Check VAT number: verify UK and EU VAT numbers online

Published Thursday 16 April 2026

Table of contents

• What is a VAT number?
• Is a VAT number the same as a UTR number?
• What do UK and EU VAT numbers look like?
• Why you should verify VAT numbers
• How to find a business's VAT number
• How to check a UK VAT number
• How to check EU VAT numbers
• Understanding VAT checker results
• What to do if a VAT number is invalid
• Managing VAT checking for your business
• Simplify VAT verification with smart accounting software
• FAQs on checking VAT numbers

Key takeaways

• Verify every new supplier's VAT number using the free HMRC checker or the EU VIES service before making your first purchase, as an invalid number can lead to rejected VAT reclaims.
• Check supplier invoices carefully to confirm the VAT registration number is present, since you cannot reclaim VAT without a valid invoice that meets HMRC requirements.
• Store screenshots of your VAT validation results alongside supplier details for at least six years to satisfy HMRC record-keeping obligations.
• Treat an invalid VAT number result as a prompt to double-check the number, wait for recently registered businesses to appear in the system, and contact your supplier directly before submitting any VAT reclaim.

What is a VAT number?

A VAT number is a unique nine-digit code that HMRC assigns to VAT-registered businesses. This number lets you charge VAT on your sales and reclaim VAT on business purchases.

To reclaim VAT, you usually need a valid VAT invoice or equivalent evidence meeting HMRC requirements. Suppliers must normally issue VAT invoices within 30 days of the supply date. This typically includes the supplier's VAT registration number on a full VAT invoice.

Is a VAT number the same as a UTR number?

No, a VAT number and UTR number are different. These are separate tax identifiers that serve distinct purposes.

Key differences:

• UTR (Unique Taxpayer Reference): A 10-digit code for self-assessment income tax returns.
• VAT number: A 9-digit code for businesses registered to charge and reclaim VAT.

You can't use a UTR number to reclaim VAT on business expenses.

What do UK and EU VAT numbers look like?

Knowing what a VAT number looks like helps you spot errors before you even use a checker. Different regions use different formats for their registration numbers.

Standard UK and XI VAT numbers are often nine digits after the prefix, but some valid numbers use other recognised formats, including 12-digit branch formats. UK VAT numbers follow specific formats:

• GB prefix: Nine digits for England, Scotland, and Wales (for example, GB123456789)
• XI prefix: Nine digits for Northern Ireland Protocol trading (for example, XI987654321)
• Germany: DE followed by nine digits (for example, DE123456789)
• France: FR followed by a two-character key and a nine-digit SIREN number (for example, FRXX123456789)

Why you should verify VAT numbers

Checking VAT numbers protects your business from rejected reclaims and helps you meet HMRC compliance requirements. These requirements were recently updated in the Guidelines for Compliance 8 relating to VAT compliance controls.

Why verification matters:

• Protect your reclaims: Invalid numbers lead to rejected VAT claims.
• Prevent fraud: Confirm new suppliers hold genuine VAT registration.
• Meet legal requirements: Accurate records satisfy HMRC obligations.

Quick format check: Standard UK VAT numbers are nine digits with a GB or XI prefix.

How to find a business's VAT number

Supplier invoices are the quickest place to find a VAT number, as VAT-registered businesses must display their registration number on all invoices.

Where to find VAT numbers:

• Check invoice headers or footers for the VAT registration number.
• Review quotes, contracts, or official supplier documents.
• Search the contact or legal section of the supplier's website.

If the VAT number is missing: You can't reclaim VAT without a valid invoice showing the supplier's registration number. Contact your supplier immediately to request a corrected invoice.

How to check a UK VAT number

Checking a VAT number's validity protects your business from rejected VAT reclaims and ensures compliance with HMRC requirements.

How to use the HMRC VAT checker

The HMRC online tool is the fastest way to verify a UK business. Follow these steps to check a registration number:

1. Go to the official HMRC VAT number checker on the GOV.UK website.
2. Enter the VAT number without the GB prefix.
3. Review the results to confirm the business name and registered address match your invoice.

How to check EU VAT numbers

EU VAT numbers use a two-letter country code followed by the national registration number. Use the VIES VAT Validation Service to check these numbers instantly.

EU VAT number examples:

• Germany: DE123456789
• France: FR12345678901
• Northern Ireland: XI123456789

Key points for UK businesses:

• Check EU numbers without providing your own VAT number.
• Receive instant validation results through VIES.
• Use VIES for Northern Ireland (XI) numbers. Note: Great Britain businesses no longer complete EC sales lists as of January 2021.

How to use the VIES validation service

The European Commission provides the VIES tool to check VAT numbers across the EU. Here's how to use it:

1. Visit the VIES VAT number validation portal.
2. Select the Member State from the drop-down menu.
3. Enter the VAT number you want to verify.
4. Check the response to ensure the number is valid and active.

Understanding VAT checker results

VAT validation tools commonly return a validity result, but they may also show format errors, unavailable service messages, or indicate that a Member State database couldn't be reached.

When you use a VAT checker, you'll typically see one of these results:

• Valid: The number is correct and the registration is active.
• Invalid: The number couldn't be verified.

What to do if a VAT number is invalid

An invalid result doesn't always mean a business is operating illegally. Sometimes it's just a simple error or a system delay.

If a supplier's VAT number shows as invalid, take these steps:

1. Double-check the invoice to ensure you entered the number correctly.
2. Wait and try again later, as recently issued VAT numbers may not always appear immediately in validation services.
3. Contact the supplier directly to confirm their details if the number remains invalid.

Don't submit a VAT reclaim until you hold VAT evidence that meets HMRC requirements. For a full VAT invoice, this generally includes the supplier's VAT registration number. A simplified VAT invoice can be accepted if the total is less than £250.

Managing VAT checking for your business

Systematic VAT checking saves time and reduces the risk of rejected reclaims. Build these practices into your supplier management workflow.

Best practices for VAT number management:

• Verify new suppliers: Check VAT numbers before making your first purchase.
• Store validation records: Keep confirmation screenshots with supplier details for six years.
• Review existing suppliers: Re-check numbers when suppliers notify you of registration changes.
• Automate where possible: Integrate VAT checking into your accounting software workflow.

Simplify VAT verification with smart accounting software

Managing VAT manually takes time away from running your business. The right tools can streamline your financial admin and keep your records organised.

Modern accounting software can validate supplier details automatically and keep your VAT records organised. This reduces manual checking time and lowers the risk of rejected reclaims.

Get one month free and see how Xero simplifies VAT management for your business.

FAQs on checking VAT numbers

Find answers to common questions about VAT number validation, checking frequency, and service costs below.

Can I check a VAT number without my own?

Yes, you can check VAT numbers without providing your own. Online tools like HMRC's checker and the VIES service for EU numbers don't require your VAT details. If you call the HMRC helpline, have your details ready as they may request them.

How often should I check a supplier's VAT number?

Check VAT numbers for every new supplier before your first purchase. For regular suppliers, re-verify if you haven't traded with them in the past 12 months or if they notify you of registration changes.

Do VAT numbers expire or need to be renewed?

VAT numbers don't have a set expiration date and don't need to be renewed. However, HMRC can cancel a registration if a business stops trading or deregisters.

Is there a cost to use VAT number checking services?

No, the official HMRC VAT number checker and the EU VIES validation service are free to use.