How do I check a vehicle's MOT?

For drivers and used car buyers who want to check a vehicle's MOT.

Applies to: England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland Last checked against official sources: 6 October 2026

You can check any vehicle's MOT online on GOV.UK using just its number plate.

The MOT status check shows if the MOT is valid and when it runs out.
The MOT history check shows passes, fails, mileage and what failed at each test.
In England, Scotland and Wales you can also download MOT certificates.
Car, motorcycle and van results go back to 2005.
You can sign up for free MOT reminders by text or email.

Different in Northern Ireland

History only goes back to 2017, you cannot download certificates, and reminders come by post.

Key facts

Only need the number plate
Shows expiry, mileage and fails
Car results back to 2005
Free text or email reminders

Two ways to check an MOT

GOV.UK has two checks. Both only need the vehicle's number plate (registration number).

Check	What it tells you
MOT status	Whether the vehicle has a valid MOT and when it runs out
MOT history	Pass or fail results, mileage at each test, what failed, and when the next MOT is due

In England, Scotland and Wales, the history check also lets you download current and past MOT certificates.

How to check

Find the number plate. You do not need the log book.
Go to the GOV.UK MOT history or MOT status service and select "Start now".
Type in the registration number.
Read the results. The history may also show if the vehicle has a safety recall, depending on the maker.

How far back the history goes

Vehicle	Results from
Cars, motorcycles and vans	Tests since 2005
HGVs, trailers, buses and coaches	Tests since 2018
Vehicles registered in Northern Ireland	Tests since 2017

Checking a car before you buy it

The history is a useful check on a used car. Look at the mileage recorded at each test. It should go up each year. Look at what failed and what was advised, so you know what may need fixing soon.

When an MOT is due in England, Scotland and Wales

A new vehicle needs its first MOT by the third anniversary of its registration.
After that, it needs one every year by the anniversary of its last MOT.
You can get an MOT up to a month (minus a day) early and keep the same renewal date. For example, if it runs out on 15 May, the earliest test that keeps that date is 16 April.
You can be fined up to £1,000 for driving without a valid MOT.

What an MOT costs in England, Scotland and Wales

Test centres can charge up to a maximum fee. There is no VAT on MOT fees.

Vehicle	Maximum fee
Car (up to 8 passenger seats)	£54.85
Standard motorcycle	£29.65

If your vehicle fails with a "dangerous" problem, do not drive it until it is fixed. You can be fined up to £2,500, banned from driving and get 3 penalty points.

Free reminders

You can sign up for free MOT reminders by text or email. You need the number plate and a mobile number or email address. Reminders come one month before a car, van or motorcycle MOT is due.

If you live in Northern Ireland

MOTs for vehicles registered in Northern Ireland have different rules and processes. The history check only shows tests since 2017, and you cannot download certificates. Text and email reminders are not available. You get a reminder by post 7 weeks before the MOT is due.

Related guides

Where this comes from

Get it done

This takes you to the official service, which is free to use.

Check MOT history

Common questions

What do I need to check an MOT?

Just the vehicle's registration number (number plate).

How early can I get an MOT?

Up to a month (minus a day) before it runs out, and you keep the same renewal date.

What is the fine for no MOT?

You can be fined up to £1,000 for driving a vehicle without a valid MOT.

Official sources

1.Check the MOT history of a vehiclewww.gov.uk/check-mot-history
2.Check the MOT status of a vehiclewww.gov.uk/check-mot-status
3.Get an MOT reminderwww.gov.uk/mot-reminder
4.Getting an MOTwww.gov.uk/getting-an-mot

Checked against GOV.UK on 6 October 2026

Ask about your situation

Please don't include your name, address, National Insurance number or health details. See our privacy notice.