If you are buying a used car, van or motorcycle, checking whether it is recorded as stolen is essential. A vehicle that is confirmed as stolen can be seized by the police, even if you purchased it in good faith.
Enter the registration number above to check if a vehicle is recorded as stolen in the UK.
Run your stolen vehicle check by registration number now.
How To Check If A Car Is Stolen In The UK
When a vehicle is reported stolen in the UK, a stolen marker is added to police systems. Members of the public cannot directly access those systems, but authorised vehicle history checks reference that data and return whether a stolen marker exists.
The DVLA vehicle information service at https://www.gov.uk/get-vehicle-information-from-dvla allows you to check tax status, MOT status and basic vehicle details. It does not show stolen status.
There is no official DVLA stolen check. A proper stolen car check by registration number is required before you commit to purchase.
What Does A Stolen Car Check Show
A stolen vehicle check confirms whether a vehicle is currently recorded as stolen based on authorised stolen vehicle data.
- Whether the vehicle is currently recorded as stolen
- Date reported where available
- Police force reference where available
- Date last updated where available
This allows you to check stolen car registration status instantly before handing over money.
Stolen Car Check Now Included In The Standard Check
The police stolen vehicle check is now included in the Standard Check.
Standard Check price: £2.99 on sale, normally £5.99
The Standard Check includes:
- Police stolen vehicle status
- Insurance write off records where available
- Outstanding finance check
- Scrapped and export markers
- Vehicle identity confirmation
- Keeper history summary
This makes the Standard Check one of the most cost effective ways to run a police stolen car check in the UK.
View full plan details here: https://www.rapidcarcheck.co.uk/pricing/
Complete Check – Experian £10,000 Guaranteed
If you want the highest level of protection, the Complete Check includes deeper data coverage and is backed by an Experian guarantee.
The Complete Check includes everything in the Standard Check plus extended vehicle intelligence where available:
- Police stolen vehicle status
- Insurance theft and loss history
- Outstanding finance agreements
- High risk markers
- Scrapped, export and import flags
- VIN match and vehicle identity confirmation
- Colour and registration change history
- Salvage auction records where available
The Complete Check is backed by Experian data and includes:
- 12 month indemnity period
- Up to £10,000 guarantee under the guarantee terms
This turns a simple stolen car check into financial protection if key data is proven incorrect within the indemnity period.
See full pricing and inclusions here: https://www.rapidcarcheck.co.uk/pricing/
Why Checking Stolen Status Before Buying Matters
- A stolen vehicle can be seized by police
- Legal ownership remains with the original owner
- You may lose the full purchase price
- Insurance and compliance issues can arise
Always run a stolen vehicle check before paying a deposit or transferring the full purchase price.
When To Run A Stolen Vehicle Check
- Before paying any money
- Before arranging insurance
- Before collecting the vehicle
- Before transferring ownership
Always compare the registration number and VIN on the vehicle with the report results. If anything does not match, walk away.
What To Do If A Vehicle Is Recorded As Stolen
- Do not proceed with the purchase
- Do not transfer any money
- Contact the police on 101 if you suspect criminal activity
- Call 999 if a crime is in progress
Official guidance for vehicle owners is available at https://www.gov.uk/what-to-do-if-your-vehicle-has-been-stolen
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a stolen car check
A stolen car check confirms whether a vehicle is currently recorded as stolen based on authorised police data.
Is there a DVLA stolen check
No. The DVLA vehicle information service provides tax and MOT details but does not show stolen status.
Does the Standard Check include a police stolen check
Yes. The Standard Check includes a police stolen vehicle check and is currently £2.99 on sale, normally £5.99.
Is the Complete Check guaranteed
Yes. The Complete Check is backed by Experian data and includes up to £10,000 guarantee under the guarantee terms with a 12 month indemnity period.
Can police seize a car if I bought it in good faith
Yes. If a vehicle is confirmed as stolen, it can be seized by the police and returned to the original owner.
When should I run a stolen vehicle check
You should run a stolen vehicle check before paying a deposit, transferring the full amount or collecting the vehicle.
Where can I see full pricing and plan details
Full plan details are available at https://www.rapidcarcheck.co.uk/pricing/
