How to check a car before buying it
The seller only shows what suits them. The DGT report gives you the official version in seconds, before you pay the deposit, so you buy on data rather than promises.
Why you need the report
- You avoid inheriting debt: a car with a seizure or retention of title cannot be put in your name.
- You spot odometer fraud by cross-checking the dashboard mileage against the figures recorded at each ITV.
- You confirm the roadworthiness test is current and the car is not deregistered before you pay.
What the report shows in this case
- Liens and seizures that would block the transfer.
- Mileage recorded at each ITV inspection.
- Full ITV history: dates and results.
- Number of owners and ownership history.
- Temporary or permanent deregistrations.
- Manufacturer safety recalls.
Steps before buying
- Ask the seller for the plate or the VIN.
- Request the vehicle’s DGT report.
- Compare the dashboard mileage against the ITV mileage history.
- Check there are no liens or seizures.
- Confirm the owner on the report matches the person selling.
- Check the roadworthiness test is valid.
Frequently asked questions
Is the DGT report reliable?
Yes. It reflects the official data the DGT holds on the vehicle: liens, ITV, owners and deregistrations. It is the most objective source available.
Can I check by VIN if I don’t have the plate?
Yes, the lookup works the same with the VIN, which is handy when you don’t have the plate yet or want to verify that both match.
What do I do if the mileage doesn’t add up?
If the dashboard reading is lower than a figure recorded at any ITV, suspect tampering. Use the history to renegotiate the price or walk away.
Does the report say who the owner is?
It shows the number of owners and the ownership history, but does not publish the owner’s personal details. You can verify that the seller is listed as an owner.
How long does it take?
The lookup is generated instantly. You get the report as a signed official PDF, plus JSON, CSV and XLS, all included.
Check the car before paying the deposit
Enter the plate or VIN and get the full official report with an itemized price: DGT fee + our fee + VAT.