Can You Check Service History by Registration Number?

The Short Answer

If you're searching for a way to check a car's service history using just the registration number, here's what you need to know upfront:

• Free MOT history: Available at gov.uk - shows test dates, mileage readings, and advisories
• Basic vehicle info: Available through various free vehicle check services
• Full service history: Not available for free - requires accessing manufacturer databases

The reason is simple: service history isn't stored in any public database. It's held by individual manufacturers in their own systems, accessible only through authorized channels.

What You Can Check for Free

1. MOT History (Gov.uk)

The government's free MOT check provides valuable information that can help verify a car's history:

• MOT test dates: When the car was tested each year
• Mileage at each test: Helps spot potential clocking (mileage fraud)
• Pass/fail results: Whether the car passed or failed
• Advisory notices: Issues noted but not serious enough to fail
• Failure reasons: What caused any failed tests

2. Basic Vehicle Data (DVLA)

Using the registration number, you can find:

• Make, model, and colour
• Year of manufacture and registration date
• Engine size and fuel type
• CO2 emissions and tax band
• Current tax and MOT status

3. HPI-Style Checks (Paid)

Services like HPI, AutoTrader, or RAC offer paid vehicle checks that include:

• Outstanding finance
• Written-off or stolen status
• Number of previous keepers
• Plate changes
• Import/export status

However, none of these services can access full service history. They don't have access to manufacturer databases.

Why Service History Isn't Publicly Available

Unlike MOT records (which are mandated by law and stored centrally), service history is:

1. Private data: Held by each manufacturer independently
2. Not legally required: There's no law requiring services to be recorded centrally
3. Fragmented: Split between manufacturer dealers and independent garages
4. Commercially valuable: Manufacturers have no incentive to share freely

Where Service History Actually Lives

How to Get Full Service History

If you need to verify or obtain a complete service history, here are your options:

Option 1: Ask the Seller

The obvious first step. Request:

• The original service book with stamps
• All service invoices and receipts
• Any digital records they have access to

Be wary if they can't produce anything - it could indicate poor maintenance or potential fraud.

Option 2: Contact the Manufacturer

You can request service history directly from the manufacturer. However:

• You typically need to prove ownership
• The process can take weeks
• Each request often costs £50-100+
• You may need to visit a dealer in person

Option 3: Use a Service History Check

Services like ServiceStamp have established connections with manufacturer databases and can retrieve official records quickly. This is particularly useful when:

• You're buying a car and want to verify seller claims
• You've lost your service book
• You're selling and want to maximize value
• You need proof for warranty claims

What About VIN Checks?

Some services offer checks using the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) instead of registration. This can sometimes provide more detailed information, particularly for:

• Imported vehicles
• Cars that have changed registration plates
• US-spec vehicles (where VIN checks are more common)

However, for UK vehicles, the registration number is typically sufficient and easier to use.

Summary: What You Can Check by Registration

The Bottom Line

While you can check basic vehicle information and MOT history for free using a registration number, full service history requires accessing manufacturer databases - which isn't free or publicly available.

If you need to verify service history - whether buying a car, selling one, or recovering lost records - services like ServiceStamp provide the quickest and most reliable way to access official manufacturer records.