Can I get a VIN from a registration number for free?

Not from the number alone, as far as we know: the free GOV.UK vehicle checks work from the reg but do not list the full VIN. If you can get to the car or its paperwork, the VIN is free to read from the windscreen, the door pillar or the V5C.

Does the GOV.UK vehicle check show the VIN?

No. The online DVLA check shows details such as tax and MOT status, engine size, fuel type and date of first registration. The VIN is not on the list.

Does MOT history show the VIN?

Not the full VIN. MOT history shows test results, recorded mileage and the reasons for any failure or advisory.

When is it worth paying for a reg to VIN lookup?

When you cannot get to the car or its paperwork, such as a lost logbook, a car in a garage or one you have not seen yet. A lookup here costs £2.50, and you are not charged if we do not find the VIN.

Can you get a VIN from a reg for free?

Often yes, if you can get to the car or its paperwork. From the registration number alone, usually not.

The short answer

If you have the car or its documents in front of you, the VIN costs nothing: it is printed on them. If all you have is the registration number, the free government services will not give you the full VIN.

Free ways to find a VIN

On the car. Usually at the bottom corner of the windscreen and on a door pillar. Where to find a VIN lists every spot.
On the V5C logbook. If you have it, the VIN is printed on it.
On your paperwork. Many insurance schedules print the VIN, and main dealers usually put it on service and repair invoices.
From the seller. If you are buying, ask for it. A genuine seller has no reason to refuse.

What the free GOV.UK checks do show

The DVLA’s online vehicle check, MOT history and the recall check are free and worth using. They show tax and MOT status, engine size, fuel type, test results, mileage at each test and open safety recalls. They do not show the full VIN. VIN check UK explains what each one covers, and can the DVLA give me my VIN covers asking the DVLA directly.

When the free routes run out

The logbook is lost and the replacement form asks for the VIN.
The car is in storage, at a garage or somewhere else you cannot get to.
You are ordering parts and need the VIN now.
You want to know the VIN of a car before you travel to see it.

That is what this site is for. You enter the reg and pay £2.50 only if we find the VIN. If you can walk out to the car, save your money and read it off the windscreen.

FAQ

Free VIN questions

Can I get a VIN from a registration number for free?: Not from the number alone, as far as we know: the free GOV.UK vehicle checks work from the reg but do not list the full VIN. If you can get to the car or its paperwork, the VIN is free to read from the windscreen, the door pillar or the V5C.
Does the GOV.UK vehicle check show the VIN?: No. The online DVLA check shows details such as tax and MOT status, engine size, fuel type and date of first registration. The VIN is not on the list.
Does MOT history show the VIN?: Not the full VIN. MOT history shows test results, recorded mileage and the reasons for any failure or advisory.
When is it worth paying for a reg to VIN lookup?: When you cannot get to the car or its paperwork, such as a lost logbook, a car in a garage or one you have not seen yet. A lookup here costs £2.50, and you are not charged if we do not find the VIN.

More guides

No car or paperwork to hand?

£2.50 for one lookup, no account, and nothing to pay if we cannot find the VIN.

Find a VIN from a reg