You do not always need the VIN. Several countries let you check recalls with the number plate. Here is where, and what each check covers.
United States: VIN or licence plate at NHTSA
NHTSA's recall look-up takes either the VIN or the licence plate. NHTSA notes that a plate search can return a vehicle the plate belonged to before, so the VIN is the safer check. It shows safety recalls that are not yet repaired, up to 15 years old unless the maker offers more. Check at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or by VIN in our VIN check, which also reads the Canadian and other registers.
United Kingdom: registration at GOV.UK
GOV.UK's recall check takes a car's registration number; without it you need the manufacturer, model and year of manufacture. It covers safety recalls that have not been checked or fixed, plus the car's MOT history. Motorcycles, buses, lorries and caravans are checked by manufacturer, model and year. Check at GOV.UK. For every recall a UK make has had, see UK recalls.
Netherlands and Israel: by plate here
Our free check reads the Dutch register (RDW, by kenteken) and the Israeli Ministry of Transport register by number plate, and shows the recalls still open on that car.
Canada and the EU
Transport Canada's database and the EU Safety Gate are searched by make and model, not by plate. To see how many recalls a model has had in each, make its recall card.
Found an open recall?
Call a dealer of the make with the recall number: the repair is free. Step by step: what to do about a recall.
Quick answers
Can I check a car recall by number plate?
Yes, in several countries. In the US, NHTSA's look-up takes a licence plate or VIN; in the UK, GOV.UK takes the registration number; Dutch and Israeli plates can be checked in the CarsMultiverse check.
Is a plate check as good as a VIN check?
Usually, but NHTSA notes that a plate search can return a vehicle the plate belonged to before, so the VIN is the safer check when you have it.
How do I check a UK car for recalls?
Use GOV.UK's check with the car's registration number. It shows safety recalls not yet checked or fixed, and the MOT history.
Related
Sources
- NHTSA: Safety issues and recalls, check by VIN
- GOV.UK: Check if a vehicle, part or accessory has a recall
This page explains US federal rules in plain words. It is not legal advice; for a dispute, the statute and NHTSA are the authority, and a lawyer can advise on your case.
Published 7 November 2026 by A.I.T. Multiverse Consulting Ltd, Nicosia, Cyprus. CarsMultiverse is an independent site, not an authority.