Checks when buying a used car
Vehicle identity checks for used cars
You can reduce the risk of buying a stolen vehicle by following these steps.
Before you see the vehicle
Ask the seller for the registration number, make and model, tax disc details and MOT test number.
Use DVLAÂs online vehicle enquiry service to check that the details youÂve been given match their records.
Check that the vehicleÂs MOT is up to date, and the MOT history matches the details youÂve been given.
When you go to see the vehicle
Ask to see the V5C vehicle registration certificate (Âlog bookÂ). Make sure it has a ÂDVLÂ watermark, and the serial number isnÂt between BG8229501 to BG9999030, or BI2305501 to BI2800000. If it is, the V5C might be stolen – call the police as soon as itÂs safe. Most new V5Cs are now red but some older ones may not be – to check the V5C is the latest issued use the DVLA vehicle enquiry service.
Make sure the details in the log book match the details youÂve been given.
Check the vehicle identification number and engine number. Make sure these match the details on the log book.