VIES Error

INVALID_REQUESTER_INFO

Invalid requester VAT information provided

What does INVALID_REQUESTER_INFO mean?

The INVALID_REQUESTER_INFO error occurs when you're making a "qualified" VIES request (including your own VAT number as the requester) and your VAT information is invalid or incorrectly formatted.

VIES offers two types of validation: - Simple validation: Just check if a VAT number is valid - Qualified validation: Includes your VAT number, creates an official record of the query

This error only occurs during qualified validations when your requester details are wrong.

Common causes

  1. Invalid requester VAT number: Your own VAT number is formatted incorrectly
  2. Wrong requester country code: Mismatch between country code and VAT format
  3. Expired or inactive requester VAT: Your VAT registration is no longer valid
  4. Non-EU requester: Trying to make a qualified request with a non-EU VAT number

Why use qualified requests?

Qualified VIES requests create an official audit trail. They're useful for: - Proving due diligence for zero-rated intra-EU supplies - Creating legally valid verification records - Tax audit documentation

Check your own VAT first

Before debugging the target VAT number, verify your requester VAT information is correct. Try validating your own VAT number through VIES to confirm it's valid and properly formatted.

How to fix INVALID_REQUESTER_INFO

1. Use a VAT validation service that handles qualified requests

VatDB supports both simple and qualified validations. We automatically format requester information correctly and can generate audit-ready verification records. We connect to multiple official EU and national databases for reliable validation.

2. Verify your VAT number format

Ensure your requester VAT number is correct. Don't include the country code in the number field if it's a separate parameter.

3. Validate your own VAT first

Before making qualified requests, confirm your VAT is valid by checking it against VIES.

4. Use simple validation if qualified isn't needed

If you don't need the official audit trail, use simple validation instead. It doesn't require requester information.

Qualified VAT validation made easy

VatDB handles both simple and qualified validations. We validate your requester information automatically, format VAT numbers correctly, and connect to multiple official EU and national databases. No more INVALID_REQUESTER_INFO errors.

Try VatDB Free

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between simple and qualified VIES validation?
Simple validation just confirms if a VAT is valid. Qualified validation includes your VAT number and creates an official query record useful for tax audit purposes. Only qualified requests can trigger INVALID_REQUESTER_INFO.
Do I need qualified validation?
For most purposes, simple validation is sufficient. Use qualified validation when you need official documentation of due diligence, such as for zero-rated B2B transactions within the EU.
Can non-EU companies make qualified requests?
No. Qualified VIES requests require a valid EU VAT number as the requester. Non-EU companies must use simple validation or work with an EU-registered entity.
How does VatDB handle qualified validation?
VatDB supports both simple and qualified validation. We automatically format requester information correctly and can generate audit-ready verification records for your B2B transactions.