If a VRM (registration number) lookup returns no results, here are the possible causes:
**1. Registration Number Format**
- Enter the registration without spaces (e.g., `AB12CDE`) or with the standard space (e.g., `AB12 CDE`)
- Do not include special characters, dashes, or extra spaces
- The system supports UK registration formats
**2. Vehicle Not in Database**
- The vehicle may not be in the performance database
- Very new, very old, or rare vehicles may not be listed
- Commercial vehicles, motorcycles, and some specialist vehicles may not be covered
**3. VRM Credits Exhausted**
- If you have used all your monthly VRM credits, lookups will not return results
- Check your VRM balance in the admin panel
- Upgrade to Premium for more lookups, or wait for the monthly reset
**4. VRM Service Unavailable**
- The VRM lookup relies on a third-party vehicle identification service
- If this service is temporarily unavailable, lookups will fail
- Try again after a few minutes
**5. VRM Not on Your Plan**
- If your plan does not include VRM lookups (No VRM tier), the VRM field will not appear
- Upgrade to Standard or Premium to enable VRM lookups
**What to Tell Your Customers:**
If a customer reports their vehicle was not found via VRM lookup, they can always use the manual dropdown selection (make, model, generation, engine) as an alternative. Manual lookups are unlimited and always available.
