VAT Number Checker UK

Check a UK VAT registration number in seconds. We validate the number's format and check digit, and - where available - confirm the business registered with HMRC. Completely free.

The basics

What is a UK VAT number?

A UK VAT registration number (VRN) is a unique reference issued by HMRC when a business registers for VAT. It appears on VAT invoices, receipts and VAT returns, and lets HMRC and other businesses identify a VAT-registered trader. A standard UK VAT number is nine digits, usually shown with a GB prefix - for example GB 123 4567 89.

How it works

How to check a VAT registration number

Enter the number in the checker above and select Check VAT number. Two things happen instantly:

1. Format & check-digit validation. Every genuine UK VAT number has a built-in check digit calculated with a mod-97 formula. We confirm the number is the right length and that the check digit matches - catching typos immediately, with no data leaving your browser as a guess.
2. HMRC register confirmation. Where the live lookup is enabled, we confirm the number against HMRC's VAT records and show you the registered business name and address, so you know exactly who the number belongs to.

Reference

UK VAT number format explained

Standard businesses: 9 digits, e.g. GB 123 4567 89. The last two digits are a check digit.
Branch traders: 12 digits - the 9-digit number followed by a 3-digit branch identifier.
Government departments: GD followed by 3 digits (000–499).
Health authorities: HA followed by 3 digits (500–999).

The “GB” country prefix is used for international invoices. You can enter the number with or without the GB prefix and spaces - our checker cleans it up for you.

Why it matters

Why check a VAT number?

Protect your VAT reclaim. HMRC can refuse your input VAT claim if a supplier's VAT number is invalid. Checking first protects your reclaim.
Avoid invoice fraud. Fake or borrowed VAT numbers are a common fraud signal. Confirm the number really belongs to the supplier you're paying.
Supplier due diligence. Verify a new supplier or customer is genuinely VAT-registered before you trade.
Check your own number. Make sure the VAT number printed on your invoices is correct and valid.

FAQ

VAT number checker - frequently asked questions

Is this VAT number checker free?

Yes. The Swift VAT Pro VAT number checker is completely free and needs no sign-up. Enter any UK VAT registration number and check it instantly.

How do I check a UK VAT registration number?

Type the VAT number into the checker above and select Check VAT number. We validate the 9-digit format and the built-in check digit (a mod-97 calculation), and where available confirm the registered business name and address against HMRC's records.

What does a UK VAT number look like?

A standard UK VAT registration number is nine digits, usually written with a GB prefix, for example GB 123 4567 89. Branch traders have 12 digits, and government departments (GD) and health authorities (HA) use special formats.

What does an invalid result mean?

An invalid result means the number's check digit does not match, so it cannot be a genuine UK VAT number as entered. This is usually a typo. A valid number that HMRC has no record of may be mistyped or not currently registered.

Can I check EU VAT numbers here?

This tool checks UK VAT registration numbers. Since the UK left the EU VAT system, UK numbers are no longer in the EU VIES database, and EU numbers should be checked using the European Commission's VIES service.

Why should I check a supplier's VAT number?

HMRC can refuse your input VAT reclaim if a supplier's VAT number is invalid. Checking a VAT number helps you avoid invoice fraud, verify a supplier before trading, and confirm your own number is correct on your invoices.

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