When buying, selling or investigating the maintenance history of a car, one of the first questions most people ask is:

“Can I access official service records online using just the registration number?”

It would be ideal — type in the number plate and instantly see every service entry, repair and garage visit.
However, in the UK, service records are not stored in a single public database. They are held privately by the garages and dealerships that performed the work.

This guide explains what information can be accessed using a registration number, how manufacturer systems work, why full service records are not publicly searchable — and how you can still obtain official servicing information through a trusted investigation service.

Can You Access Full Service Records by Registration Number?

In short: no — not through any public website.

This is because official servicing information is protected and stored in multiple private systems:

• Dealership databases

• Manufacturer digital service platforms

• Independent garage software

• Paper invoices and workshop sheets

• Historic service books

There is no UK legislation requiring garages to upload servicing data to a national database.

Therefore, no website — including DVLA, GOV.UK, HPI, Experian or CarVertical — can legally show you a car’s full service history from the registration number alone.

What Can You Check Online Using a Registration Number?

Although official servicing records are not publicly accessible, several useful checks are possible.

1. GOV.UK MOT History (Free)

By entering a reg number, you can view:

• MOT pass/fail history

• Advisories and failures

• Recorded mileage

• Test locations

This helps verify general maintenance patterns but does not show servicing.

2. Manufacturer Systems (Limited and Often Keeper-Only)

Some manufacturers allow very limited access if you register as the vehicle’s owner:

• Mercedes Me

• MyBMW

• MyAudi

• Toyota MyT

• MyKia

• Hyundai Bluelink

These portals may show:

• Last known service

• Upcoming maintenance

• Some digital service history

But:

• They require keeper details or VIN verification

• They do not show full historic service logs

• They will not display independent garage servicing

You cannot use them to research a used car before purchase.

3. Online Vehicle History Providers (Useful but Not Servicing)

Sites like HPI, Experian and CarVertical offer:

• Mileage checks

• Write-off history

• Finance status

• Stolen alerts

• Auction background

But they cannot access workshop records tied to servicing or repairs.

Why Official Service Records Are Not Available Online

There are four main reasons:

1. Data Protection Laws

Garages and dealers store personal customer details, making service records protected under GDPR.

2. No National Database Exists

The UK never created a centralised service history database. MOTs are centralised; servicing is not.

3. Thousands of Independent Garages

Most independent garages use separate software systems with no shared access.

4. Manufacturer Systems Are Restricted

Only authorised dealers and approved independents can upload or view digital service records.

This means the only way to access official servicing information is to request it from the garages that performed the work.

Where Are Official Service Records Stored?

They are held in different places depending on where the car was serviced:

1. Manufacturer Digital Service Systems

Each major brand has its own official digital platform:

• Mercedes-Benz – Digital Service Booklet

• BMW – Digital Service History (iDrive)

• Audi – Digital Service Schedule

• Volkswagen – DSR

• Land Rover – OSH

• Toyota – National Service System

• Ford – Digital Service Record

• Kia, Mazda, Volvo, Peugeot, Nissan etc. all have similar systems

These systems include official dealer uploads that act as digital stamps.
But access is restricted to dealerships or approved garages — not the general public.

2. Independent Garage Databases

Independents store servicing on their own systems.
They do not upload data to any public or manufacturer database unless authorised.

3. Paperwork Stored by Previous Owners

This includes:

• Invoices

• Stamped service books

• Receipts

• Handwritten notes

• Warranty repair documents

These are almost always missing when buying a used car.

So, How Can You Actually Access Official Service Records?

You must retrieve them directly from the sources — dealerships and garages — which requires a structured investigation.

This is exactly what we do.

How CarServiceHistory.co.uk Provides Access to Official Service Records

We specialise in locating, verifying and retrieving official service records for UK vehicles — even when paperwork is missing.

Here’s how our service works:

1. We contact dealerships and independent garages directly

Using the registration number and any additional clues, we request:

• Official servicing history

• Digital upload confirmations

• Repair invoices

• Past maintenance documentation

• “No record found” certificates

Garages respond more reliably to us because we are an established UK verification service.

2. We retrieve dealer-verified digital service records

Where applicable, we obtain:

• Mercedes DSB entries

• BMW digital entries

• Volkswagen DSR history

• Audi DSS information

• Toyota/Hybrid Health Check results

• Land Rover OSH records

These are official records recognised by dealerships.

3. We gather independent garage maintenance records

Even if the service wasn’t uploaded digitally, we collect:

• Job sheets

• Invoices

• Technician notes

• Work summaries

This completes the picture.

4. We compile a full service history report

Your final report includes:

• Confirmed services

• Garage contact log

• Digital and paper evidence

• Mileage at every service

• Major repairs

• Gaps clearly identified

• Documents attached

This becomes your vehicle’s official service history reconstruction.

What You Cannot Obtain Online — But We Can Retrieve

• Official garage invoices

• Workshop notes

• Digital service booklet records

• Timing belt confirmation

• Gearbox or haldex service proof

• Hybrid battery health checks

• Dealer repair history

These require direct contact with service centres — something no online system can automate.

Summary: Where Can You Access Official Service Records?

If you want true, verified servicing history linked to a registration number, a manual investigation is required — and that’s exactly what our service delivers.