MVAA plate number verification: different ways to verify your vehicle's ownership
Ensuring that your vehicle documents are authentic is more important than ever. With increasing concerns over vehicle theft, fraud, and fake documents, MVAA plate number verification has become a crucial process for every car owner. Knowing how to verify a plate number and vehicle ownership can save you from serious legal troubles.
Source: UGC
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Key takeaways
- MVAA plate number verification: A guide to registration check
- Why is vehicle plate number verification important?
- Different ways to verify a vehicle's ownership
- Common issues during plate number verification
- How to verify vehicle documents
- Tips to stay safe when buying a vehicle
- Can I verify a plate number for free?
- What should I do if my plate number verification fails?
- Is Autoreg verification reliable?
- How often should I verify my vehicle documents?
Key takeaways
- MVAA verification helps confirm that a vehicle’s plate number is properly registered and matches the rightful owner’s details.
- Besides MVAA verification, there are multiple other methods for vehicle plate number verification, including Autoreg verification and FRSC plate number verification.
- Most MVAA and other government-backed verification services are free and provide instant results.
MVAA plate number verification: A guide to registration check
The Motor Vehicle Administration Agency (MVAA) is responsible for motor vehicle documentation in Lagos State. MVAA plate number verification allows vehicle owners to check if their car’s plate number has been correctly registered and is legally recognised.
Vehicle plate number verification is especially useful if you're purchasing a used car or if you suspect that your vehicle's documents may not be genuine. It helps you to establish the following information:
- The authenticity of your vehicle registration.
- The matching of your vehicle details (like make, model, and chassis number).
- Legal ownership status.
- Compliance with federal and state regulations.
Why is vehicle plate number verification important?
When dealing with a transaction that involves vehicles, you may choose not to do vehicle plate number verification, but that exposes you to many risks. It is a crucial undertaking that helps unearth vehicle information that you would not otherwise know. Below are reasons why you should opt for plate number verification.
- Prevents fraud: Verifying your vehicle registration helps you avoid buying stolen vehicles.
- Legal safety: Driving an unregistered or fraudulently registered car can lead to heavy fines, arrests, or seizure of your vehicle.
- Insurance claims: Insurers often require proof of legitimate vehicle ownership before approving claims.
- Peace of mind: Knowing that your vehicle records are clean gives you peace of mind.
Different ways to verify a vehicle's ownership
MVAA plate number verification is just but one option for confirming a vehicle's details. Below is a list of alternatives for verifying vehicle ownership and an explanation of how to use them.
MVAA online verification
Source: UGC
One of the easiest ways for Lagos residents to verify plate numbers online is through the official MVAA platform. Note that the use of this platform is only limited to vehicles registered in Lagos. Here is a step-by-step guide for using the platform:
- Go to the MVAA official portal.
- Enter the plate number for the vehicle you want to verify its details.
- Click the Search button and wait for a short while for the results.
- The vehicle details related to the plate number you searched will be displayed on the screen. Compare the information with the documents you have to establish whether they match.
- You can download and print the search results for future reference.
Autoreg verification
Verifying plate numbers through Autoreg verification is another popular method to confirm your vehicle's registration status. Unlike MVAA verification, Autoreg does not have user limitations and allows all Nigerian vehicle owners to use the platform.
Source: UGC
The platform also offers other services such as renewals, insurance verification, and vehicle document verification. Here is a straightforward guide for vehicle ownership verification procedure on the platform.
- Visit the official Autoreg portal.
- Log into the portal using your Email or Username and passcode.
- For the list of services provided, choose the relevant verification option.
- Enter the plate number for the vehicle and other required information.
- Click the Submit button and the vehicle verification status, including ownership details will be displayed on the screen.
FRSC plate number verification
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) also offers a national platform for verifying plate numbers, which is useful for vehicles outside Lagos. It is a reliable government institution that maintains vehicle registration details for all states in Nigeria.
Source: UGC
Below is an elaborate procedure for plate number verification on the FRSC platform.
- Visit the FRSC National Vehicle Identification System (NVIS) portal.
- Then log into the portal and enter the vehicle's plate number.
- Submit the request.
- The system will return your vehicle's registration status and basic details.
SMS plate number verification
In circumstances when you are in need of plate number verification but do not have access to a smart device or the internet, you can opt for verification through SMS. Here is how to verify plate numbers using text messages.
- Compose a message with the vehicle plate number as the only text.
- Send the message to 33324.
- After a short while, you'll receive a message on your phone with the details of the vehicle whose plate number you submitted.
Physical verification at licensing offices
Source: Getty Images
If you run out of the above options, you can choose to visit your local vehicle licensing office for verification. With the advancement in technology, this method is considered time-consuming, but it might be useful when facing complex issues or disputes.
Ensure you have all the necessary details that the officers will use to check the vehicle's ownership status.
Common issues during plate number verification
Vehicle plate number verification methods are straightforward. However, occasionally you may encounter a few setbacks during the procedures. Below are possible issues you could face during a vehicle plate number verification process.
- No record found: This could mean the plate number is fake or wrongly inputted.
- Mismatch in details: If your chassis number or engine number doesn't match, raise a complaint immediately.
- Server errors: High traffic on verification portals can cause delays.
How to verify vehicle documents
Besides plate number verification, you also should verify the authenticity of a vehicle's documents. Some of the crucial documents you should check include Proof of Ownership Certificate, Road Worthiness Certificate, Insurance Certificate, and Vehicle Licence.
You can verify most of the above documents online through government portals or third-party platforms authorized by the FRSC. The verification is free of charge on most of the platforms.
Tips to stay safe when buying a vehicle
Buying a vehicle is an important step which involves paying significant sums of money. Therefore, you should be cautious enough not to lose your money on fraudulent transactions. Ensure you perform the following checks to minimise the chances of being duped.
- Perform plate number verification online before payment.
- Verify the vehicle's chassis and engine numbers match the documents.
- Confirm the seller’s identity and request a valid means of identification.
- Insist on original vehicle documents, not photocopies.
- If possible, bring a trusted mechanic and a legal adviser during an inspection.
Can I verify a plate number for free?
Yes, most MVAA, FRSC, and Autoreg verification services are free of charge. However, if you do not have internet access and are SMS verification, you will incur SMS charges only.
What should I do if my plate number verification fails?
Immediately report to your nearest Vehicle Licensing Office or MVAA branch to investigate and correct any issues.
Is Autoreg verification reliable?
Yes. Autoreg verification is managed under government authorisation and is reliable for verifying vehicle registration details.
How often should I verify my vehicle documents?
It’s good practice to verify your vehicle documents annually, especially during insurance renewal or if you notice any discrepancies.
MVAA plate number verification and other vehicle verification processes are essential steps to protect yourself from fraud and legal troubles. Whether you choose to use Autoreg verification, plate number verification online, or FRSC plate number verification, making the effort to verify your vehicle ownership and verify vehicle documents can save you money, time, and stress in the long run.
DISCLAIMER: This article is not sponsored by any third party. It is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional advice or help and should not be relied on to make decisions of any kind. Any action you take upon the information presented in this article is strictly at your own risk and responsibility!
Legit.ng recently published an online procedure for plate number verification. Plate number verification can help you detect fraud, comply with the law, and enhance road safety. While there are multiple options for plate number verification, the online option is the simplest and most convenient.
In only a few steps, you can verify your vehicle's plate number online. Would you like to know how? Here is a comprehensive guide for checking your vehicle registration status online and offline.
Source: Legit.ng
