How many seats does my car have?

The number of seats a car has is officially recorded on its V5C logbook and in DVLA vehicle records, and it should match the manufacturer's original specification for that exact model and trim.

A few things worth knowing:

• Seat count can vary between trims of the same model — for example, some versions of an MPV or estate may offer 5, 6, or 7 seats depending on configuration
• Officially recorded seat count affects insurance categorisation, and in some cases MOT requirements (such as seatbelt checks per seat)
• If a vehicle has been modified — for example, a van converted into a camper, or rear seats removed from a commercial vehicle — the recorded seat count should be updated with the DVLA to reflect the change

If you're buying a used car, especially anything advertised with an unusual seating configuration (like a 7-seater version of a normally 5-seat model), it's worth checking the officially recorded seat count matches the listing, since a mismatch can sometimes indicate an unregistered modification.