Free UK Vehicle History Check
Real DVLA data. No signup. Instant results. MOT history, mileage records, and previous keepers — all in one free check.
Results are for informational purposes only. Data comes from public government databases and manufacturer records. Always verify critical information independently before making a purchase decision.
100% Free
Basic check
6 points
Verified per vehicle
< 2 min
Full report
What is a vehicle history report?
A vehicle history report gathers all administrative and technical information since the car's first registration. It tells you whether the car was in an accident, if the odometer reading is consistent, how many previous owners it had, and whether maintenance was kept up.
For a used car buyer, it's the single most important document. It reveals what the seller doesn't always mention: a serious accident, a rolled-back odometer, or missed services. Without it, you're buying blind.
What the history reveals
Declared claims
Accidents, hail, theft
Mileage
Odometer consistency
Owners
Count and duration
Maintenance
Services, inspections
Real data from official sources
Every data point comes from a government database you can verify yourself.
DVLA Vehicle Data
Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency — tax status, SORN, emissions, fuel type.
MOT History
Complete MOT test results with real odometer readings back to 2005.
DVSA
Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency — vehicle inspections, advisories, failures.
NHTSA Recalls
Worldwide manufacturer recalls — covers UK-spec cars sold by global OEMs.
Automano vs HistoVec vs CarVertical
| Feature | HistoVec | CarVertical | Automano |
|---|---|---|---|
Price | Free | 14.99€ / report | 12.90€ full report |
Administrative data | Yes (registration, MOT) | Yes (full history) | Yes (via VIN decode) |
History verification | No | No | Yes, official database cross-reference |
Mileage verification | No | Yes | Yes |
Data verification | No | No | Yes, multi-source |
Price estimation | No | No | Yes, market range |
Multi-source verification | No | No | Yes, multi-source check |
How to get a vehicle's history
1. Get the VIN or registration number
The VIN is on the registration document or the windshield on the driver's side. The registration number is on the number plate.
2. Ask the seller for the HistoVec report
The seller generates the report on histovec.interieur.gouv.fr and sends you the link. It's free and takes 2 minutes.
3. Complete with an Automano scan
Enter the VIN on Automano. Our system cross-references official databases, accident history, and market data to give you a complete verification with a price estimate.
What to check in a vehicle history
Six essential points to verify before buying any used car.
Accidents and claims
An accident-damaged vehicle loses value and may have hidden structural issues. Check whether any claims were filed with insurers.
Mileage consistency
Odometer fraud is still the most common scam. Cross-check the displayed mileage with MOT records and service invoices.
Number of owners
A car that changes hands often may be hiding a recurring problem. On the other hand, a single owner is generally a good sign.
Service history
Timely servicing extends a vehicle's lifespan. Ask for the service book and check the regularity of maintenance.
Liens and holds
A vehicle with an outstanding lien can't be sold legally. HistoVec shows whether any hold or lien is registered against the registration certificate.
Theft declaration
Make sure the vehicle isn't reported stolen. This information is available for free through HistoVec or the stolen vehicles database. Always check before buying.
Vehicle history FAQ
What is HistoVec and how does it work?
HistoVec is the free service from the French Ministry of the Interior that lets you check a vehicle's administrative history. The seller generates a report with their registration number and certificate formula, then shares the link with the buyer.
Is HistoVec really free?
Yes, HistoVec is 100% free. It's a public service from the French government. Watch out for websites that charge for HistoVec access, as they're unofficial intermediaries.
What are HistoVec's limitations?
HistoVec only covers administrative data: ownership changes, registration certificate status, and technical inspections. It doesn't verify actual mileage or provide a price estimate.
Can I get a vehicle history without the VIN?
HistoVec works with the registration number and the certificate formula. With Automano, you can also search by registration number to access the vehicle's history.
How do I check if the odometer has been tampered with?
Compare the displayed mileage with MOT records (available on HistoVec) and service invoices. A significant gap is suspicious. Automano also cross-references this data automatically in its report.
How do I find out if a car has been in an accident?
HistoVec shows whether the vehicle was subject to a VE (damaged vehicle) procedure. To spot undeclared repairs, Automano cross-references multiple official databases and flags inconsistencies in the vehicle's recorded history.
How do I verify a vehicle isn't stolen?
HistoVec shows whether a theft hold is registered on the registration certificate. You can also contact the prefecture or check the stolen vehicles database. Do this check before any purchase.
How do I find out how many owners a car has had?
The HistoVec report shows changes of registered keeper. The registration document also mentions the first registration date. For a deeper analysis, Automano integrates this data into its multi-source verification.
Related tools
Complete your check with our other free tools.
VIN Decoder
Decode any VIN number to identify the manufacturer, model, and year.
Free car valuation
Get a free price estimate based on real market listings, not a theoretical scale.
Used car checklist
The complete guide to everything you should check before buying a used car.
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Identify mechanical and electrical issues with our diagnostic tool.
Check a vehicle now
VIN history + market data + price estimate. Everything you need to buy with confidence.