What does registration plate change mean?
Registration plate change means a car's number plate has been changed from its original registration. This can occur for various reasons, including personal preference, to transfer a personalised plate, or in some cases, to disguise a vehicle's history. Registration plate changes are recorded in official databases and appear on vehicle history checks.
Why registration plate change matters to buyers
Identity verification
Registration plate changes can make it more difficult to verify a vehicle's complete history, particularly if the change was done to disguise damage, write-off status, or other issues. This can affect your ability to confirm the vehicle's true condition and provenance.
History tracking
Multiple registration plate changes can fragment a vehicle's history, making it harder to track the vehicle's complete record. This can make it more difficult to identify issues such as write-offs, theft, or mileage discrepancies.
Potential concealment
Registration plate changes can be used to conceal a vehicle's history, particularly if the vehicle has been written off, stolen, or has other issues. If a plate change seems unnecessary or suspicious, it may indicate an attempt to hide problems.
Vehicle cloning risk
Registration plate changes can be part of vehicle cloning schemes, where a stolen vehicle is given the identity of a legitimate vehicle. Multiple plate changes or suspicious timing may indicate cloning activity.
What registration plate change indicates
Registration plate changes occur when a vehicle's number plate is changed from its original registration. This can happen for legitimate reasons, such as transferring a personalised plate, or for other purposes, including attempts to disguise a vehicle's history or identity.
Legitimate registration plate changes are recorded in official vehicle records and appear on vehicle history checks. While plate changes are legal and common, multiple changes or changes that coincide with other suspicious activity may indicate attempts to conceal problems or alter the vehicle's identity.
Registration plate changes are recorded in official UK databases and are accessible through vehicle history checks. This information helps buyers understand the vehicle's complete history and identify any patterns that may indicate attempts to disguise issues or alter the vehicle's identity. Plate changes may be accompanied by colour changes, which can also affect identity verification.
What to check before buying a car with registration plate change
- Run a vehicle history check to review all registration plate changes
- Verify the vehicle's identity matches the current registration documents
- Check for signs of vehicle cloning or identity theft
- Review the vehicle's complete history under all previous registrations
- Verify the seller's explanation for any plate changes
- Check for other suspicious changes that may coincide with plate changes
- Have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle thoroughly
- Be cautious if multiple plate changes seem unnecessary or suspicious
How a vehicle history check helps
A vehicle history check provides official records from UK databases, including all registration plate changes. This helps buyers identify when plates were changed and assess whether changes may indicate attempts to disguise problems or alter the vehicle's identity.
Sellers may not always disclose registration plate changes, particularly if they are trying to conceal issues. A vehicle history check provides independent verification from official sources, helping buyers identify all plate changes and assess whether they may indicate attempts to hide problems with the vehicle.
What a Carpeep vehicle history check can show
- Registration plate changes and vehicle identity verification
- Write-off category (Cat S, Cat N, Cat A, Cat B, Cat C, Cat D) and date of write-off
- Theft and recovery status, including whether the vehicle has been reported stolen
- 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
Frequently asked questions
Is registration plate change legal?
Yes, registration plate changes are legal and common, particularly for transferring personalised plates. However, plate changes must be properly recorded with the DVLA, and using plate changes to conceal a vehicle's history or identity is illegal.
Does registration plate change affect value?
Registration plate changes themselves typically don't directly affect value, but they can make it harder to verify a vehicle's complete history. If plate changes are used to conceal problems, this can affect value indirectly by hiding issues that would otherwise reduce the vehicle's worth.
How can I check if a car has had registration plate changes?
You can check for registration plate changes by running a vehicle history check, which will show all plate changes recorded in official databases. You can also review the vehicle's V5C registration document, which shows the current registration.
Should I be concerned about registration plate changes?
Single registration plate changes are common and often legitimate, particularly for personalised plates. However, multiple changes or changes that coincide with other suspicious activity may indicate attempts to conceal problems or alter the vehicle's identity.
Can registration plate change indicate vehicle cloning?
Yes. Registration plate changes can be part of vehicle cloning schemes, where a stolen vehicle is given the identity of a legitimate vehicle. Multiple plate changes or suspicious timing may indicate cloning activity and warrant further investigation.
What should I check on a car with registration plate changes?
You should run a vehicle history check to review all plate changes, verify the vehicle's identity, check for signs of cloning, review the complete history under all registrations, and have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle. Be cautious if changes seem unnecessary or suspicious.