How to Check a VIN Before Buying a Used Car
Do not rely on the registration alone. Compare the vehicle's identification evidence with its documents and investigate inconsistencies before paying.
What should agree?
The VIN shown on legitimate vehicle identification points should be consistent with the V5C and the vehicle you are checking. Locations vary by make and model.
When should you investigate further?
Investigate mismatching numbers, unreadable identity evidence, unexplained disturbance around identification areas or a seller who prevents reasonable verification. Appearance alone is not proof of fraud because repairs and replacements can have legitimate explanations.
Use more than one source
Combine documentary checks, recorded history and physical inspection. UKVIN is being designed to keep those different evidence types separate so a missing database result is not mistaken for physical verification.
Use the visual UKVIN VIN Identity Guide.