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Instant DVSA MOT status

MOT Checker — Check MOT Status by Reg

Enter any UK registration to instantly check a car's MOT status — whether it's valid, when it expires, and the latest test result. Free, no sign-up, straight from official DVSA records.

UK

Free, instant, official DVSA data — no account needed.

DVSA Records

Official source

Instant

Real-time lookup

Expiry Date

Know when it's due

Free

No sign-up

What the MOT Checker Shows

One registration lookup tells you everything you need to know about a car's current MOT standing.

Valid or Expired

See at a glance whether the vehicle currently holds a valid MOT certificate — the single fact that decides if it's legal to drive.

Exact Expiry Date

The precise date the current MOT runs out, so you can book the next test in good time and never drive on a lapsed certificate.

Latest Test Result

The outcome of the most recent MOT — pass or fail — plus any advisories or defects the tester recorded at that inspection.

Outstanding Advisories

Issues flagged at the last test that still need watching, from worn tyres to corroded brake pipes — useful before you buy or drive.

Recorded Mileage

The odometer reading logged at the last MOT, a reliable anchor for spotting clocking when compared with the seller's figure.

Full History Link

Need more than the current status? Jump straight to the complete MOT history — every test since 2005 — for the same registration.

Why Check a Car's MOT Status?

Before you drive

Driving without a valid MOT risks a £1,000 fine and usually voids your insurance. A 10-second check confirms you're road-legal.

Before you tax it

You cannot tax a car in the UK without a valid MOT. Confirm the MOT is current before you try to renew vehicle tax.

Before you buy

A used car advertised as 'MOT'd' should have the expiry date to prove it. Verify the seller's claim against the official record first.

Want the full record instead? Run a complete MOT history check to see every test since 2005.

MOT Checker — FAQ

Common questions about checking a car's MOT status.

How do I check if a car has a valid MOT?
Enter the car's registration number in the MOT checker above. It queries the official DVSA database in real time and shows whether the vehicle currently has a valid MOT, the exact expiry date, and the result of its most recent test. It is free, instant, and needs no sign-up or payment.
When is my MOT due?
Your MOT is due one year after the date of your last MOT pass, or three years after first registration for a brand-new car. The MOT checker shows the precise expiry date for any UK vehicle by registration, so you know exactly when the next test is needed before the certificate runs out.
Is it illegal to drive without an MOT?
Yes. Driving a car without a valid MOT is an offence and can mean a fine of up to £1,000. Your insurance is typically invalid too, and if the vehicle is in a dangerous condition the fine rises to £2,500 with three penalty points. The only exception is driving to a pre-booked MOT test. Checking MOT status first takes seconds.
What's the difference between an MOT checker and an MOT history check?
An MOT checker answers the current question — is the MOT valid right now and when does it expire. An MOT history check shows the full record: every test since 2005, all mileage readings, advisories and failures. Use the checker to confirm status before driving or taxing a car, and the history check to assess a used car before buying.
Can I check the MOT status of any car?
Yes. You can check the MOT status of any UK-registered vehicle — you do not need to be the owner. This is useful when buying a used car, before taxing a vehicle (which requires a valid MOT), or to confirm your own car is road-legal. Records cover cars, vans and motorcycles tested in England, Scotland and Wales.

Check a Car's MOT Now

Enter any UK registration to see its MOT status, expiry date and latest result — free and instant.

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More free checks before you buy

Run any of these on a UK car by registration — most are free to start.

Full Car Check

MOT, mileage, tax and spec by reg — the free starting point.

MOT History Check

Every test, advisory and failure on the DVSA record — free.

DVLA Vehicle Check

The DVLA registration record and DVSA MOT history in one search.

Car Import Check

No free import marker exists — how to read the four indicators instead.

Mileage / Clocking Check

Spots odometer rollbacks and implausible jumps across MOTs.

MOT Failure History

Pass-rate and recurring-failure patterns from MOT history.

Outstanding Finance

Why unpaid finance can cost you the car — and how to verify.

Stolen Car Check

The warning signs of a stolen vehicle before you pay a deposit.

Write-Off Check

Cat A/B/S/N explained and what a write-off means for buyers.

Cat S / Cat N Check

Insurance write-off categories explained — is it worth buying?

HPI Check Alternative

What each check covers and costs — an honest price comparison.

Car Tax Check

Tax status, due date and SORN by registration — free.

Insurance Group Check

The 1–50 insurance group for any model — what it will cost to cover.

Is My Car Insured?

How to confirm a car's insurance status before you drive it away.

Car Tax Calculator

Estimate the annual VED road tax for any car by reg or spec.

Car Recall Check

Check DVSA safety recalls for the make and model, free.

Selling Your Car

See the record a buyer will pull on your reg — before they pull it.

Service History: Who Holds It

No site can look one up. Who really has the record, by make.

Used Car Buying Checklist

The full step-by-step checklist before you buy a used car.

Buying a Cat S / Cat N Car

Is a write-off worth it? The honest costs, risks and decision rule.

Check Finance Before Buying

Why there's no free finance check — and how to verify before you pay.

What Does HPI Clear Mean?

Why an 'HPI clear' result does NOT mean accident-free.

How to Spot a Clocked Car

The tell-tale signs of mileage fraud before you buy.

What Is a Cat S Car?

Category S write-off meaning — structural damage, explained.

What Is a Cat N Car?

Category N write-off meaning — and why 'non-structural' isn't 'minor'.

MOT status data sourced from the official DVSA MOT history API.