VAT Number Format Checker
Paste VAT numbers, one per line. This checks the format only. It does not show whether a number is registered, so use the official checking service for that.
Este contenido está en inglés.
Ejemplos resueltos
A UK number
GB980780684
GB 980780684: format accepted (9 digit format, check digits match)
The nine digit format and the check digits both agree.
A German number that is too short
DE12345
DE12345: does not match the DE VAT number format
German numbers need nine digits after DE.
Sobre VAT Number Format Checker
This checker tests whether VAT numbers are written in the right format for their country. Paste one number per line, with the country prefix, and each is matched to the pattern used there.
This is a format check only. A number that passes may not be registered, and the tool cannot look anything up. For nine digit UK numbers the check digits are also worked out and the result says whether they match. To confirm a registration, use the official checking services.
Cómo usar VAT Number Format Checker
- Paste your VAT numbers, one per line, with the country prefix such as GB or DE.
- Read the result for each line.
- Check the ones that matter with the official service for the country.
Usos habituales
- Spotting typing mistakes in a supplier list
- Tidying VAT numbers before they go on an invoice
- Checking that a customer gave a number in the right form
- Finding numbers that are missing a country prefix
Preguntas frecuentes
Does this prove that a business is VAT registered?
No. It checks the format only. To check a UK number use the GOV.UK service, and to check an EU number use the European Commission service.
What is the format of a UK VAT number?
GB followed by nine digits, or twelve digits for a branch, or GD or HA followed by three digits for government departments and health authorities. Northern Ireland uses the prefix XI.
What are the check digits?
The last two digits of a nine digit UK number are worked out from the first seven. The result says whether they agree, which catches many typing mistakes.
Which EU countries are included?
The format rules for the EU member states are included, with Greece using the prefix EL.