Guides › How to check a UK VAT number after Brexit
How to check a UK VAT number after Brexit
Updated 2026-10-11
Since 1 January 2021 the United Kingdom is no longer part of the EU VAT system, and GB VAT numbers can no longer be checked in VIES. If you try, you'll get an error or an invalid result.
GB numbers: use HMRC's service
HMRC runs its own "Check a UK VAT number" service on GOV.UK, plus an API for developers. Like VIES, it returns whether the number is valid along with the business name and address, and it can give you a consultation reference when you enter your own UK VAT number.
XI numbers: still in VIES
Under the Northern Ireland Protocol / Windsor Framework, Northern Ireland stays aligned with EU VAT rules for goods. NI businesses trading goods with the EU get an XI prefix, and XI numbers can be checked in VIES, including here on VATcheckly.
Which one should I check?
- Customer in Great Britain → GB number → HMRC service.
- Customer in Northern Ireland buying goods from the EU → XI number → VIES / VATcheckly.
- Customer in the EU → EU number → VIES / VATcheckly.
Check a VAT number now
Free, live against VIES, all 27 EU countries + Northern Ireland.