Poland (PL)
Polish VAT Number Validation
Format, pattern, and MOD 11 checksum algorithm for PL VAT numbers
Polish VAT numbers (NIP - Numer Identyfikacji Podatkowej) consist of 10 digits with a MOD 11 weighted checksum.
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 | PL |
| Format | 10 digits |
| Length | 10 digits |
| Example | PL1234567890 |
Regex Pattern
^PL[0-9]{10}$
Checksum Algorithm (MOD 11)
def validate_pl_vat(number):
if number.startswith('PL'):
number = number[2:]
if len(number) != 10 or not number.isdigit():
return False
weights = [6, 5, 7, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7]
total = sum(int(d) * w for d, w in zip(number[:9], weights))
check = total % 11
if check == 10:
return False # Invalid number
return check == int(number[9])
Important: If the check calculation results in 10, the VAT number is invalid.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I verify a Polish VAT number (NIP)?
Polish VAT numbers use MOD 11 with weights [6,5,7,2,3,4,5,6,7]. If the check equals 10, the number is invalid. Use VatDB's API for official verification against EU and national databases.
What does a Polish VAT number look like?
A Polish VAT number (NIP) has the format PL1234567890 - 'PL' followed by exactly 10 digits. The last digit is the check digit.
How many digits are in a Polish VAT number?
A Polish VAT number contains exactly 10 digits after the PL country code. The complete number is 12 characters: PL + 10 digits.
What is a Polish NIP number?
NIP (Numer Identyfikacji Podatkowej) is the Polish Tax Identification Number. It's the 10-digit number used as the VAT ID for all Polish businesses.
What happens if the Polish VAT checksum equals 10?
If the MOD 11 check calculation results in 10, the VAT number is invalid. This is by design - valid Polish NIP numbers never produce a check digit of 10.
Where can I check a Polish company's VAT number?
Use VatDB's API for instant VAT validation against official EU and national databases. Get real-time verification with company information.
What's the difference between format validation and checking if a VAT number is active?
Checksum validation confirms proper format, not that the business exists or is VAT-registered. Businesses can be struck off or suspended. VatDB verifies actual, current registration status.