Car register details and history

You can check a car's details by entering its plate number in a reliable vehicle data service that retrieves the details from Traficom's vehicle register. These include the make, model, first registration, date of first use, inspection and insurance status, and any register entries.

Just enter the plate number in the search field or text it to 16500 to see the vehicle's up-to-date basic details. The service is paid because the data comes from trusted official registers.

A plate number gives you many of the vehicle's basic details, such as vehicle category, make and model, year of first use, body type, engine displacement, fuel, inspection details, tax details and any usage or restriction entries, such as pending restrictions.

If needed, you can also get the vehicle's history, such as previous owners or the number of ownership changes. These details are especially useful when deciding whether to buy a used car.

Full register details include everything stored in Traficom's vehicle register: text T3 + plate number, e.g. “T3 ABC-123”, to 16500.

You can check your own car's details by plate number just like any other vehicle. The details are available through the same services, and there are no special restrictions for your own vehicle.

Alternatively, you can check your vehicle details for free in Traficom's e-services if you have strong electronic identification. The quickest and easiest way without identification is the 16500.fi online search or texting the plate number to 16500 – you'll get the car's details in under a minute.

A car's history covers inspection results, changes of ownership, any breaks in use and previous registrations. It helps you assess how well the vehicle has been maintained and whether there are accidents or long periods off the road in its past.

You can order the vehicle's key history details on 16500.fi or by texting T2 + plate number (example: T2 ABC-123) to 16500.

If needed, you can supplement the details from other sources, such as inspection records or service books.

A pending restriction is an obstacle entered in the vehicle register, which may relate to missing motor liability insurance, taxes or other issues preventing registration. It prevents, among other things, registering the vehicle for traffic use or changing its owner.

Pending restrictions are shown in the license plate search results if the vehicle has one. Always check for them before buying or selling a vehicle. Check a car's restrictions quickly and easily by texting the plate number (example: ABC-123) to 16500.

A vehicle's technical details include engine displacement, power, power source (petrol, diesel, electric), weights, wheelbase and tire size. These affect taxation, inspections and insurance, among other things.

Technical details are included in a search by plate number. They're useful when deciding whether to buy or when comparing several vehicles.