If you are searching for car specs by registration number, you are not looking for guesswork. You want facts. Exact model. Exact derivative. Trim level. Engine output. Transmission. Drivetrain. Manufacturer coding. The details that directly affect value.
Most vehicle checks stop at surface level information. At Rapid Car Check, we believe UK buyers want more. Enthusiasts want more. Traders need more. That is why our vehicle specification checks are structured into three clear levels: Value, Standard and Complete.
You can start with a free car check, then upgrade to deeper specification detail if required.
Why car specification matters
Two vehicles can share the same registration year and engine capacity yet differ significantly in trim, equipment and resale value. The difference is often hidden within the derivative and factory specification layer.
- Trim level
- Engine variant
- Power output
- Transmission configuration
- Drivetrain layout
- Model year revision
- Special edition status
These differences affect market price, insurance grouping, company car tax and long term resale value. A proper car spec check by registration confirms what the vehicle left the factory as, not simply what a seller believes it to be.
Value specification check
The Value check confirms core identity and headline technical data. It is ideal for quick validation and entry level comparison.
Included in the Value check
- Manufacturer and model
- Body type
- Fuel type
- Engine capacity in cc
- Transmission type
- Number of doors
- Number of seats
- CO2 emissions
- Manufactured year
- First registration date
This level protects against basic listing errors such as incorrect fuel type or gearbox description. You can run a quick check directly from the vehicle check search page.
Standard specification check
The Standard check builds on the Value layer and introduces structured derivative and configuration data. It provides meaningful clarity between similar variants.
Included in the Standard check
- Derivative description
- Model range and sub range
- Engine configuration type
- Power output in bhp and kW
- Drivetrain layout such as front wheel drive or all wheel drive
- Kerb weight
- Gross vehicle weight
- Towing capacities
- Wheelplan
- Colour records
- Keeper change quantity
This level is ideal when comparing similar vehicles listed on marketplaces. It allows you to verify that the advertised trim and engine match the official configuration.
You can review package differences on the Rapid Car Check pricing page.
Complete specification check
The Complete check is the most comprehensive specification check available in a UK consumer vehicle report. It includes deep manufacturer level data and IDS coding used across professional automotive systems.
Included in the Complete check
- Trim level
- Engine variant
- Power output
- Transmission configuration
- Drivetrain layout
- Model year revision
- Special edition status
- IDS code
- IDS manufacturer code
- IDS model code
- IDS derivative tree description
- OEM model range description
- Full model year including fractional year markers
- Special edition flag
- Commercial vehicle classification flag
- P11D price
- Production end date
- Exact drivetrain descriptor
- Power to weight ratio
- Engine configuration detail
This layer separates a basic spec summary from a true manufacturer defined vehicle identity. It confirms precisely which derivative the car is and how it was classified at production level.
You can view a live example of the Complete specification report here:
https://www.rapidcarcheck.co.uk/complete-report-ai/?reg_plate=RAPID
The Complete check also integrates seamlessly with deeper vehicle history features such as:
How the data layers work together
DVLA identity layer
- Registration mark confirmation
- Body description
- Fuel description
- CO2 g per km
- Colour
- MOT status and expiry
- Tax status and expiry
- Scrapped and export markers
- Keeper change history
Manufacturer and IDS layer
- Engine capacity
- Power output in bhp
- Transmission classification
- Model year coding
- Derivative descriptor
- Model tree hierarchy
- Special edition status
- P11D pricing
The Complete check unifies these layers into a structured and verified vehicle specification profile.
When to use each level
Use the Value check if
- You want quick identity confirmation
- You need basic engine and fuel data
Use the Standard check if
- You are comparing similar vehicles
- You want derivative clarity
- You need structured configuration data
Use the Complete check if
- You want the deepest manufacturer level specification
- You require IDS coding and derivative tree data
- You are making a serious purchase decision
- You care about technical detail and trim accuracy
You can begin your check now on the Rapid Car Check homepage.
Frequently asked questions
How can I check car specifications by registration number in the UK?
Enter the vehicle registration number into the search tool on Rapid Car Check. The system retrieves DVLA identity data and, depending on the selected level, structured manufacturer and derivative level data.
What is included in a car spec check?
At minimum, manufacturer, model, engine capacity, fuel type and transmission. At the highest level, IDS codes, derivative trees, model hierarchy and structured manufacturer coding.
What is an IDS code?
An IDS code is a structured manufacturer identifier that defines the precise derivative and configuration of a vehicle within a model range.
Is the Complete specification check more detailed than a free DVLA check?
Yes. DVLA confirms registration identity. The Complete check adds deep manufacturer and derivative level specification data along with integrated history reporting.
Where can I compare the different check levels?
You can compare all packages on the pricing page.
Summary
If you only want confirmation of engine size and fuel type, the Value check is sufficient. If you want structured derivative clarity, choose Standard. If you want the deepest level of specification detail available in a UK consumer vehicle check, choose Complete.
Because specification directly affects value.
