Check a vehicle while you read
Enter a UK registration to see what ServiceByReg holds for it.
Free vehicle page first. Paid reports stay optional. See packages.
What a free reg check typically shows
A basic registration check, run against DVLA's public vehicle data, usually returns the make, colour, engine size, fuel type, tax status, and MOT status of the car. It's free, instant, and a genuinely useful first step before you go any further with a listing.
What it doesn't cover
- Outstanding finance owed on the vehicle
- Insurance write-off category
- Stolen vehicle markers
- Full mileage history across MOT tests
- Manufacturer service records
This is the gap that catches people out: a car can show a perfectly normal basic reg check result and still have serious finance or write-off history, because that data simply isn't part of what a free basic check includes.
When to go further
Use a basic reg check to confirm the car matches its listing (right colour, engine, tax and MOT status), then run a fuller check before paying any money. MOTCO's reg check is a good starting point, and can be paired with a full risk check for finance and write-off status once you're seriously interested in a specific car.
A clean basic reg check tells you the car is real and legally on the road. It tells you nothing about finance owed or write-off history, which are the checks that actually protect your money.
Common questions
Is a free reg check enough before buying a car?
No. It confirms basic details like tax and MOT status, but it doesn't cover finance, write-off or stolen markers, which are the checks most likely to save you from a costly mistake.
What information do I need to run a reg check?
Just the vehicle's registration number. No owner details or consent are required, since it's built on public and licensed data tied to the vehicle itself.
Check the car you are looking at
Enter a UK registration to see what ServiceByReg holds for it.
Free vehicle page first. Paid reports stay optional. See packages.