Stolen Check
A stolen check confirms whether a UK vehicle has been reported stolen and logged on the Police National Computer. Enter the registration above for a free DVLA and MOT lookup and upgrade to the £9.99 premium report to see live stolen markers before you hand over any money.
Why a stolen check matters
If you unknowingly buy a stolen car, it will be seized and returned to the rightful owner or the insurer who paid out. You lose the car and have to chase the seller for a refund — usually with little success. A stolen check is the single fastest way to rule this out before money changes hands.
How the stolen check works
When a vehicle is reported stolen, police log the registration, VIN and chassis number on the Police National Computer (PNC). That marker stays in place until the vehicle is recovered and the marker cleared, or the insurer updates the record. The RegRadar premium report queries this data live on every check.
If the check is clear
A clear stolen check means no current PNC stolen marker is recorded against the plate at the moment of the report. Combine that with a face-to-face V5C check, a VIN cross-reference against the engine bay, and confirmation that the seller's ID matches the registered keeper.
If the check flags a stolen marker
Stop. Do not pay any deposit, do not collect the car, and do not contact the seller again. Report the listing to Action Fraud (0300 123 2040), your local police, and the platform where you found the advert. Keep screenshots of the listing and your report as evidence.
Cloned plates and ringers
Some stolen cars are re-sold under a cloned plate (the identity of a similar legitimate vehicle) or as a 'ringer' (a stolen shell rebadged with a written-off car's identity). A clear stolen check on the plate may not protect you from these — which is why VIN verification in person, plus a full history check including write-off data, matters.
Frequently asked questions
Is the stolen check free?
PNC stolen marker data is commercial and only appears in the £9.99 premium report. A free stolen check from any provider is not using genuine police data.
Does the PNC update instantly?
Stolen reports are added quickly after a theft is reported, though there can be a short delay. For peace of mind, run a fresh report on the day of purchase.
What if I've already bought a stolen car?
Contact the police immediately and stop driving the vehicle. Keep all paperwork — your history report, payment evidence and any correspondence with the seller — as evidence you bought in good faith.