Free UK VIN and chassis check
Enter the 17-character VIN to match it to the current UK registration and free identity snapshot.
Where to find the VIN
Windscreen
Bottom passenger-side corner of the front glass on most modern cars.
Door pillar
Manufacturer label on the driver-side B-pillar.
Engine bay
Stamped on the bulkhead or strut tower.
V5C logbook
Vehicle details section of the DVLA registration certificate.
Only have a plate? Use the registration lookup.
VIN check FAQs
Is the UK VIN check on Caroat completely free?
Yes. Our 17-character VIN lookup connects directly to official DVSA records to resolve the vehicle registration, live MOT status, test failure history, and recorded mileage completely free with no card or sign-up needed.
What is a VIN and why is it important when buying a car?
A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a unique 17-character alphanumeric code stamped onto the vehicle chassis during manufacturing. While registration plates can be changed, cloned, or transferred, the VIN is permanently tied to the physical vehicle.
How does a VIN check help identify cloned vehicles?
Criminals often clone number plates by placing a legitimate car's registration on a stolen or damaged vehicle of the same model and colour. Checking that the 17-character VIN stamped on the chassis matches the official DVLA V5C logbook and MOT database prevents you buying a cloned vehicle.
Where can I find my vehicle's 17-digit VIN?
You can find the VIN stamped on the passenger-side base of the front windscreen, on the driver's door pillar sticker, stamped onto the engine bay bulkhead or suspension tower, and in Section 4 of the official DVLA V5C registration certificate.
Can I check MOT history using only the VIN?
Yes. The official DVSA MOT system indexes vehicle test records by chassis number as well as registration plate. Caroat connects directly to official DVSA data to resolve the VIN to its current UK registration and complete MOT history.
Why do VINs never contain the letters I, O, or Q?
International ISO 3779 standards exclude the letters I, O, and Q from all 17-character VINs to eliminate confusion with numbers 1, 0, and 9.