Many drivers assume there is a central online database where they can instantly look up a car’s full service history. Unfortunately, service records in the UK don’t work that way. While some servicing information is stored online, a large portion still sits within dealership systems, independent garage software or old paper files.

This guide explains what service history is online, what isn’t, why digital systems are often incomplete, and how you can recover the missing parts to build a complete maintenance record.
And if any of your history is missing, CarServiceHistory.co.uk can retrieve it for you by contacting all relevant garages and dealerships.

1. Is All Service History Stored Online?

❌ No — there is no single online database for UK service history.

Unlike MOT history, service records are not held by the DVLA or any government service.

Instead, history can be stored in several different places, such as:

• Manufacturer digital servicing platforms

• Dealership internal systems

• Independent garage databases

• Paper invoices or service books

This means only part of your car’s history may be visible online — the rest must be tracked down manually.

2. What Service History Is Stored Online?

Many modern cars use digital manufacturer systems, including:

• Mercedes Digital Service Booklet

• BMW Digital Service History

• Audi Digital Service Schedule

• Volkswagen Group DSR

• Land Rover Online Service History

• Toyota Service Portal

• Ford, Mazda, Hyundai, Kia and others

These systems store information uploaded by authorised dealers, such as:

• Service dates

• Mileage

• Type of service

• Dealer details

• Notes on maintenance completed

These records are reliable — but only show servicing done within the dealership network.

3. What Service History Is Not Stored Online?

Large portions of UK service history are not online, including:

❌ Independent garage servicing

Most independents do not upload to manufacturer systems.

❌ Older servicing before digital records existed

Paper-only records remain offline unless manually requested.

❌ Services carried out abroad

Not all countries share data with UK dealer systems.

❌ Missed or forgotten uploads

Dealers occasionally fail to submit digital entries.

❌ Lost or discarded invoices

If a previous owner did not keep paperwork, the record will not appear online anywhere.

This is why so many vehicles — even those well maintained — appear to have “gaps”.

4. Can You Check All Your Service History Online Yourself?

✔ You can request digital servicing from any authorised dealer.

They can print or email whatever entries exist in the manufacturer system.

✔ Some brands allow limited access through owner apps.

For example: MyBMW, MyAudi, MyT from Toyota.

❌ You cannot view full service history online using a registration or VIN.

No public portal offers this.

❌ You cannot see independent garage servicing online.

Only the garage that performed the work holds those records.

5. Why Isn’t All Service History Digitally Stored?

There are several reasons:

• Garages use different, non-connected systems

• No national UK servicing database exists

• GDPR restricts sharing private customer data

• Some services never get uploaded

• Many cars were maintained before digital platforms existed

• Independent garages aren’t linked to manufacturer systems

Digital service history is helpful — but not complete on its own.

6. How to Get a Complete Service History if Not Everything Is Online

To build a full picture, you must go beyond digital systems.

This usually involves:

✔ Contacting dealerships

To retrieve digital entries and confirm any missing uploads.

✔ Contacting independent garages

To request copies of invoices, job sheets or service confirmations.

✔ Checking MOT mileage

To identify gaps in the servicing timeline.

✔ Rebuilding the full story with verified documents

Essential for buyers, sellers or warranty claims.

Doing this manually can be time-consuming and complicated — which is why many drivers use CarServiceHistory.co.uk.

7. How CarServiceHistory.co.uk Helps When Online Records Are Incomplete

We specialise in recovering service history that isn’t visible online, including:

✔ Dealership servicing

Digital service entries, warranty repairs, technical notes.

✔ Independent garage servicing

Invoices, job cards and written confirmations.

✔ Missing record investigations

We trace servicing that should exist and identify where it was carried out.

✔ Full reconstruction

Your history is compiled into a clear, chronological report.

✔ Evidence suitable for resale or warranty work

Because the information comes directly from the garages.

Most UK vehicles have gaps in their online service history — we help fill those gaps.

8. Summary: Is Service History Stored Online?

Only part of your vehicle’s service history is stored online.
To see the full picture, you need access to dealership data, independent garage records and any offline paperwork — or you can let CarServiceHistory.co.uk retrieve everything for you.