UK VAT Number Checker — Validate a GB VAT Registration

Check UK VAT numbers for England, Scotland, Wales and the Isle of Man

Use this free UK VAT number checker to validate a GB VAT registration before you invoice, onboard a supplier or pay a UK business. England, Scotland and Wales do not have separate VAT number systems: they use the same UK registration format, normally GB + 9 digits (with some 12-digit registrations). VIESAC checks the number against the HMRC Check a UK VAT Number service, which can confirm whether the registration is valid and return the registered business name and address when available.

Great Britain is outside the EU VIES system, so do not use an EU VAT checker for a normal GB number. The Isle of Man is treated as part of the UK for VAT purposes and is covered by this GB checker. For Northern Ireland trade that uses an XI VAT number, use our Northern Ireland VAT Validator. The Channel Islands (Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney, Sark and Herm) and Gibraltar are outside the UK VAT territory, so they do not have UK VAT registrations to validate here.

UK VAT number checker: frequently asked questions

How do I check a UK VAT number?

Enter the number with or without its GB or UK prefix. This checker normalises the input and looks up the registration through the HMRC VAT API. A standard UK VAT registration normally has 9 digits; HMRC also supports certain 12-digit registrations. A valid result means the number is registered in the HMRC VAT records at the time of the check.

Does this UK VAT checker cover Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the islands?

Yes for England, Scotland, Wales and the Isle of Man: UK VAT registrations use the GB route. Northern Ireland can use an XI VAT number for relevant EU goods rules, which should be checked through VIES instead. The Channel Islands and Gibraltar are outside the UK VAT territory, so a Jersey, Guernsey or Gibraltar business cannot be verified with a UK VAT number.