Free UK Number Plate Check Instant DVLA Vehicle Details
Enter any UK registration plate to instantly see make, model, year, colour, fuel type, MOT status, tax status and more — data direct from DVLA.
Make
Model
Year
Colour
Fuel Type
Engine
First Registered
MOT Status
MOT Expiry
Tax Status
Tax Due Date
Tax Class
We can help you apply for a replacement — fully completed V62 form, printed and posted to DVLA for you.
What Does a Free Number Plate Check Show?
Our free UK number plate check queries the DVLA database to return vehicle information linked to any registered UK number plate. The check is completely free, requires no account or registration, and returns results instantly.
Here's what you can find out from a free plate check:
Make, Model & Year
The manufacturer, model name, and year of manufacture as recorded with the DVLA.
Colour
The registered colour of the vehicle. Useful for verifying the car matches its registration.
MOT Status & Expiry
Whether the vehicle has a valid MOT and when it expires — critical for any used car check.
Tax Status & Due Date
Whether the vehicle is currently taxed (VED) and when tax is due for renewal.
Fuel Type
Petrol, diesel, electric, hybrid, or other — useful for insurance and running cost calculations.
Engine Size
Engine capacity in cc. Relevant for insurance quotes and calculating road tax rates.
Is a Free Plate Check Enough When Buying a Used Car?
A free DVLA plate check gives you a strong starting point. You can instantly verify the vehicle's make and model match what the seller claims, confirm MOT validity, and check whether the car is currently taxed. If the tax is expired or the MOT has lapsed, that's an immediate red flag.
For a more thorough used car check — including outstanding finance, stolen checks, write-off history, and number of previous owners — you may want to consider a full HPI check or similar service. Our free check covers the DVLA record; it doesn't include finance or insurance history.
What Is a V5C and Why Might You Need to Replace It?
The V5C (vehicle registration certificate, commonly called the logbook) is the official document linking a vehicle's registration plate to its registered keeper. If you've bought a car and the V5C wasn't transferred, or your logbook has been lost or stolen, you'll need to apply for a replacement using the DVLA V62 form.
Without a V5C, you may struggle to sell the vehicle, update your address with DVLA, or prove registered keeper status. CarForms can handle the V62 application for you — we complete, print and post the form to DVLA including the £25 fee, all for £49.95.