UK drivers urged to check VINs before buying used cars

It comes as Brits are being encouraged to check the vehicle identification number (VIN) before completing a car purchase after an investigation found nearly 450 irregularities were identified last year.

Breakdown rescue provider Green Flag, which conducted the research, has advised that VIN issues are “often a warning sign of something far more serious” as they frequently indicate there has been theft, car cloning or unsafe repairs.

What are VINs on cars? How to find it

The RAC explains: “A VIN number, or Vehicle Identification Number (typically referred to as a VIN number even though this is incorrect, much like PIN number) is a 17-digit number stamped into the chassis of a car, that serves as the car’s unique identity code. 

“It is important because it is unique to that car and, unlike registration numbers and other codes, cannot be changed. It is given to a car on the production line and is thus fixed to that car forever.

“The first part of the VIN number is the country and manufacturer identifier (for example, ‘WAU’ identifies a German Audi).

“The second section is the vehicle description, with the remaining part of the Vehicle Identification Number being the identifier.

“VIN numbers are important for when it comes to buying or selling a vehicle.”

VINs are used to track recalls, registrations, insurance coverage, and history reports, making it an important tool for vehicle identification and ownership verification.

It can usually be found on the car dashboard, inside the driver’s side door frame, on the chassis in the engine bay, and on the registration document.

Green Flag finds 449 car ID issues were reported last year

Green Flag made a Freedom of Information request to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), which revealed 449 VIN irregularities were detected during MOT testing in 2025.

These included 138 incidents of VINs being illegible, 137 cases of different VINs being displayed for the same car, and 104 incidents of VINs being missing or unable to be found.

There were also 57 examples of incomplete VINs, and 13 where the number was falsified.

What’s checked in an MOT?

Some criminals attempt to hide the fact a car has been stolen by giving it a VIN cloned from another legally registered vehicle.

Others attempt to disguise the fact a car is the remains of two crash-damaged cars welded together, known as a cut and shut car, by tampering with VINs.

Katie Lomas, managing director at Green Flag, commented: “A vehicle’s VIN is its legal identity, and when it is missing, illegible or appears to have been tampered with, it is often a warning sign of something far more serious, which is why vehicles with VIN issues at MOT will fail and trigger further checks.

“Issues can point to stolen vehicles, unsafe accident repairs or even organised criminal activity.

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“We urge anyone buying a second-hand vehicle, particularly from a private seller, to check all the VINs properly and to make sure they match the vehicle’s paperwork.

“Paying a few pounds for a professional vehicle history check can help protect you from fraud, financial loss and safety risks.”

Have you ever come across VIN issues when buying a used car? Let us know in the comments below.