In-depth practical guides

Check a VAT number in VIES

Distinguish valid, invalid and unavailable responses, then retain the dated result.

Updated : 2026-10-06

Check a VAT number in VIES — method

VIES queries national databases for EU cross-border registration. A check concerns one number at one time, not every attribute of a business.

Prepare the query
Select the country or Northern Ireland offered by VIES. Copy the number as text and retain the supplied value without numeric conversion.
Separate responses
An invalid result can reflect missing activation or incomplete registration. Never convert an availability error into an invalid result.
Match identity
Compare available name and address with the business register. A matching name or copied number on a website does not prove that the contact belongs to the entity.
Retain the check
Keep response, country, number and timestamp; include a consultation reference if supplied. Record any retry separately.

Typical situations for preparing a check. They do not describe completed assignments or actual observations.

Keep the error and retry; do not conclude that the number is invalid.

Check input and activation with the national authority before stating the cause.

Keep the error and retry; do not conclude that the number is invalid.
Check input and activation with the national authority before stating the cause.

Is VIES a business register?

No: it queries national VAT databases. Use an identity register alongside it.

Can an old response be reused?

To document the old check, yes. To describe current status, make a new dated check.

TOOLS / REGISTERS

Keep response, country, number and timestamp; include a consultation reference if supplied. Record any retry separately.