EU VAT guide
VIES consultation number
A VIES consultation number is an audit reference returned by the VIES approximate check flow when requester VAT details are supplied.
Why it matters
Finance teams often keep evidence that a VAT number was checked at a specific time.
The public VIES SOAP service includes a checkVatApprox operation that can return a requestIdentifier when requester VAT details are included.
MVP limitation
This free checker uses the standard checkVat flow and does not currently request consultation numbers.
Batch validation and audit-ready exports should be treated as a paid workflow after real demand is confirmed.
Validating VAT numbers at volume?
Join the batch/API list for CSV validation, retries, audit exports, and developer access.
Related VIES guides
- VIES VAT checkerCheck an EU VAT number in VIES and understand what the response means.
- EU VAT number validationValidate EU VAT IDs and learn when VAT checks matter for cross-border trade.
- VIES errors explainedUnderstand common VIES errors such as MS_UNAVAILABLE, TIMEOUT, and SERVICE_UNAVAILABLE.
- VIES service unavailableWhat to do when VIES or a national VAT registry is unavailable.
- Is VIES down?Check whether the VIES gateway appears reachable and learn what VIES downtime means.
- MS_UNAVAILABLE VIES errorUnderstand the MS_UNAVAILABLE VIES error and how to handle it.