Buying a Used Car? Buying a used car in the UK? This free DVLA tool could save you thousands — and we mean literally. If you’re not checking a vehicle’s history before forking out cash, you might be walking into a financial trap. Whether it’s dodgy mileage, unpaid finance, or even a stolen motor, the risks are real. But the good news? You can check a lot of this stuff for free, thanks to the UK government’s DVLA vehicle information tool. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to use the tool, what it shows, why it matters, and how to use it smartly before you say yes to that slick-looking car.
Buying a Used Car?
Buying a car is one of the biggest purchases most of us make — second only to buying a home. And while there are risks involved in the secondhand market, the DVLA’s free check gives you a reliable, quick, and totally free way to protect yourself from scams, duds, and dishonest sellers. Use it early, and use it often. Pair it with a healthy dose of common sense and a bit of follow-up research, and you’ll be driving off into the sunset — not into the garage.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To verify the authenticity, tax, MOT, and legal status of a UK-registered vehicle |
| Cost | Absolutely free |
| Info You Get | Vehicle specs, MOT/tax status, mileage history, CO2 emissions, and more |
| Best For | Private buyers, car dealerships, fleet managers |
| Avoids | Scams, stolen cars, cloned registrations, hidden damage |
| Source | Data from UK Government’s DVLA database |
| Official Link | gov.uk/get-vehicle-information-from-dvla |
| Pro Tip | Always cross-check the info with the V5C logbook and vehicle VIN number |
Why This Tool Matters More Than Ever?
Here’s the deal: used cars can be a great bargain — or a total disaster. According to AutoExpress, 1 in 13 used cars has a hidden issue, like mileage fraud or being listed as stolen. The DVLA’s vehicle check tool helps you spot red flags before you end up with a lemon.
You don’t need to be a mechanic to use it either. Just a number plate and a few minutes is all it takes.
What You Can Learn From the DVLA Vehicle Check
Vehicle Specs
- Make and Model
- Fuel Type
- Engine Size
- Transmission
- Colour and Year
Perfect for matching the advert to the actual car.
MOT and Tax Status
- When the last MOT was done
- Any failures or advisories
- Tax expiry date
- SORN (off-road) status
This gives a strong clue to how well the vehicle’s been maintained.
Environmental Info
- CO2 emissions
- ULEZ compliance (important for London drivers)
- Fuel economy and classification
Real-Life Scenario: How This Tool Saved James £2,200
James from Sheffield found a 2015 Audi A3 online — looked mint, low miles, great price. But he ran the DVLA check and boom — it had failed three MOTs in the past two years, with dodgy brakes and warning lights. The seller didn’t mention any of that. Without that check, James could’ve driven off with a pile of problems. Instead, he walked away — and found a better car a week later.
Free vs. Paid Vehicle Checks (Comparison Table)
| Feature | DVLA Free Check | HPI Check / Paid Services |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Specs | Yes | Yes |
| MOT and Tax Status | Yes | Yes |
| Mileage History | Limited (via MOT) | Full |
| Stolen Check | No | Yes |
| Outstanding Finance | No | Yes |
| Written-off Status | No | Yes |
| Cost | £0 | £9.99 – £19.99 |
Both have their place — start with the free DVLA check, then level up to a paid report if things seem fishy.
How to Use the DVLA Tool If You’re Buying a Used Car?: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Head to the official site
Go to https://www.gov.uk/get-vehicle-information-from-dvla
Step 2: Enter the registration number
Type in the plate and click “Continue”
Step 3: Check the details
Match it with what the seller claims. Any mismatch? Walk away.
Step 4: Check MOT history
Visit Check MOT History for more depth — previous failures, mileage trends, and advisories.
What to Do If Something Doesn’t Add Up
- Contact the seller and ask for clarification.
- Check the V5C logbook — it must have a ‘DVL’ watermark and matching VIN.
- Use CheckThatVehicle for police data on stolen cars.
- Get a paid HPI check before closing the deal.
Used Car Buyer’s Checklist (Quick Summary)
Before you buy:
- Run the DVLA check
- Match V5C logbook to DVLA info
- Review full MOT history
- Confirm mileage consistency
- Verify tax and MOT status
- Consider a paid HPI check if in doubt
- Inspect vehicle and take a test drive
Stats That Might Shock You
- 15% of used cars in the UK have outstanding finance (source: Experian)
- 1 in 5 used car ads contain false or misleading details (source: AutoTrader)
- Vehicle theft rose 56% between 2018–2023 in major UK cities (source: UK Home Office)
- London’s ULEZ expansion could cost up to £12.50 per day for non-compliant cars
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the DVLA check really free?
Yes. It’s 100% free and run by the UK government.
Can I check the accident history with the DVLA?
No. You’ll need a paid check (like HPI) to see if it’s been in a crash or written off.
What if the number plate doesn’t match the make/model?
That’s a serious red flag. Could be a cloned or stolen vehicle. Walk away.
Is it legal to buy a car without tax or MOT?
Technically yes, but you can’t drive it home unless you tow it or get trade plates.
Can I use this for motorcycles or vans?
Yes. It works for any UK-registered vehicle — car, bike, van, even campervans.
