Why Do Plate Changes Matter?

Hoo-hoo! It’s your wise old pal, Terry Twoo, here to talk about plate changes—something that might not seem like a big deal, but can actually tell you a lot about a car’s history.

Now, not all plate changes are suspicious. Some people just love a personalised number plate to show off a bit of style. But sometimes, a plate change is used to cover up a shady past—accidents, write-offs, or even a stolen vehicle. That’s why before buying any used car, you should always check its full history with a Car Owl Full History Check. You never know what might be lurking behind that fresh set of plates!

Why Plate Changes Matter

So, why does a plate change raise eyebrows? Well, it’s all about transparency. A car’s registration number is linked to its entire history—MOT records, accident reports, insurance claims—you name it. When the plates change, that connection becomes harder to track.

1. Personalisation (Nothing to Worry About)

Many car owners swap their plates simply because they want a personalised reg. If the previous owner had "OWL 1" and swapped it back to a standard plate before selling, no big deal!

2. Hiding a Troubled Past

This is where things can get tricky. Some sellers change plates to cover up past problems—write-offs, mileage discrepancies, or even a car’s involvement in crime. If a seller can’t explain a plate change, be cautious!

3. Potential Legal Issues

All plate changes must be properly registered with the DVLA. If they’re not, you could run into trouble later. Always check that any plate change has been documented correctly before buying.

How to Check If a Car Has Had a Plate Change

Don’t take the seller’s word for it—here’s how you can check for plate changes yourself:

1. Get the Vehicle Registration Number (VRN) – This is found on the number plate or V5C logbook.
2. Run a Full History Check – Use Car Owl’s History Check to see if the plates have been changed.
3. Review the Report – Check for any past number plates and look out for suspicious changes.

Using Car Owl for Plate Change Checks

With Car Owl, you can quickly see if a car has had one or multiple plate changes, plus its full history. Here’s how it works:

1. Go to Car Owl’s website.
2. Enter the Vehicle Registration Number (VRN).
3. Get an instant report with details on any past plate changes.

With official DVLA records, you’ll know if a seller is hiding something or if it’s just a harmless plate swap.

What to Do If You Find a Plate Change

Alright, so your Car Owl report shows a plate change. What next?

1. Ask the Seller for an Explanation

A genuine seller will have no problem explaining why the plate was changed. If they dodge the question, that’s a red flag.

2. Inspect the Car for Signs of Past Damage

Check the paintwork, body panels, and interior condition. If it looks like it’s been in a serious accident, be extra cautious.

3. Check for Mileage Discrepancies

If the plate was changed, make sure the mileage readings are consistent. If not, the car might have had its odometer tampered with.

4. Get a Professional Inspection

If something doesn’t feel right, get a mechanic to check it over. Better safe than sorry!

5. Be Prepared to Walk Away

If the seller can’t provide a clear reason for the plate change, or if the history looks suspicious, don’t risk it. There are plenty of other cars out there!

Final Thoughts from Terry Twoo

So, do plate changes matter? Absolutely! While some are totally legit, others can be a red flag that something isn’t right.

Before you buy any used car, do the wise thing and run a Car Owl Full History Check. It’ll show you any past plate changes, write-offs, outstanding finance, and more—so you don’t get stuck with a car hiding a secret!

Stay sharp, check before you buy, and happy motoring!