How to Check How Many Owners a Car Has Had

If you're considering buying a used car, it's a good idea to understand its ownership history. Knowing how many people have owned the car before you gives insight into its reliability, value, and how well it has been maintained.

Here, we'll explain how to check the number of previous owners a car has had, what you can learn from the car's history, and why it matters when making a purchase.

In This Guide:

• How to check the number of previous owners a car has had
• Free vs paid car history checks: what’s the difference?
• Why does previous ownership history matter?
• Red flags to watch out for when buying a used car
• Other things to check before buying a used vehicle
• Ready to buy? Make sure you have the right cover
• FAQs

How to check the number of previous owners a car has had

There are several ways to find out how many owners a car has had. Some methods are free, while others are paid services that provide detailed reports. Let's take a look:

Using the DVLA’s V5C logbook

The most straightforward way to find out the number of previous owners a used car has had is to look at the vehicle’s V5C logbook.

This will show you the number of previous keepers and the dates of ownership changes.
While you're looking at the logbook, it's worth checking that the current owner listed matches the current seller, and that there are no signs of recent or suspicious changes.

Accessing DVLA vehicle history checks online

The government’s vehicle enquiry service allows you to check some details of a used car’s MOT history and tax status. For more comprehensive checks, which include details of the car's previous keepers, accident damage, outstanding finance, and theft records, you’ll need to use a commercial service.

Asking the dealer or seller directly

One of the quickest and easiest ways to find out how many owners a car has had is simply to ask the seller. Reputable sellers should be transparent about things like previous owners. Do remember, however, that private sellers may only know their own ownership history, so it's often a good idea to verify details using official sources.

Red flags to watch out for when buying a used car

Apart from the number of previous owners, what other red flags should you be aware of when considering buying a used car?

Signs of clocking or mileage tampering

Always compare mileage data from the MOT history and the service history. Unexplained drops in mileage or inconsistent records could suggest tampering.

Inconsistent servicing records

If a car has had multiple owners but lacks a complete service history, it could point to poor maintenance.

Frequent ownership changes 

As we've mentioned, a car that has changed hands frequently within a short period may have underlying issues, such as mechanical problems, costly running expenses, or hidden damage.

Other things to check before buying a used vehicle

What else should you check to make a well-informed decision about a used car purchase?

MOT history

Use the DVLA website MOT checker to review past tests. Look out for repeated advisories or failures, which can reveal hidden issues with the car's condition and neglected vehicle maintenance.

Service records

A full service history (FSH) is ideal. A partial history is still valuable — but do check for any large gaps.

Outstanding finance or write-off status

A vehicle with outstanding finance technically still belongs to the finance company. Buying a written-off or abandoned vehicle can also carry safety and resale risks. You should always verify these details with a trusted checking service.

Ready to buy? Make sure you have the right cover

Before you finalise any vehicle purchase, make sure that you've got good insurance in place. Remember, not all policies are equal — some offer great cover for second-hand vehicles, while others may charge more based on ownership history. Make sure to shop around and find the best car insurance deal for your new (to you) car.

FAQs

How many previous owners of a car is too many?

It all depends on the car’s age, type, and what you plan to use it for. A ten-year-old vehicle with three to four owners is common. However, more than one owner per year may be a red flag. Similarly, if you only want to run the car to the shops a couple of times a week, you can probably get away with more previous keepers in the car's history. However, if you need the car for more strenuous driving, it's worth looking for single-owner cars with a history of reliability.

Can you fake a car’s ownership history?

It is illegal to fake a car's ownership history, but that doesn't mean it doesn't happen. While it's difficult to do things like forge logbooks, dodgy dealers do exist. That’s why it’s so important to do an independent previous owner check and to verify records using official and third-party sources.

Does the number of owners affect car insurance?

While insurance companies don't usually ask for the number of previous owners, it could have an impact on a car’s value or risk profile. This, in turn, can influence insurance quotes. As such, it's a good idea to thoroughly compare insurance quotes for a new used car before you settle.