How to Check a Car's MOT History for Free

Checking a car's MOT history is free and takes less than a minute if you have the vehicle's registration number. You can see every recorded MOT result, the mileage at each test, and any advisory or failure items, going back as far as the DVSA's digital records allow. This guide walks you through the process step by step, so you know exactly what to do and what to look for.

What do I need before I start?

You need the vehicle's registration number. That is the only piece of information required. You do not need the V5C logbook, the current MOT certificate, or any personal details. If you are checking a car you are thinking of buying, the seller should be happy to give you the registration before you visit. If they hesitate, treat that as a warning sign.

You might also find it useful to have a note of the current mileage shown on the dashboard, so you can compare it with the last recorded MOT reading. This is the quickest way to spot a potential clocking issue.

Where do I go to check MOT history?

You have two main options: the GOV.UK MOT history service, or a third-party site like this one that pulls from the same official DVSA data. Both are free. The difference is convenience and presentation.

On GOV.UK, you enter the registration and are shown a summary of the current MOT status and the full test history. On this site, you get the same official data but in a format that is easier to scan, especially if you are comparing several cars. You also get the tax status alongside the MOT information, which saves you a separate check.

For a straightforward MOT history check, either route works. The data behind both is identical because it comes from the DVSA's MOT History API.

Step-by-step: how to run the check

Follow these steps in order:

1. Find the registration number. It is on the number plates, the V5C, and usually on the dashboard or door sill.
2. Go to the MOT history check page on this site or on GOV.UK.
3. Enter the registration exactly as it appears on the plate, including the space in the middle if there is one. For example, AB12 CDE.
4. Complete any captcha or verification if prompted. This is to prevent automated abuse of the service.
5. Click the button to check. The results should appear within a few seconds.

If you are checking a car you have not bought yet, do this before you make an offer. The results can reveal a history of failures, long gaps between tests, or mileage discrepancies that you would not otherwise know about.

What appears in the results, and in what order?

The results page is split into two main sections. The first section shows the vehicle's current status:

• Make and model
• Colour
• Fuel type
• Engine size
• CO2 emissions
• Date of first registration
• Current MOT expiry date (if any)
• Current tax status and due date

The second section shows the full MOT history, with the most recent test at the top. Each entry includes:

• The date of the test
• The odometer reading at the time
• The result (Pass, Pass with advisories, or Fail)
• The MOT test number
• Any advisory or failure items listed in plain text

You will also see the name of the testing station, although this is sometimes anonymised on third-party sites. The history is presented in reverse chronological order, so the newest test is always first.

How far back do the records go?

The DVSA's computerised MOT records generally start around 2005. If you are checking a car registered before that date, you will only see tests from 2005 onwards. The car may have had MOTs before then, but those paper records were not transferred to the digital system.

For a car first registered in, say, 1998, you might see a gap between 1998 and 2005. That is not a sign that the car was off the road. It simply means the earlier tests were not recorded electronically. Do not assume the worst if you see a gap for an older vehicle.

For cars registered after 2005, you should see a continuous record of every MOT, assuming the car was tested each year. A gap in the record for a newer car is more concerning and could mean the car was driven without a valid MOT or was off the road.

What do the different results mean?

Each MOT test will show one of three outcomes:

• Pass – the car met the minimum legal standards at the time of the test.
• Pass with advisories – the car passed, but the tester noted items that may need attention in the future. These are not failures, but they are worth reading carefully.
• Fail – the car did not meet the standards. The reasons for failure will be listed, along with any advisories.

You might also see a result of 'Minor defects' on newer records. This is still a pass. The categories are explained in more detail in our guide to understanding MOT results, but for the purpose of a history check, focus on the overall result and the advisory text.

Can I check a car I do not own yet?

Yes. There is no restriction on checking a vehicle's MOT history. You do not need to be the registered keeper. This is one of the most useful checks you can do before buying a used car from a private seller or a dealer.

When you are viewing a car, ask the seller for the registration and run the check on your phone while you are there. Compare the mileage on the dashboard with the last recorded MOT reading. If the current mileage is lower than a previous reading, the odometer has been tampered with or replaced. That is a serious red flag.

You should also look at the pattern of MOT results. A car that has failed repeatedly on the same item, such as corrosion or emissions, may need expensive work soon. A car that has passed every year with no advisories is a better bet, although not a guarantee.

What if no record appears?

If you enter a registration and no MOT history comes up, there are a few possible reasons:

• The registration may be wrong. Double-check the characters, especially if the plate uses a font where 0 and O or I and 1 look similar.
• The vehicle may be exempt from MOT, such as a classic car over 40 years old that has not been substantially modified.
• The vehicle may have been off the road for a long time and not tested since the digital records began.
• The vehicle may be a new car that has not yet reached its first MOT. A new car needs its first test on the third anniversary of registration.

If you are buying the car and no record appears, ask the seller to explain. If the car is over three years old and has no MOT history at all, it is almost certainly not roadworthy or has been stored for many years. Proceed with caution.

How do I save or screenshot the result?

If you are checking a car before buying it, save a copy of the results for your records. The simplest way is to take a screenshot on your phone. On most phones, press the power and volume down buttons at the same time. On an iPhone, press the side button and volume up.

You can also print the page to a PDF. On a computer, press Ctrl+P (or Cmd+P on a Mac) and choose 'Save as PDF' as the destination. This gives you a clean, shareable document.

If you are buying from a dealer, ask them to confirm the MOT history in writing. If you are buying privately, keep the screenshot and any correspondence about the car. It will not protect you from every problem, but it is evidence of what you were shown before purchase.

Finally, remember that the MOT history is a snapshot of the car's condition at each annual test. It does not tell you about accidents, outstanding finance, or whether the car has been stolen. For a full picture before you hand over money, run a combined MOT and tax check and consider additional checks for write-off status and finance.