VAT Number Validator
Confirm a customer's VAT number is registered before you apply reverse charge.
- Live check sends only the number you type
- 100% free
- No sign-up
How to use the VAT number validator (vies)
- Enter a VAT number with its country code — or paste a list.
- See the format, check-digit and live VIES results.
- Copy the result or download the CSV.
About VAT Number Validator (VIES)
Check a VAT number in seconds.
It works in your browser, so it is instant and private, and your details are remembered on this device.
Good for
- Checking EU customers before zero-rated invoices
- Cleaning supplier lists
- Catching typos in VAT numbers
Tip: Keep the VIES result (date and time) with the invoice as proof that you checked the number.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check if a VAT number is valid?
Type the number with its country code, for example DE129273398. The format and check digit are verified instantly, and the number is looked up in VIES, the EU’s official register, which confirms whether it is active and — for most countries — shows the company name and address.
Why must I check customers’ VAT numbers?
Before you invoice another EU business without VAT (reverse charge or intra-Community supply), you must make sure its VAT number is valid. Keep the VIES result with the invoice as proof.
Can I check many numbers at once?
Yes — paste a list, one number per line. Each one is checked and you can download the results, including company names, as CSV.
Why is VIES unavailable sometimes?
VIES depends on each country’s own system, which can be down for maintenance. The format and check-digit test still works; try the live check again later.
Does it check UK VAT numbers?
The format and check digits of UK (GB) numbers are checked. Since Brexit, GB numbers are not in VIES; Northern Ireland numbers starting with XI are.
Is the VAT number sent anywhere?
The format and check-digit test run in your browser. For the live check, the number is sent through our server to the EU's VIES service, which returns the registration details.