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Check MOT history

Check a vehicle's MOT status and history. Useful before buying a used car.

Applies to: England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland

Official links

Show links for:

Official source	Applies to
GOV.UK: check MOT history www.gov.uk/check-mot-history	England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland
GOV.UK: getting an MOT www.gov.uk/getting-an-mot	England, Wales, Scotland
nidirect: MOT certificate www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/mot-certificate	Northern Ireland

Runs driving theory and practical tests, approves driving instructors and oversees MOT testing in Great Britain.

Enter the vehicle's registration number in the GOV.UK MOT history service.
Check pass or fail results, recorded mileage and when the next MOT is due.
A vehicle needs its first MOT by the third anniversary of its registration, then every year. You can get it done up to a month (minus a day) early and keep the same renewal date.
Book the test only at an approved MOT centre, which shows the blue sign with 3 white triangles.

The vehicle's registration number (number plate)
The 11 digit number from the log book (V5C), if you want to see where each test was done

Driving or parking on the road with an expired MOT. The only exceptions are driving to a pre-booked test or to a repair.
Not checking the MOT history and mileage before buying a used car.