VAT number checker: Irish and EU VAT numbers in VIES
Check that a customer's or supplier's VAT number is valid before you invoice them. The tool checks the Irish format, then asks VIES, the European Commission's system, whether the number is active.
Enter a VAT number, then click Check.
Source: VIES, the European Commission's VAT number check
How the check works
Revenue describes Irish VAT numbers as 'six digits and two letters or seven digits and one or two letters', for example IE1234567A, IE1Z23456A or IE1234567AB. The tool checks this format; if you type the number without IE, the prefix is added.
Revenue does not publish the check-letter rule in the sources we read, so the tool never rejects a number on its check letter. VIES then confirms whether the number is active for trade between EU countries and, when the tax authority shares them, returns the registered name and address.
For a number from another EU country, type it with its country code (DE, FR, ES…). UK VAT numbers (GB) are not in VIES: the tool checks them with HMRC. Northern Ireland XI numbers are in VIES.
Only VIES (or HMRC for GB numbers) can say whether a number is active. A correct format is not proof of registration.
- Businesses must register for VAT above €42,500 of services or €85,000 of goods a year: a small supplier may not have a VAT number.
- Nothing you type is stored by Le Frac.
Official sources
- European Commission — VIES VAT number validation
- Revenue — VIES Traders Manual (format of Irish VAT numbers)
- Revenue — Information required on a VAT invoice
- Revenue — VAT registration thresholds
Rules checked on 20 October 2026. Free tool for information only: it is not legal or tax advice. The rules are checked against the official sources listed on this page; check your own situation before acting.
Frequently asked questions
What does an Irish VAT number look like?
IE followed by seven digits and one or two letters (IE1234567A, IE1234567AB), or, in the older form, a digit, a letter, five digits and a letter (IE1Z23456A).
VIES says the number is not valid: what does that mean?
The number may not exist, may have been cancelled, or may not be registered for trade with other EU countries. Ask your customer to confirm it.
Can I check a UK VAT number here?
Yes. GB numbers are not in VIES since Brexit; the tool checks their format (GB + 9 or 12 digits) and then asks HMRC. Northern Ireland XI numbers are checked in VIES.
Why is the name not shown?
Some tax authorities do not share the name and address through VIES. The result still tells you whether the number is active.
Further reading
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