Latvia (LV)
Latvian VAT Number Validation
Format, pattern, and MOD 11 checksum algorithm for LV VAT numbers
Latvian VAT numbers consist of 11 digits. Numbers starting with 4 are for legal entities, while those starting with 3 are for natural persons (date-based format).
Format vs. Active Validation
This checks format only, not if a VAT number is really registered. Use VatDB's API to verify is a number is really registered and active. VatDB checks official EU and national datasources.
Format Overview
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Country Code | LV |
| Format | 11 digits |
| Length | 11 digits |
| Example | LV12345678901 |
Regex Pattern
^LV[0-9]{11}$
Checksum Algorithm (Legal Entities - starts with 4)
def validate_lv_vat(number):
if number.startswith('LV'):
number = number[2:]
if len(number) != 11 or not number.isdigit():
return False
if number[0] == '4': # Legal entity
weights = [9, 1, 4, 8, 3, 10, 2, 5, 7, 6]
total = sum(int(d) * w for d, w in zip(number[:10], weights))
check = 3 - (total % 11)
if check < 0:
check += 11
return check == int(number[10])
# Natural persons (starting with 3) use date-based validation
return True # Basic format check only
Number Types
- Starts with 4: Legal entity (company)
- Starts with 3: Natural person (based on personal code)
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I verify a Latvian VAT number?
Latvian VAT numbers starting with 4 (companies) use weighted MOD 11 with weights [9,1,4,8,3,10,2,5,7,6]. Numbers starting with 3 are personal codes. Use VatDB's API for official verification against EU and national databases.
What does a Latvian VAT number look like?
A Latvian VAT number has the format LV12345678901 - 'LV' followed by exactly 11 digits. Numbers starting with 4 are companies, those starting with 3 are individuals.
How many digits are in a Latvian VAT number?
A Latvian VAT number contains exactly 11 digits after the LV country code. The complete number is 13 characters: LV + 11 digits.
What does the first digit mean in a Latvian VAT number?
If the first digit is 4, it's a legal entity (company). If it starts with 3, it's a natural person (individual/sole trader). The first digit determines the validation method.
Where can I check a Latvian company's VAT number?
Use VatDB's API to validate VAT numbers against official EU and national databases. Get instant verification with company information.
What's the difference between format validation and checking if a VAT number is active?
Format validation checks structure and checksum, not registration status. A correctly formatted number might be inactive or completely fictional. VatDB provides actual status confirmation.