Buying a used car in the UK is exciting, but it also comes with risks. One of the biggest is accidentally purchasing a stolen vehicle. Every year, thousands of buyers fall victim to this, losing their money and their car. In this guide, we'll walk you through exactly how to do a stolen car check, what to look for, and how to protect yourself before you hand over any money.
Why You Must Check If a Car Is Stolen Before Buying
In the UK, if you unknowingly buy a stolen car, the police can seize it and you will not be entitled to a refund from the seller in most cases. You could also face legal complications. Purchasing a stolen vehicle, even innocently, may involve you in handling stolen goods investigations.
This is why it's absolutely essential to do a vehicle check before parting with any cash. A proper stolen vehicle check takes less than a minute and can save you thousands of pounds and significant legal trouble.
What Is a Stolen Car Check?
A stolen car check (also known as a stolen vehicle check) queries official databases, including the Police National Computer, to see if a vehicle's number plate or VIN has been flagged as stolen. When a car is reported stolen in the UK, its details are added to the police database so that officers and vehicle check services can identify it.
Our free stolen car check service queries multiple sources of DVLA data, insurer records, and law enforcement markers to give you a comprehensive picture of any vehicle's status.
How to Check If a Car Is Stolen: Step by Step
Step 1: Get the Number Plate
Before viewing a car, ask the seller for the registration number (number plate). Any legitimate seller will have no problem sharing this. If they refuse or seem evasive, treat that as a serious red flag.
Step 2: Run a Stolen Car Check
Head to CarStolenCheck.co.uk and enter the registration number into the search. Our free car check service will immediately tell you:
- Whether the vehicle is recorded as stolen on the police database
- Any stolen markers against the vehicle
- Basic DVLA data including make, model, colour, and engine
- MOT history and tax status
- Whether the VIN matches official records
Step 3: Check the V5C Logbook
Always ask to see the V5C logbook (the vehicle registration certificate). The V5C logbook is the official DVLA document that confirms ownership. Check that the details on the V5C match the car: make, model, colour, VIN, and registration number. A mismatch between the V5C and the car is a major warning sign.
Be aware that V5C documents can be forged. This is why a vehicle check using official data is so important, as it lets you double-check beyond just the paperwork.
Step 4: Inspect the VIN
The vehicle identification number (VIN) is a unique 17-character identifier stamped on the car. Check it on the dashboard (visible through the windscreen), the door frame, and in the V5C logbook. All three should match. Any signs of tampering or an engine number mismatch are very serious red flags. A criminal may try to re-plate a stolen car or clone a legitimate vehicle's identity to sell it.
Step 5: Verify MOT History
Cross-referencing the car's MOT history is another way to verify its identity. A legitimate vehicle will have a consistent MOT history with records of mileage that increase over time. Any sudden drop in mileage or gaps in MOT history can indicate the vehicle has changed hands under suspicious circumstances or has had its mileage altered.
What Are Stolen Markers?
Stolen markers are flags placed against a vehicle's record on the Police National Computer and in insurer databases. When a car owner reports a theft, police add stolen markers to the vehicle's profile. These markers mean that any vehicle check will flag the car as stolen.
Our vehicle check queries these records, so if a vehicle is recorded as stolen, you'll know immediately. This is why running a check using our service is the quickest and most reliable way to verify a vehicle before purchase.
What If the Vehicle Check Confirms the Car Is Stolen?
If our vehicle check confirms that the car has stolen markers or that the vehicle has been stolen, do not buy it. Here's what to do:
- Do not confront the seller directly, for your own safety.
- Report it to the police by calling 101 (the non-emergency number). Call the police on 101 and provide the seller's contact details and address if you have them.
- If you are in immediate danger or the seller becomes threatening, call 999.
- If you purchased the car unknowingly and later discovered it was stolen, report it to the police immediately. You may be eligible for some protection under UK consumer law, especially if purchased from a dealer.
- Note down any crime reference number given to you by police for your records.
What Is a Free Stolen Car Check vs a Full Car History Check?
A free stolen check is a basic check that tells you whether a vehicle is recorded as stolen and provides some basic DVLA data. It's a great first step and is free to use.
A full car history check (or full vehicle history check) goes deeper, including:
- Outstanding finance: check whether a car has outstanding loans against it. If it does, the finance company may reclaim the vehicle even if you've already paid for it.
- Full MOT history including mileage checks
- Previous keepers and vehicle history
- Insurer write-off records (Category A, B, S, N)
- History report showing past usage, colour changes, etc.
- Full DVLA data and DVSA records
Whether you are a private buyer or a dealer, getting a full vehicle history check is good practice on any used car. The small cost of a history check is nothing compared to the potential loss of buying a stolen or written-off vehicle.
Can You Buy a Stolen Car Unknowingly?
Unfortunately, yes. This is exactly why a stolen car check is so important. Criminals often re-register stolen vehicles with cloned number plates, forge V5C documents, or sell through seemingly legitimate online marketplaces. Even a car that looks clean on the surface could have stolen markers on the police database.
In the UK, approximately one vehicle is stolen every five minutes. Many of these are sold to unsuspecting buyers. The only reliable way to avoid buying a stolen car is to do a proper vehicle check every time.
Even if the seller seems trustworthy, ask the seller for the V5C and then independently verify everything through a stolen car check and vehicle history check. Don't rely solely on the seller's word.
What Happens to Your Money If You Buy a Stolen Car?
If the police confirm a vehicle you've purchased is stolen, they will seize the car and you won't get it back. Recovering your money from the seller is extremely difficult, especially if they've disappeared.
If you purchased the vehicle from a dealer, you may be entitled to a full refund under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, as dealers are expected to verify the vehicles they sell. However, private sellers offer less legal protection.
This is why stolen before you buy checks are so critical. Prevention is far easier than recovery.
How CarStolenCheck Protects You: Our Data Guarantee
At CarStolenCheck, we are committed to providing accurate and up-to-date vehicle data. Our checks draw on real-time feeds from DVLA, DVSA, and law enforcement records to ensure you're getting the most current picture of any vehicle's status.
We provide a data guarantee: if our check provides incorrect information due to a fault in our data sources, you can request a full refund. For full details, see our refund policy.
Top Tips to Avoid Buying a Stolen Car in the UK
- Always check a car's history before buying. Never skip this step.
- Use our free stolen car check to instantly check whether a car has stolen markers.
- Inspect the V5C logbook carefully and verify it matches the vehicle.
- Check the VIN in multiple locations and compare with the V5C.
- Be wary of suspiciously low prices. If a deal seems too good to be true, it usually is.
- Check the MOT history for consistency, especially mileage.
- Always meet the seller at the registered address shown on the V5C, not a car park or neutral location.
- If anything feels off, report it to the police before buying.
- Consider an HPI check for a full picture including outstanding finance.
- Always double-check that the original owner is selling or has a legitimate reason for selling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a free stolen car check reliable?
Yes. Our free stolen car check service queries official DVLA and police data in real time. It's an accurate, reliable way to confirm whether a vehicle is recorded as stolen.
How long does a stolen car check take?
Our vehicle check typically returns results within seconds. Simply enter the number plate on our homepage and the results appear instantly.
What if the vehicle has been stolen and then recovered?
If a car has been stolen and recovered, the insurer may have paid out on the claim, making it a write-off or a Category S/N vehicle. A full car history check will reveal this. Our history report covers these scenarios.
Can I check whether a vehicle is stolen for free?
Get a vehicle check using our car check service today. We also offer more detailed paid reports for a full vehicle history check, including outstanding finance, write-off records, and more.
What is an untaxed vehicle?
An untaxed vehicle is one where the road tax (Vehicle Excise Duty) has lapsed or been cancelled. Our DVLA data check includes tax status, so you'll know if a vehicle is untaxed before buying.
Conclusion: Check the Car, Protect Yourself
Buying a used car in the UK is one of the biggest financial decisions many people make. Taking a few minutes to check the car against the police database and DVLA records is the simplest and most effective way to protect yourself.
Whether you want to verify a vehicle's status, get your vehicle history report, or simply confirm a car hasn't been reported stolen, CarStolenCheck is here to help. Run a stolen check right now. Enter any UK number plate and get a vehicle check in seconds.