How to Avoid Buying a Cloned Car
Buying a used car? Follow this 8-step guide to avoid buying a cloned car — check the DVLA, verify the VIN, inspect the V5C, and get a vehicle history check.
GUIDES
Practical step-by-step guides for UK drivers on number plate cloning — stolen plates, cloned registrations, prevention, and buying a used car safely.
Buying a used car? Follow this 8-step guide to avoid buying a cloned car — check the DVLA, verify the VIN, inspect the V5C, and get a vehicle history check.
If your number plate has been cloned, you may be able to get a new registration number from the DVLA. Follow this step-by-step guide to change your registration after cloning.
Suspect your number plate has been cloned? Follow this 7-step UK guide to report cloning, appeal fines, gather evidence, and protect yourself.
Had your number plates stolen? Follow this step-by-step UK guide — report to police, notify the DVLA, get replacement plates, and prevent cloning.
7 practical ways to prevent number plate cloning in the UK — from anti-theft screws to Protect A Plate alerts to removing online photos of your vehicle.
Looking for quick answers instead? Read the number plate cloning FAQ
Protect-A-Plate is the UK's vehicle registration verification network, helping prevent fraud, reduce crime and protect what matters most.