How to Verify Vehicle Details with Number Plate Search

Verifying Vehicle Details

Number plate searches provide an efficient way to verify vehicle details in South Africa. This guide explains what information can be verified and why it matters.

What Details Can Be Verified?

A number plate search can confirm:

• Basic details: Make, model, year, colour
• Technical info: VIN, engine number
• Registration status: Current validity
• Ownership: Registered owner details
• Encumbrances: Finance or liens

Why Verify Vehicle Details?

Verification protects against:

• Purchasing stolen vehicles
• Buying vehicles with hidden finance
• Incorrect vehicle specifications
• Fraudulent seller claims
• Compliance failures

The Verification Process

A typical verification involves:

1. Enter the number plate
2. Query returns vehicle information
3. Compare to physical vehicle
4. Confirm VIN matches
5. Check for encumbrances

Key Points to Verify

Always confirm:

• Number plate matches vehicle
• VIN on vehicle matches records
• Engine number matches records
• Colour and specifications match
• No outstanding finance

When to Verify

Conduct verification:

• Before purchasing any used vehicle
• When accepting vehicles as trade-ins
• For insurance and finance applications
• During fleet management processes
• For compliance requirements

Conclusion

Verifying vehicle details through number plate searches is essential for safe vehicle transactions in South Africa. Taking time to verify protects buyers and businesses from fraud.