How car cloning works, what a private plate change on the history means, and the checks that make sure the car in front of you matches its paperwork.
A cloned car is a stolen car disguised with the identity of a legitimate one: usually the same make, model and colour, with copied number plates. Because the registration belongs to a real car, a history check on the plate alone can come back clear. That's why you need to check that the car itself matches its paperwork.
How to check the car is genuine
Compare the VIN
Every car has a unique 17-character vehicle identification number (VIN). Find it on the car, usually visible through the bottom of the windscreen and on a plate inside a door frame or under the bonnet, and check it matches the VIN on the logbook (V5C). Look for signs it's been tampered with, such as scratches, stickers over it or loose rivets.
Check the logbook
- The seller should be the registered keeper, and you should be viewing the car at the address on the logbook.
- The make, model, colour and engine size on the logbook should match the car.
- A genuine V5C has a "DVL" watermark. GOV.UK advises not to buy a car if the logbook's serial number is between BG8229501 and BG9999030, or between BI2305501 and BI2800000, as these blank logbooks were stolen.
- Be wary if the seller doesn't have the logbook, or says it's "in the post".
Check the keys and the history
Mismatched or missing keys, a service history that doesn't match the car, or a price that's too good to be true are all warning signs.
Our free vehicle confirmation shows the make, colour and year the DVLA holds for a registration. If the car in front of you is a different colour or model, the plates may be cloned. Check a registration.
What a plate change means
A history report lists the car's previous registrations. Most plate changes are completely innocent:
- A private (personalised) plate was put on the car, then taken off when it was sold.
- A car imported or re-registered in the UK gets a UK registration.
A plate change becomes worth asking about when there are several in a short time, or one shortly before the car was put up for sale. Ask the seller what the previous plates were for.
Plate changes can move finance records
Finance and other records are linked to the registration. If a private plate has moved between cars, a record can sometimes appear against the wrong vehicle. A good report shows the vehicle on each finance agreement so you can spot a mismatch. See outstanding finance explained.
If you think a car is cloned
Don't buy it, and report it to the police on 101. If you think your own car has been cloned, for example you're getting parking or speeding fines for places you haven't been, report it to the police and tell the DVLA.