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Understanding the DVLA Check
DVLA check is an essential process for anyone looking to buy a used vehicle in the UK. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) maintains comprehensive records on every registered vehicle, making it possible to access vital information that can help you make an informed purchase. By conducting a DVLA check, you can uncover details about the vehicle's registration, tax status, MOT history, mileage, and more.
Performing a DVLA check is crucial for several reasons:
1. Verify Legality: Ensuring the vehicle is legally registered and has no outstanding legal issues.
2. Uncover History: Accessing the vehicle's history to check for any discrepancies or red flags.
3. Ensure Safety: Verifying the vehicle's MOT status and history to ensure it meets safety standards.
4. Confirm Specifications: Checking details like the make, model, engine size, and emissions to confirm they match the seller’s description.
5. Avoid Fraud: Protecting yourself from purchasing a stolen or cloned vehicle.
A DVLA check provides a wealth of information about a vehicle. Here’s a breakdown of the key details you can expect:
The Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) status tells you whether the vehicle is currently taxed. This is important to know, as driving an untaxed vehicle is illegal.
The MOT status indicates whether the vehicle has a valid MOT certificate, which is a legal requirement for vehicles over three years old. The check will also show the due date for the next MOT test.
The MOT history provides a record of past MOT tests, including dates, results, and any advisory or failure notices. This helps you understand how well the vehicle has been maintained.
The DVLA check will show the vehicle’s recorded mileage from previous MOT tests, helping you spot any potential mileage discrepancies.
You can confirm the vehicle’s make, model, engine size, fuel type, and more, ensuring these match the seller’s description.
Additional information includes the vehicle's year of manufacture, first registration date, color, type approval category, CO2 emissions, and ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone) status. These details help you assess the vehicle's environmental impact and compliance with emission standards.
Performing a DVLA check is straightforward. Follow these steps:
1. Visit the DVLA Website: Go to the official DVLA website or a trusted third-party provider offering DVLA checks.
2. Enter Vehicle Details: Provide the vehicle’s registration number to access its records.
3. Review the Report: Carefully review the information provided in the report, paying attention to any discrepancies or red flags.
4. Use Additional Services: Consider using premium services for more detailed reports, including information on outstanding finance, previous owners, and accident history.
While the DVLA offers free checks that include basic information like tax and MOT status, more comprehensive checks are available through premium services. These reports can provide additional insights such as:
1. Outstanding Finance: Ensuring there are no unpaid loans secured against the vehicle.
2. Write-off Status: Checking if the vehicle has been written off by an insurance company.
3. Stolen Vehicle Check: Confirming the vehicle has not been reported stolen.
4. Full MOT History: Accessing a complete MOT history, including advisories and minor faults.
5. Previous Owners: Knowing how many previous owners the vehicle has had.
Below is an example of the information you might find in a DVLA check report:
Road Tax (VED) Status: TAXED (DUE: 2024-12-01)
Mileage Anomaly: No
MOT Status: VALID (DUE: 2025-05-12)
MOT Record Count: 10
Recent Mileage: 77513
Year of Manufacture: 2014
First Registration: 2014-03
Fuel Type: DIESEL
Colour: WHITE
Engine Size: 1995
Exported Vehicle: No
Wheel Plan: 2 AXLE RIGID BODY
Last V5C Issue Date: 2020-09-11
Vehicle Age: 10 YRS 2 MONTHS
Type Approval Category: M1
CO2 Emission/Tax (VED) Band: 119 g/km (Band: C)
Make: BMW
Model: 518
ULEZ Status: Compliant
Insurance Status: Insured
Q: What is included in a free DVLA check?
A: A free DVLA check typically includes the vehicle’s road tax status, MOT status, and basic details like make, model, and color.
Q: How often should I perform a DVLA check?
A: It is recommended to perform a DVLA check before purchasing a used vehicle to ensure all information is accurate and up to date.
Q: Can a DVLA check reveal if a vehicle has been written off?
A: Yes, but it is through a premium check, which includes write-off status and other detailed information.
Q: Is it possible to find out the number of previous owners through a DVLA check?
A: Yes, our premium check provides information about the number of previous owners.
Q: Can I perform a DVLA check on a vehicle registered in Northern Ireland?
A: Yes, the DVLA holds records for vehicles registered throughout the UK, including Northern Ireland.
By understanding and utilizing a DVLA check, you can ensure a safer and more informed vehicle purchase process, protecting your investment and peace of mind.