Used cars can be great value – but they’re not without their risks. From dodgy mileage to unpaid finance, what looks like a bargain might hide a problem that’s anything but cheap to fix. And while there are plenty of checks you can do, one of the easiest and most important is staring you in the face: the number plate.
It’s more than just a registration ID. That little rectangle holds the key to a vehicle’s past, its paperwork, and its legal standing. So, before you get too carried away test-driving your next motor, it’s worth spending five minutes checking the plate first. It might save you thousands – or even your licence.
What Does a Number Plate Reveal About a Vehicle?
At first glance, a number plate tells you the age and region of first registration. For example, in the UK, the two digits in the middle (like ‘15’ in ‘AB15 XYZ’) usually indicate the year the car was registered. The first two letters show where in the country it was issued.
That might seem basic, but it’s often the first giveaway that something’s off. A seller claiming a car is newer than it looks? A plate that doesn’t match the style of the vehicle? These small mismatches can be early signs of either a simple mistake – or something more serious.
DVLA records also link the plate to the full vehicle history, including MOT dates, tax status, and any changes to ownership.
Checking Vehicle History Through the Registration
By plugging the registration number into free tools like the GOV.UK vehicle enquiry service, you can get loads of useful details straight away. This includes:
- MOT history and results
- Recorded mileage at each MOT
- Vehicle colour and fuel type
- Tax due date and status
- Any previous plate changes
Want to dig a little deeper? Paid services like HPI Check go further. They include stolen vehicle records, outstanding finance, and write-off data. For a small fee, you get peace of mind – and often, something to negotiate with if there are issues.
If any details don’t match what the seller said, you’ve got grounds to question the sale.
How to Spot Fake or Cloned Number Plates
Unfortunately, plate cloning does happen – and it’s a growing problem in the UK. Criminals use the registration from a similar-looking legal car and put it on a stolen or unroadworthy one. It’s often done to avoid ANPR detection or toll charges, but it can cause massive problems for the buyer.
So how can you tell if a number plate is dodgy?
- Look closely at the font – It should follow the standard UK format. Anything fancy or unusual could be illegal.
- Check the spacing – Letters and numbers must be evenly spaced, with no joined-up characters.
- Look for the supplier’s details – Legal plates must show the name and postcode of the registered plate supplier, usually in small print at the bottom.
- Inspect reflectivity – Legit plates have a specific reflective background and solid black characters – not tinted or shadowed.
If the plate looks unusual, it probably is.
MOT and Tax Status: Why It Matters
A valid MOT certificate and up-to-date road tax aren’t just box-ticking exercises – they’re legal requirements. Driving without them can result in fines, points, or even the car being impounded.
A plate check lets you confirm both quickly. If a seller says the car’s “MOT’d till next year” but the records say otherwise, that’s a red flag. Similarly, if the tax has lapsed, you may not be able to test-drive the car legally.
And remember, if you buy a car without a valid MOT, you can’t drive it away – not even home. It’ll need a pre-booked MOT test and possibly transport.
Outstanding Finance and Insurance Flags
A surprisingly large number of used cars are sold while still under finance. But here’s the catch: the finance company technically owns the car until the balance is cleared. If you buy it, and they haven’t been paid, you might lose both the money and the vehicle.
This kind of issue doesn’t always show up through visual checks – but a proper plate-based history check (via services like HPI) will reveal it. You’ll also be able to see if the car has been involved in serious accidents, stolen, or written off and put back on the road.
For van owner, especially, knowing you’re buying a clean, finance-free vehicle is essential for business continuity.
The Legal Consequences of Buying a Car with False Plates
Whether the seller meant to deceive or not, the legal responsibility lands with the buyer once money changes hands. If the car turns out to have cloned plates or fails checks, the police could seize it – and there’s no guarantee you’ll get your money back.
Driving with a false or illegal plate can lead to:
- Fines of up to £1,000
- Points on your licence
- Vehicle seizure or destruction
- A failed MOT
- Voided insurance cover
It’s not a situation you want to be in. The good news is that it’s often avoidable with a bit of early research.
Tools and Resources for Number Plate Checks
Here’s where to start your checks:
- GOV.UK Vehicle Enquiry Service – Free, quick, and official. Check MOT, tax, and vehicle stats.
- HPI Check – Paid service for deeper background checks, including finance and write-off data.
- AutoTrader and CarVertical – Offer bundles of checks if you're browsing several cars.
- Demon Plates' Blog – For ongoing advice about number plate regulations and legal changes, you can always be sure to read through our extensive range of blogs detailing all you need to know.
You don’t need special tools or training – just a number plate, a few minutes, and the right site.
Signs of a Tampered or Altered Plate
Beyond the checks, always inspect the plate physically. Watch for:
- Scratches or bubbling around the characters
- Uneven fixing – screws that aren’t aligned or are missing entirely
- Fake rivets or covers hiding tampering
- Discolouration – especially if it looks like the plate was repainted or wrapped
If the plate feels loose, looks poorly fitted, or doesn’t match the car’s overall condition, question it. Replacing plates is easy and cheap – so if someone’s cut corners here, where else have they done it?
Make It Your First Move, Not an Afterthought
It’s tempting to judge a used car by how it looks, how it drives, or how convincing the seller seems. But the first thing you should be looking at is right on the bumper. That number plate is the gateway to the car’s full story – the good, the bad, and the hidden.
A quick check now can stop a legal headache later. So, before you shake hands or start haggling, run that plate through the right tools. You’ll be glad you did.