MOT Checker — Free UK MOT Status Check by Reg Plate

What Is an MOT Check?

An MOT check queries the DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) database to confirm whether a vehicle holds a current MOT certificate. The check returns the MOT expiry date, the vehicle make and colour, the manufacture year, and the most recent MOT test number. It is completely free and requires only the vehicle's registration number (number plate).

Why Check a Vehicle's MOT?

Checking the MOT status of a vehicle is useful in several situations. Before buying a used car, an MOT check confirms the vehicle is road-legal and reveals past test history — including advisory items and failure reasons. If you own a vehicle, a quick check reminds you of the expiry date before it slips your mind. For fleet managers, the tool allows rapid status checks across multiple registrations.

How to Use the MOT Checker

Enter the vehicle's registration plate in the search box above and press "Check MOT". Results appear instantly. You will see the MOT status (Valid, Expired, or Due Soon), the exact expiry date, the vehicle make, colour, year of manufacture, and MOT test number. To view the full MOT history including all past tests, advisories, and failure items, click "View Full MOT History" in the results card.

Is the MOT Data Official?

Yes. Our tool queries the official DVSA MOT History API, which is the same data source used by the government's own check service at gov.uk/check-mot-status. Data is updated in real time as tests are recorded by DVSA-approved test stations across the UK. We do not store personal data or vehicle registration numbers.

What Vehicles Can I Check?

You can check any UK-registered vehicle that is subject to MOT testing. This includes cars, motorcycles, light vans, and most vehicles over three years old. Vehicles exempt from the MOT requirement — such as vehicles manufactured before 1 January 1960 and certain agricultural vehicles — will not appear in the DVSA database and will return no results.

MOT Status: What Do the Results Mean?

A Valid MOT means the vehicle has a current certificate and is road-legal. An Expired result means the MOT has lapsed — the vehicle must not be driven (except to a pre-booked MOT test) until a new certificate is obtained. A Due Soon status means the MOT expires within 30 days; booking promptly avoids a lapse. If the check returns no result, the vehicle may be exempt, recently registered, or the registration may have been entered incorrectly.

What Happens If a Vehicle Fails Its MOT?

If a vehicle fails its MOT, a new certificate is not issued. The vehicle may still be driven to a pre-booked retest at the same or different test centre, but cannot be driven on public roads otherwise. Common failure reasons include tyre condition and tread depth, lighting defects, brake performance, windscreen damage, and emission levels. See our guide to the top MOT failure reasons for a full breakdown.

MOT Reminders — Never Miss Your Expiry

Set a free MOT reminder below. Enter your email address and registration plate, and we will send you a reminder email 30 days before your MOT is due. This is a free service and we will not share your details with third parties.

Set a Free MOT Reminder

Frequently Asked Questions