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Why isn’t my registration plate recognised?

This article is for anyone trying to get a car insurance quote with Marshmallow.

Updated this week

Sometimes, when you enter your car’s registration plate on our website, our system might not recognise it. If this happens, don’t worry — it doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with your car or your details.

Here are some common reasons why your registration plate might not be recognised:

1. Your car is very new

  • If your vehicle has only just been registered with the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency), it may take a little while before it appears in our system.

  • Usually, this happens within a few days of the DVLA updating their records.

2. Your car has recently been imported

  • If your car was brought into the UK from abroad, it can take longer for it to be added to the DVLA database.

  • Until it appears, our system may not be able to pick it up.

3. Your registration details have recently changed

  • If you’ve just updated your plate (for example, with a private plate), the system may still be updating.

  • Give it a little time, and then try again.

What you can do next

If your registration plate isn’t recognised on our website, you can still get a Marshmallow quote through a comparison site like Compare the Market, where you’ll be able to enter your car details manually.


In summary:
If your registration plate isn’t recognised, it’s usually because your details haven’t fully updated with the DVLA yet. You can still get a quote through a comparison website while waiting.

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