Colour change check
A colour change check reveals whether a vehicle's recorded colour has been changed from its original factory colour. This check shows if the vehicle has been repainted.
Why this matters
A colour change shows that the vehicle's recorded colour has been changed, which means the vehicle has been repainted and the change was reported to the DVLA. A colour change can affect the vehicle's value.
What can happen if you skip it
- You may miss that the vehicle has been repainted
- The vehicle's recorded colour may not match its actual appearance
- You may pay more than the vehicle is worth if you do not investigate the reason for the colour change
What to look for before buying
- Run a vehicle history check to identify any colour changes
- Check the V5C registration document to see the recorded colour
- Compare the vehicle's actual colour with the colour stated on the V5C document
- Verify that the colour matches across all panels and that there are no mismatched areas
- Inspect the vehicle for signs of repainting or poor paintwork
- Check door frames, engine bay, and boot areas where original paint may still be visible
- Ask the seller about the reason for any colour change if the recorded colour differs from the vehicle's appearance
How a vehicle history check helps
A vehicle history check provides official records showing the vehicle's recorded colour history, including any changes. This helps buyers identify vehicles that have been repainted. A colour change only appears in records if the whole vehicle was resprayed and the change was reported to the DVLA.
What a Carpeep vehicle history check can show
- Theft and recovery status, including whether the vehicle has been reported stolen
- Write-off category (Cat S, Cat N, Cat A, Cat B, Cat C, Cat D) and date of write-off
- Outstanding finance agreements, including provider name, agreement type, and start date
- Mileage inconsistencies and potential odometer rollbacks, automatically flagged
- Keeper changes and number of previous owners
- MOT history timeline, including all test dates, pass/fail results, advisories, and recorded mileage at each test
- Vehicle identity verification
Related guides
Learn more about vehicle changes: What does colour change mean?
Frequently asked questions
How can I check if a car's colour has been changed?
You can check if a car's colour has been changed by running a vehicle history check using the vehicle's registration number. The check will show the vehicle's recorded colour history, including any changes. You can compare this with the vehicle's current appearance.
Is a colour change a red flag?
Not necessarily. A colour change shows the vehicle has been repainted and the change was reported to the DVLA. A colour change only appears in records if the whole vehicle was resprayed.
Why would a car's colour be changed?
A car's colour may be changed for various reasons, such as cosmetic preference or restoration. A colour change shows the vehicle has been repainted, and you should investigate why the change occurred.
Do I need to notify DVLA of a colour change?
Yes, if you change a vehicle's colour, you must notify the DVLA by updating the vehicle's V5C registration document. The recorded colour on the V5C should match the vehicle's actual colour.
How do I verify the vehicle's colour matches the V5C?
Check the V5C registration document to see the recorded colour, then compare it with the vehicle's actual appearance. Look at all panels, door frames, the engine bay, and boot areas. The recorded colour should match the vehicle's current colour. If there is a mismatch, the colour change may not have been reported to the DVLA, or the vehicle may have been repainted again without updating the records.
What should I do if I find a colour change?
If you find a colour change, it shows the vehicle has been repainted and the change was reported to the DVLA. A colour change only appears in records if the whole vehicle was resprayed. You may want to ask the seller about the reason for the change.