- Each Car-Pass has a unique identification number and its own QR code. Scanning the QR code gives you access to the digital version of the Car-Pass so you check the authenticity of the document. You can also do this by entering the Car-Pass number on this site.
Furthermore you can use the number or QR code to check the maintenance history of the vehicle. This is obviously of great value to a later buyer. The latter can be used to get a more accurate picture of the vehicle’s past. Was it serviced regularly and on time? Were certain important (and/or expensive) parts replaced? This maintenance information is only available on the digital Car-Pass, not on the paper version. - The Car-Pass lists the vehicle make, model and VIN (vehicle identification number). The document also contains the date the vehicle was first registered in Belgium and the day it was first used. Are the dates different? This lets you know that the vehicle has been driven in a foreign country for a while. There is usually less data available for the period the vehicle was registered abroad.
- The Car-Pass also shows the following official information:
- The European standard : Determines access to low-emission zones.
- The CO2 emissions: The CO2 emissions play a role in determining the vehicle tax and fuel consumption. The test method, NEDC or WLTP, is also mentioned. If both emission values are known, the two values will be shown on the Car-Pass.
- Reporting Post-Accident Vehicle Inspection: Vehicles that have been involved in a major accident must undergo a rigorous check. Some of these vehicles are offered for sale after faulty repair without having been assessed. This means it is always advisable to check the Car-Pass to see if the vehicle still requires a Post-Accident Vehicle Inspection.
- Unimplemented Recalls: What this means is that when vehicles are used in a wide variety of conditions, it is still possible for manufacturing faults to become apparent. This may pose a risk to safety or the environment. This is a reason for the manufacturer to organise a recall. The authorised repairer shall then make the necessary adjustments. Of course, the owner may have failed to respond to the manufacturer’s request. The recall then remains “Open”. These open recalls appear on the Car-Pass.
- Here you see the odometer reading of the vehicle on different dates. The more odometer readings there are on the Car-Pass, the more insight you will have into the history of the vehicle. The odometer should increase steadily over time. Does the document show a sudden decline in the odometer reading? This might offer proof that the odometer has been clocked. In this case you should ask the seller some critical questions before you buy the vehicle.
- To make counterfeiting or forgeries very difficult, the Car-Pass is printed on special paper containing fluorescent ink and a hologram.
Do you have a suspicion that the document is a forgery or the odometer readings are incorrect? You can test the authenticity of your Car-Pass here or scan the QR code.
