MOT History Checker
Check any UK vehicle's MOT

1.How the MOT history checker works

This tool connects directly to the DVSA MOT database, which holds the official records for every MOT test carried out in the UK since 2005. Simply enter a vehicle's registration number (number plate) and the tool will instantly display the complete MOT history for that vehicle.

You can use this service to check any UK-registered vehicle. The data shown includes:

• dates and results of all MOT tests
• current MOT expiry date
• mileage recorded at each test
• advisory notices issued during each test
• dangerous or major defects that caused a failure

The service is completely free to use. No account or sign-in is required.

How to use this checker

Enter the vehicle registration number in the search box at the top of this page and click "Check MOT". The registration can be entered with or without spaces — for example AB12CDE or AB12 CDE.

arrow_upwardBack to table of contents

2.What the MOT test checks

The MOT test checks that your vehicle meets road safety and environmental standards. MOT testers check over 40 components and systems, grouped into the following categories:

• lights – headlights, indicators, brake lights, number plate lights
• steering and suspension – condition, operation and security
• brakes – condition, operation, performance and balance
• tyres and wheels – condition, tread depth (minimum 1.6 mm) and security
• seatbelts – condition, operation and security
• bodywork – sharp edges, corrosion affecting structural strength
• exhaust system – condition, security and emissions
• windscreen – damage, wipers and washers
• registration plates – legibility and correct format
• horn – operation

Since May 2018, defects are categorised as Dangerous (immediate risk to road safety), Major (likely to affect safety or the environment) or Advisory (not an immediate failure but worth monitoring).

arrow_upwardBack to table of contents

3.Understanding advisory notices

An advisory notice is issued when a tester finds something not bad enough to cause a failure but that could become a problem in the future. Advisories are recorded against the vehicle's MOT history and are visible in this checker.

Common advisory items include:

• tyre tread depth approaching the legal minimum
• minor corrosion on bodywork or brake pipes
• brake pad thickness nearing replacement level
• slight play in steering components
• minor fluid leaks

A large number of recurring advisories may suggest deferred maintenance and is worth considering when buying a used vehicle.

arrow_upwardBack to table of contents

4.Mileage records and fraud

Every time a vehicle has its MOT test, the mileage shown on the odometer is recorded and stored in the DVSA database. This creates an official mileage history spanning the vehicle's lifetime, making it much harder for sellers to commit odometer fraud (commonly known as "clocking").

When reviewing a vehicle's MOT history, check that:

• mileage increases consistently from test to test
• there are no unexplained large drops in recorded mileage
• the mileage shown by the seller matches the most recent MOT record

arrow_upwardBack to table of contents

5.MOT exemptions

Not all vehicles require an annual MOT test. The following categories are generally exempt:

• vehicles manufactured before 1 January 1980 (classic vehicles over 40 years old)
• new vehicles – not required until the vehicle is three years old
• vehicles that have a current SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification)
• vehicles used only for off-road purposes

arrow_upwardBack to table of contents

6.Buying a used vehicle

Checking the MOT history is one of the most important steps when buying a used car, van or motorcycle in the UK. It gives you an independent, government-held record of the vehicle's condition and usage over time.

Before committing to a purchase, use this checker to:

• confirm the vehicle has a valid MOT and when it expires
• review the full pass/fail history
• check for recurring advisory items that suggest ongoing problems
• verify the mileage history is consistent and has not been tampered with
• look for any dangerous defects noted in previous tests

arrow_upwardBack to table of contents

7.Other vehicle checks

DVSA and DVLA provide a range of other free online vehicle services:

open_in_newCheck vehicle tax status (DVLA)

open_in_newCheck for outstanding vehicle recalls (DVSA)

open_in_newMake a SORN – tell DVLA the vehicle is off the road

open_in_newFind an approved MOT test centre

arrow_upwardBack to table of contents