileage
Available vehicle history records
Vehicle identity information
Can a private plate tell you a car's age?
Not necessarily. A private registration can be transferred between eligible vehicles, subject to DVLA rules. The registration mark alone may not identify the actual age of the vehicle.
Which check should you use?
If you want to know when a registration was issued, where its identifier originated or whether it appeared at a DVLA auction, use PlateData.
If you're researching a car before purchasing it, a vehicle history check is more appropriate.
Check the history of your car
Looking beyond the registration plate? Explore MOT history, recorded mileage, vehicle specifications and available vehicle history information with Car IQ.
Vehicle checks are provided by Car IQ. Some services may require payment.