Don’t buy the car without an MOT check
MOT Check (MOT certificate)
Get a FREE MOT check online at gov.co.uk. Don’t buy a car without checking the MOT certificate is genuine
Get an MOT check before you buy the car
Have you found a car you’d like to buy? Don’t do it! Not until you’ve checked the MOT certificate is genuine.
Get a FREE MOT check.
Compare the car’s details against the Original MOT history held by DVSA.
You’ll need the car’s registration (number plate) and make (manufacturer).
The MOT Check returns the following information about the car and its MOT’s going back to 2005.
- Vehicle make.
- Vehicle model.
- Date first used
- Fuel type.
- Colour.
- Test date.
- Expiry date.
- Test Result.
- Odometer reading.
- MOT test number.
- Advisory notice item(s).
What is the MOT certificate?
The MOT test certificate verifies a car has passed the MOT test.
Without a valid MOT certificate, you cannot:
- Drive on the road legally.
- Get car insurance.
- Get car tax.
The MOT certificate confirms at the time of the MOT test the car met the required road safety and environmental standards set by the DVSA.
When a car reaches three years old, it needs an MOT annually.
Passing the MOT test does not mean the car will remain roadworthy for the period of the pass certificate.
Replace a lost or damaged MOT certificate
If you lose or damage your MOT certificate, you can get a replacement MOT certificate from any MOT test centre.
To get a replacement MOT certificate, you’ll need the car registration number (number plate) plus one of the following.
- Original MOT test certificate number.
- V5C registration certificate.
SORN
If your car is temporary without a current MOT certificate or car insurance you can apply for SORN.
SORN allows you to take legally the car off the road and avoid having to insure the car and pay car tax.
An MOT does not guarantee the mechanical condition of a car
The MOT test looks at essential items on your car to check they meet the minimum legal requirements at the time of the test.
You should be aware that the MOT certificate is not a guarantee of the general mechanical condition of a vehicle.
Useful links
MOT test certificate sample (VT20)
Car parts checked in the MOT test
Buying a car
Other Young Car Driver information – buying a car
V5C Vehicle Registration Certificate (Logbook)
Don't even think about buying a car without a valid V5C...
