What a registration number does and does not tell you
A number plate links a vehicle to official records such as tax, MOT and the registered keeper. It does not tell anyone where the vehicle currently is. Free online vehicle checks show details such as tax and MOT status and basic vehicle information, not a live position.
Can you find out who owns a vehicle?
Not freely. DVLA holds the registered keeper's details and will only release them where there is a "reasonable cause", for example finding out who was responsible for an accident. You have to apply to DVLA, and DVLA decides whether the reason is acceptable. GOV.UK explains how to request information about a vehicle or its registered keeper from DVLA.
What can the police do?
The police have their own powers and systems, including automatic number plate recognition cameras that read plates as vehicles pass. That is a police capability, not something available to members of the public.
How live vehicle tracking actually works
To see where a vehicle is in real time, a tracking device has to be fitted to it. The device works out its position from GPS satellites and sends it over the mobile network to a platform you log in to, where you can see live locations, journey history and alerts. Tracking follows the device, not the number plate.
If your vehicle is stolen
Report it to the police straight away and give them the registration number. If a tracker is fitted, tell the police and contact your tracking provider so the location can be shared with them. Do not try to recover the vehicle yourself.
If you run a business with vehicles
Businesses that want to know where their own vehicles are need a tracker fitted to each one. See fleet tracking, van tracking or stolen vehicle tracking, or contact Trackmatic. Before tracking anyone else's vehicle, read whether it is legal to put a GPS tracker on a vehicle.
Frequently asked questions
Can I track a car by its registration number for free?
No. A registration number does not give a live location. Free vehicle checks show tax, MOT and basic vehicle details only. Real-time tracking needs a tracking device fitted to the vehicle.
Can DVLA tell me who owns a vehicle?
DVLA can release registered keeper details only where the person asking has a reasonable cause, and DVLA decides whether the reason is acceptable. You apply through DVLA, as explained on GOV.UK.
How do I track my own van or car live?
You need a GPS tracker fitted to the vehicle, plus access to the tracking platform. Self-install and hardwired options are available for business vehicles; contact Trackmatic to discuss what suits your vehicles.
Need to know where your vehicles are?
Tell us what you run and we will recommend the right tracking setup.
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