Check MOT and Tax - Free MOT & Tax Status Check

Yes. Our combined check is completely free. Enter a UK registration number and you will instantly see whether the vehicle has a valid MOT certificate, when it expires, and the current tax (VED) status — all from official DVSA and DVLA data. There is no charge, no account required, and no limit on how many vehicles you can check.

An MOT is an annual roadworthiness test required for vehicles over three years old. It checks brakes, lights, steering, emissions, and many other safety-critical components. Car tax (also called Vehicle Excise Duty or VED) is a separate government charge for using a vehicle on public roads. A vehicle can be taxed but have an expired MOT, or have a valid MOT but no tax — both are required to drive legally. Our check shows you both statuses in one place.

Driving a vehicle without a valid MOT is illegal in the UK and can result in a fine of up to £1,000. Driving without valid tax can result in a fine of up to £80 (rising to £1,000 if it goes to court). The vehicle can also be clamped or impounded. ANPR cameras check both MOT and tax status automatically, so there is no hiding from enforcement. Always verify both before buying or driving any used vehicle.

MOT data is sourced directly from the DVSA and is updated in real time following each test. Tax status data comes from DVLA records and is typically updated within 24 hours of a payment or expiry. For the most authoritative data, you can also check the DVLA's own vehicle enquiry service at gov.uk, but our tool pulls from the same underlying source.

It is an essential first step. A valid MOT shows the vehicle passed a roadworthiness test — but MOTs only capture the condition at the moment of testing. Our full MOT history check reveals the pattern of past failures and advisories, which is a far more reliable indicator of overall condition. We recommend running the full history as well as the current status check before any purchase.