Free · DVLA-grounded
UK Vehicle Registration Status
WheelsAI runs a free UK registration status check on any reg plate. The report shows whether the vehicle is currently registered, declared SORN, marked stolen or flagged for export, plus the number of previous keepers and the date of the latest V5C (logbook) issue. The data source is the DVLA. The check is free, unlimited and requires no account — useful before buying, before insuring, or to confirm a car is legitimate.
UK registration and tax status data comes from the same DVLA feed that powers the Tax Checker. Run a registration through the Tax Checker for the SORN, tax status, MOT status, VED band and V5C issue date in one search.
Frequently asked questions
What does the registration status check show?
It shows whether a UK vehicle is currently registered, SORN, marked for export, or flagged stolen, plus high-level keeper history indicators.
How do I check if a number plate is registered?
Enter the registration on this page. The result confirms whether the plate is currently active on the DVLA register, and shows the make, model and date of first registration if it is.
How do I check if a car is SORN?
A SORN-declared vehicle is shown as "off road" in the status section. It does not need tax or insurance while SORN, but it cannot be driven or parked on a public road. SORN status is set by the registered keeper through gov.uk and updates in real time.
Can I run a free stolen-car check by reg?
Yes. The free check flags vehicles marked stolen in the data sources WheelsAI integrates with. A clean result means no stolen marker was reported as of the latest data refresh — for higher-value purchases, also run the full vehicle history check for the deepest provenance signals.
How do I check if a reg is cloned?
Compare the V5C details (make, model, colour, VIN) against the actual vehicle. A mismatch — for example the DVLA showing a blue Ford Focus when the car in front of you is a silver BMW — is a strong cloning indicator. Always cross-check the V5C in person and walk away if anything does not match.
Can I check a vehicle's keeper history?
WheelsAI shows the number of previous keepers and the date of the most recent V5C (logbook) issue. Full owner names are protected under UK privacy law and are not displayed.
How do I check a V5C by registration?
The check shows the date the latest V5C was issued. If the seller cannot produce a V5C in their name dated on or before that date, the document may be missing or fraudulent — pause the purchase and verify directly with the DVLA before paying any deposit.
Is this check legal?
Yes. The data returned is what the DVLA makes publicly available for any UK reg plate — the same information shown on the official gov.uk service.