Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about how PlateClear works, where the data comes from, and what a free UK vehicle check gives you.
What is PlateClear? +
PlateClear is a free UK vehicle history checker. Enter any UK number plate and we show live DVLA data (make, colour, year, fuel type, tax and MOT status) plus DVSA MOT history including test dates, mileage readings, advisories, and failure reasons. There is no charge and no signup required to start; a valid email address is requested to view the full report.
How much does PlateClear cost? +
Zero. PlateClear is completely free. We ask for your email address to display the full report; you can unsubscribe from any follow-up email at any time with one click.
What information do I get from a PlateClear check? +
For every UK-registered vehicle, PlateClear returns: manufacturer, colour, fuel type, engine capacity, CO2 emissions, year and month of first registration, current road-tax status and expiry, current MOT status and expiry, plus (when available) the complete DVSA MOT history — every test date, result, mileage reading, advisories, and any failure reasons. Where enough data is available we also calculate a proprietary PlateClear Risk Score (0–100).
Where does the data come from? +
Two official UK government sources:
- **DVLA Vehicle Enquiry Service** (Open Data API) — provides make, colour, year, fuel type, tax and MOT status.
- **DVSA MOT History API** — provides every MOT test, mileage reading, advisory, and failure reason since digital records began.
We do not use scraped or third-party resold data for basic checks. Both feeds are the same authoritative sources that the AA, RAC, and HPI Check use.
Is PlateClear GDPR compliant? +
Yes. We collect only your email address (with explicit ticked consent), your IP address (for abuse prevention), and the reg plate you searched. See our Privacy Policy for how long we retain data and how to request deletion. We do not sell your data. You can unsubscribe with one click.
How do I check a car by registration number in the UK? +
Type the number plate into the plate-shaped input on the PlateClear homepage and press Check. UK plates take the format AB12CDE (current style, from 2001) or older styles like A123BCD. The search is case-insensitive and spaces are ignored.
Can I check MOT history for free on PlateClear? +
Yes. MOT history — every test date, pass/fail result, mileage reading, and advisory — is included at no charge when you provide your email.
Does PlateClear show outstanding finance, stolen status, or write-off (Cat N/S/A/B)? +
Not at present. Those datapoints are sourced from Experian, MIAFTR, and the Police National Computer, which are commercial or restricted feeds. For buying-decision-grade HPI checks that include finance/stolen/write-off, use the official HPI Check or an Experian-backed reseller. PlateClear focuses on the free government data that most consumers need day-to-day.
How current is the data? +
Live. Every plate lookup calls the DVLA and DVSA APIs in real time. Responses are cached for 24 hours per plate to keep the service fast and to stay within API rate limits.
Does PlateClear work for motorbikes, vans, and lorries? +
Yes. Any vehicle registered with the DVLA in Great Britain (and Northern Ireland via the same feed) is supported: cars, vans, motorcycles, HGVs, and coaches. Type approval codes (M1, N1, L, etc.) are shown so you can confirm the vehicle category.
Can I use PlateClear before buying a used car? +
Absolutely — that is the primary use case. PlateClear will confirm the make, colour, and year the seller advertised match DVLA records, that MOT is valid, that road tax is up to date, and reveal a full history of past MOT advisories and failures. Combined with a physical inspection and the V5C log book, this catches many of the red flags of a bad used-car purchase.
Do I need to create an account? +
No account is required — no username, no password, no dashboard. You provide only your email address once to view the full report.