Tips for buying a vehicle

If you want to buy a vehicle, it is wise to learn more about it. You can do this with an RDW registration number check. It allows you to request some of the vehicle data for all Dutch vehicles registered with us. This can give you more certainty when purchasing a used vehicle.

The RDW registration number check provides insight into a vehicle's historical data. You can also use it to check whether a vehicle can be transferred. If it says ‘no’ under ‘Registration possible?’, that vehicle cannot be transferred. This is the case when the vehicle is registered as stolen or exported. Under Recalls, you can see whether we are aware of any recalls for the vehicle. The manufacturer is not obliged to inform us.

This is how it works

You only need the registration number of the vehicle you seek information on. Enter the registration number into the RDW registration number check.

We record the mileage of passenger cars, light commercial vehicles and motorcycles. Are you planning to buy such a vehicle? Be sure to check the mileage. There are several ways to do this:

• Download an RDW vehicle report (only available in Dutch). This applies to passenger cars, light commercial vehicles Some used car websites have added the report to the vehicle listing. This means the owner has given permission to share that report.
• Check the mileage online (only available in Dutch). You will see the assessment of the latest mileage data right away. This only applies to passenger cars and light commercial vehicles. You will need the registration number and the latest mileage data.

It is important that the mileage is correct. If the odometer reading has been tampered with, for example. this may have unpleasant consequences. The vehicle will be more expensive to buy and maintain. This is due to the fact that the vehicle has more mileage than you think. The vehicle may need servicing, for example, without you being aware of it. Rolling back the odometer is called odometer fraud. The practice has been prohibited since 2014, but unfortunately still occurs.

Vehicle from abroad

Are you buying a vehicle abroad? Try to find out whether the odometer reading makes sense. Use reliable documents such as maintenance invoices or registrations in the Digital Service Register (DSR). In Belgium, the seller must provide a Car-Pass with mileage information, among other things. Does it involve a vehicle that was imported into the Netherlands from Belgium on or after 13 January 2025? Its mileage will be stated in the RDW Vehicle Report.

Does the vehicle not come with any documentation? The garage will usually be able to determine with certain tools whether or not the mileage has been tampered with. Mileage is stored in various locations in a vehicle. In most cases, the original mileage is still stored in one of those other locations.

Logo

You may encounter this logo on websites offering used cars for sale.

This logo indicates that the car’s mileage made sense. It refers to the time of the most recent mileage registration. This means that every recorded mileage is higher than the previous one. The date of last registration is also stated on the selling site, giving you more certainty about your purchase.

Unlawful use of logo

Do you suspect unlawful use of the mileage logo? Please let us know via the unlawful use of logo form. We will assess your report.

Are you interested in a used vehicle? The maintenance history is an important piece of information to consider. It shows whether the vehicle is fully up to date with maintenance or whether major maintenance is required immediately. It may be that a slightly more expensive vehicle is ultimately cheaper, because no costs are expected in the short term.

For that reason, ensure that maintenance has been carried out as prescribed by the manufacturer. Sometimes this is still recorded in a physical service booklet that stays with the vehicle. But increasingly, it is recorded in the manufacturer’s Digital Service Register (DSR). There are other organisations that can check whether the vehicle has been fully serviced, such as Bovag.

When buying a used vehicle, you want to make sure the vehicle is ‘honest’. Unfortunately, ‘dishonest’ vehicles are frequently on offer. This may involve vehicles that were stolen or cloned. If you buy such a vehicle and the police find out, you will be required to return the vehicle to its legal owner in almost all cases. Here are a few tips to avoid any problems.

Check whether the vehicle is registered as stolen

Theft of a vehicle is often reported to the police. You can check whether the vehicle is registered as stolen. Go to 'the RDW registration number check'. You can enter the registration number there. If it says ‘yes’ next to ‘stolen’, do not buy the vehicle and report it to the police.

Beware of rebadged or cloned vehicles

Rebadging involves using the identity of a vehicle that has been damaged beyond repair. The stolen vehicle is given the vehicle identification number and sometimes other identifying details of that damaged vehicle.
With cloned vehicles, fraudsters copy the details of a vehicle that is still in use. The vehicle registration certificate and number plates are false or forged. In that case, there is no point in checking the registration number via the RDW registration number check. The registration number refers to the correct vehicle with the correct identity.

Did you buy a cloned vehicle? You may only discover this when the real owner receives a traffic fine, for example. The police and the RDW will contact both owners. This is followed by an investigation of the suspected cloned vehicle.

Purchase from a vehicle company approved by the RDW

Are you buying a vehicle from an RDW-approved vehicle company/garage? You are less likely to buy a stolen, cloned or rebadged vehicle. If this turns out to be the case later on, you will have a better chance of buyer protection and buyer rights.

Purchase from a private individual

Use the following tips when buying a vehicle from a private individual. This reduces the risk of buying a stolen, cloned or rebadged vehicle.

• Make an appointment at the seller’s home address.
• Ask the seller for their driving licence or passport and write down the numbers.
• Have the owner explain how to operate the vehicle. They should be very familiar with it.
• Ask the seller to come with you to the vehicle registration counter where you will be transferring the registration number to your name.
• Do not pay cash, but by wire transfer instead.
• Check the registration number via the RDW registration number check, print the details and compare them with the vehicle and the vehicle registration certificate.
• Check that all keys are original and complete and that they work on the ignition lock and other locks, if applicable.
• Check for any signs of break-in damage.
• Check the service record booklet or the DSR via your garage.
• Check whether the car has a quality mark (if applicable).
• Check whether the mileage makes sense. To do this, please visit 'Check whether the mileage makes sense (only available in Dutch)'.
• If applicable, check whether a registration number has been engraved on the windows. And whether it matches the vehicle registration number.
• Check that the vehicle identification number (VIN) is the same as the number stamped on the vehicle.
• Check that the complete paper registration certificate or registration card is present. The paper registration certificate consists of three parts.
• If a vehicle has a registration card, it should also have a registration code. This is a code that you will need when selling your vehicle, for example. The code consists of a total of 9 digits.
• The seller must provide the correct registration certificate and number plates.
• Check whether the PTI certificate is present (if the vehicle is subject to a PTI obligation).
• Check that the correct number plates are fitted to the vehicle.

If the deal seems too good to be true, be extra careful. Never allow yourself to be pressured into making a quick purchase, do not pay in advance, and certainly do not pay in cash.

Would you like to request personal data of an owner/holder of a vehicle? For example, because you want to learn more about the vehicle you may be buying? We may be able to provide you with those details. Learn more about requesting third-party personal details (only available in Dutch).

When buying a new vehicle, you may find it important to consider whether this vehicle is economical and environmentally friendly. In order to make a good choice, it is important to compare different vehicles. There are various ways of doing this.

Fuel consumption

Actual fuel consumption (and therefore emissions) may differ significantly from the values stated in the technical information in the vehicle type approval. There are various factors that affect the difference between actual fuel consumption and the type-approval figures.

For example, the driver's driving style, the impact of wear and tear, and any modifications to the vehicle.

Energy label

A label is placed on (new) passenger cars for this purpose, showing a classification. This is the energy label.

Comparing fuel consumption

Another way to compare passenger cars and their consumption is by reading the fuel consumption booklet (only available in Dutch). It will give you all the information you need about the energy label, This allows you to compare brands, models, and versions. This information is updated annually in line with the new standards and published.

Modern cars, as well as motorcycles, mopeds and bicycles, are often 'connected'. These vehicles are connected to the internet. A connected vehicle often collects personal data, such as location and driving style information. The Dutch Data Protection Authority (AP) provides tips on protecting your privacy in connected vehicles.The tips help to protect personal data when buying, renting, using, and selling a connected vehicle.