VIN Check for Ireland
About 4,000 imported used cars were stolen in Ireland in 2022; a 52% rise on 2021. Before buying a used car, use our Ireland VIN check to verify theft records, accidents, title, and any hidden problems that the seller won’t tell you.
Why Run a VIN Check in Ireland: Risk Stats & Facts
Failing to check a car’s history in Ireland can leave you blind to hidden damage, mileage fraud, outstanding finance, and safety problems
1 in 5
Used cars show false mileage
3,192
Consumer complaints about used car issues in 2024
50,000+
Vehicles written-off annually in Ireland
What Is a VIN Number?
Every car has a special code called a VIN, which stands for Vehicle Identification Number. No two cars in Ireland share the same VIN because the VIN number acts like a fingerprint for your car.
This 17-character VIN tells the story of where a car came from, what happened to it, and who owned it. When you’re buying a used car in Ireland, checking the VIN helps you avoid buying a vehicle with hidden damage or stolen parts.
Where to Find the VIN Number
You can find the VIN in several spots on the car and in the paperwork.
Dashboard (Driver's Side)
Look through the windshield on the driver's side corner where the dashboard meets the glass.
Driver's Door Jamb
Open the driver's door and check the sticker on the door frame or pillar.
Engine Block
Pop the hood and look for stamped numbers on the engine's metal body.
Vehicle Registration Document
Your car's registration papers always list the VIN number at the top or in a special box.
Insurance Papers
Check your insurance documents and look for where the vehicle's details and specifications were listed.
What You'll Find with a VIN Check in Ireland
A VIN check in Ireland gives you a complete picture of any vehicle’s past and present condition. With a VIN check, you can access the following information and records:
Detailed Vehicle Specifications
Learn everything about how the car was built, the manufacturer, what features it has, and what makes it different from similar models.
Confirm Original Factory Specs
See the specs and features that the manufacturer installed when the car was brand new and original.
Trim Level Details
Find out the exact model version, trim level, and other special features that affect the car’s value.
Technical Specifications
Get the exact measurements and mechanical details that help you understand how the car works and performs daily.
Engine Information
Check the engine size, type, horsepower, and fuel efficiency ratings from the original manufacturer’s specifications.
Transmission Type
Learn whether the car has an automatic or manual transmission and how many gears it has.
Title and Condition
Discover the legal status of the vehicle and whether it’s safe to buy without future problems or complications.
Title Status
See if the title is clean, salvaged, rebuilt, or has any legal problems that affect ownership.
Odometer Reading
Check the recorded mileage from inspections to spot if someone rolled back the numbers dishonestly.
Theft Records
Find out if the car was ever reported stolen or if parts were taken and replaced illegally.
Lookup Stolen Vehicle Database
Our Ireland VIN decoder searches national databases to confirm the car isn’t listed as currently stolen property.
Recovered Theft History
See if the car was stolen before and later found, which might mean hidden damage.
Lien and Loan Records
Check if anyone else has legal claims on the vehicle that could cause ownership problems after you buy.
Outstanding Loans
Discover if the seller still owes money on the car to a bank or finance company.
Legal Claims
Find other legal holds that could prevent the clean transfer of the vehicle’s ownership.
Accident Records
Learn about every crash, collision, or damage incident that happened during the car’s lifetime on the road.
Collision Reports
See police reports and insurance claims filed after the car was involved in any type of accident.
Damage Severity
Understand how bad each accident was and whether the repairs were done correctly and completely.
Sales History
Track how many times the car changed hands and what happened between each owner over the years.
Previous Owners
Count how many people owned the car and see dates when ownership transferred to new buyers.
Price History
View past sale prices to know if the current asking price is fair for this vehicle.
Auction Records
Check if the car went through dealer auctions, which often means trade-ins or fleet vehicles with heavy use.
Auction Dates
See when and where the car was sold at wholesale auctions to car dealers and buyers.
Condition Photos
See the pictures of the car to learn about the car’s condition when it went through the auction house.
How to Get a VIN Check in Ireland
Obtaining a vehicle history report is a straightforward process that takes just three quick steps and takes under a minute to complete.
Step 1: Enter the VIN
Type or paste the 17-digit VIN number into the form on this page, making sure all letters and numbers are correct.
Step 2: Click "Search VIN"
Click the “Search VIN” button to see a preview page with basic vehicle information like the year, make, model, and engine for free.
Step 3: Get a Detailed Vehicle History Report
Purchase the vehicle history report to see complete details about accidents, title brands, theft records, lien and loan records, sales and auction data, and other reported records.
Free Vs Paid VIN Check in Ireland
A free VIN check in Ireland gives basic information, but a paid Ireland VIN check report shows the complete history you need before buying a used car.
What you can access for both services differs; check the table below:
| Information/Records | Free VIN Check | Paid VIN Check |
|---|---|---|
| Year, make & model | ||
| Engine type & size | ||
| Transmission | ||
| Drive type | ||
| Fuel type | ||
| Doors | ||
| Horsepower & torque | ||
| Detailed vehicle specs | ||
| Technical specs | ||
| Auction records | ||
| Vehicle sales history | ||
| Title and condition | ||
| Accident records | ||
| Theft records | ||
| Lien and loan records | ||
| Sales history | ||
| Auction records |
Anyone buying a used car in Ireland that came from the US or some part of Europe should get a paid Ireland VIN check. The small cost can save you from buying a damaged or problematic vehicle.
Why Running a VIN Check in Ireland is Important
Each of the 60k+ used vehicles imported to Ireland in 2025 has a hidden history. Checking a car’s VIN in Ireland helps you know its real history before buying or selling. This protects everyone from bad surprises.
Sales History
Before you buy any used car, getting its history gives you facts about what happened to it previously. Here’s how it helps:
Know the Car’s Real Past
A VIN check in Ireland shows if the car crashed before, got fixed badly, or had other problems the seller might hide.
Make Sure It’s Not Stolen
By getting an Ireland VIN check, you’ll find out if someone stole the car or if banks still own it because the last owner didn’t finish paying.
Get Fair Value
When you know everything about the car, you can offer the right price instead of paying too much for a lemon.
Sellers and Dealers
Sellers and dealers gain advantages too when they run checks on their cars before listing them for sale. Here’s what they get:
Build Trust with Buyers
Showing an Ireland car history check report proves you’re honest about the car’s condition. Buyers feel safer and buy faster when they trust you.
Sell for Better Prices
Cars with clean histories sell for more money. When buyers see no hidden problems, they’ll pay what your car is actually worth.
Avoid Legal Problems Later
An Ireland VIN check protects you from angry buyers who might sue if they find problems you didn’t mention before the sale.
Why Choose Our Ireland VIN Check Tool?
Our tool gives you complete car information quickly and easily. Here’s what makes us different from other checking services:
Comprehensive Reports
We show everything about the car, including accidents, title information, and more, from official sources.
Easy to Use
Just type the VIN number and click search. Anyone can use our simple system.
Accurate Information
We pull data from trusted Irish databases so you get facts, not guesses or mistakes.
Fast Results
Get your full Ireland car history check in minutes, not several hours like some other services.
Affordable Pricing
Our Ireland VIN check costs less than most competitors while giving you more information.
Secure and Private
Your searches stay confidential. We protect your information and never share it with others.
Common Used Car Scams to Watch Out For in Ireland
Scammers use clever tricks to sell bad cars to people who don’t run a complete Ireland VIN check. Here are some common car scams to avoid:
Cloning
Thieves copy VIN numbers from legal cars onto stolen ones, making the stolen vehicle look legitimate and properly registered.
Clocking
Sellers illegally change odometer readings to show fewer miles, making old worn-out cars appear newer and less driven than reality.
Cut and Shut
Criminals weld two damaged cars together, creating one dangerous vehicle that could split apart while you're driving on the road.
Ringing
Scammers give stolen cars the identity of similar legal vehicles, selling them with fake papers that seem real to buyers.
Run VIN Checks in Other Countries
Our VIN check service works in other European countries, helping you check cars imported from anywhere around the world.
Buying a Used Car in Ireland? Run a VIN Check Now
Don’t risk your money and safety—get a complete vehicle history report before you hand over any cash.
Frequently Asked Questions about Ireland VIN Check
How much does a VIN check cost in Ireland?
Prices vary by provider, but our complete vehicle history report costs around €10. This will help reveal any hidden issues including title brands, accidents, theft, liens and loans, odometer rollback, and more.
Can I run a free VIN check in Ireland?
Yes, you can get basic vehicle specifications for free, including the year, make, model, and engine type. However, a free VIN check doesn’t show accident history, theft records, liens, previous owners, or damage reports that help you avoid buying a problematic vehicle with hidden issues.
How long does it take to get a VIN check report?
Most VIN check reports appear instantly after you enter the number and complete payment. You can view and download the full vehicle history report immediately, save or print as a PDF for sharing.
Are VIN checks legal in Ireland?
Yes, a VIN check in Ireland is completely legal and strongly recommended before buying any used vehicle. The information comes from public records, insurance databases, and official government sources. Sellers cannot legally stop you from researching a car’s history before you decide to purchase it.
What if the VIN number doesn't work?
If the VIN search fails, double-check that you entered all 17 characters correctly without any spaces or extra letters. The VIN uses numbers 0-9 and letters except I, O, and Q to avoid confusion. If it still doesn’t work, the VIN might be fake or altered.
Do all cars have VIN numbers?
Yes, every car built after 1981 has a standard 17-digit VIN number. Older vehicles from before 1981 might have shorter identification numbers with different formats. If you’re looking at a post-1981 car without a proper VIN, walk away because it’s likely stolen or illegally modified.
Can a VIN check show if a car is safe to buy?
A VIN decoder Ireland shows the car’s history, which reveals any accident or damage history, providing insight into the safety of the car. You truly need a hands-on inspection to find current mechanical problems, rust, or issues the seller is hiding.
What should I do if the VIN check shows problems?
If the report reveals serious accidents, theft history, or title problems, walk away from that car immediately. Minor issues might be negotiable for a lower price, but salvage titles, flood damage, or multiple accidents mean the car will cause expensive problems.
