How to Tell If the Registration Certificate of a Vehicle Is Fake

Since vehicle imports to Sri Lanka are restricted, the demand for used vehicles has increased. Unfortunately, this has also led to cases where buyers are deceived with fake registration certificates. To protect yourself, it’s important to know how to verify whether a vehicle’s registration certificate is genuine before making a purchase. Here’s how you can check step by step, explained by MotorGuide.

Check Before You Go

Before visiting a seller, try to look at a genuine registration certificate from a friend or your own vehicle. This way, you’ll understand how an original certificate looks. Pay attention to:

• The type of paper used
• Watermarks
• Official stickers
• Font and letter style

If the certificate looks suspicious compared to an original, it could be fake.

Verify the Details in the Book

Once you receive the certificate from the seller, check the following details carefully:

• Registration number
• Owner’s name
• Number of previous owners
• Chassis number
• Engine number

All these should match the vehicle being sold. If the details do not match, it’s a clear warning sign.

Check the Chassis Number

Every vehicle has a chassis number stamped on it (usually in two places). Make sure that the stamped chassis number matches exactly with the number shown on the certificate. Be extra careful with similar-looking characters such as 0 (zero) and O (letter O). Correct these mistakes before buying.

Confirm the Seller’s Identity

Find out who is selling the vehicle. If the seller is the legal owner, it’s easier to transfer the vehicle to your name. However, if a third party is selling it, ensure they provide written proof from the registered owner authorizing the transfer. Without this, you may face legal issues when transferring ownership.

Is the Book a Duplicate?

Some vehicles may have a duplicate registration certificate issued when the original was lost. You can identify this through notes on the certificate itself. A duplicate book comes with limitations:

• You cannot transfer ownership in a single day.
• Leasing companies may refuse to provide facilities for vehicles with duplicate certificates.

Check the Engine Number

Just like the chassis number, confirm that the engine number on the vehicle matches the one in the registration certificate. This step may take some effort, but it is crucial in identifying a fake certificate.

Use a Blue Light Scanner

If possible, check the registration certificate with a blue light scanner. This can confirm whether the paper and stamps are genuine, giving you additional assurance.

Final Thoughts

Buying a vehicle is a big investment, and being tricked with a fake registration certificate can cost you heavily. By carefully checking the chassis number, engine number, and seller documents, you can confidently avoid scams and ensure a smooth ownership transfer. Always verify the certificate before buying a used vehicle.