Free UK MOT check

Check a car's MOT status before you buy.

A current MOT is only the starting point. Reviewing previous tests can reveal recurring advisories, mileage changes and maintenance patterns that are useful when assessing a used car.

UK registration lookupMOT & tax contextBuyer-focused reports

What an MOT check can tell you

A vehicle's MOT record can show whether it currently has a valid test, when the test expires, previous pass and fail results, recorded mileage and advisory or defect information where available.

Why previous MOTs matter

Repeated advisories can point to work that may have been postponed, while the mileage recorded at each test gives you another reference point when checking whether the odometer history looks consistent.

An MOT is not a full history check

A valid MOT does not confirm that a car is free from finance, theft, insurance write-off or salvage history. Use the MOT record as one part of a broader pre-purchase check.

How to use this information

MyPlateCheck combines available vehicle data into buyer-focused checks. Data can contain omissions or recording errors, so use it alongside the V5C, VIN, service history, seller evidence and a physical inspection. Resolve material inconsistencies before paying for a vehicle.

Questions buyers ask

Useful answers before you check.

Can I check an MOT using only the registration?+

Yes. A UK registration is normally enough to retrieve the vehicle's available MOT information.

Does an MOT check show outstanding finance?+

No. Finance is a separate history check and is not part of the MOT record.

Can MOT mileage help spot clocking?+

It can help identify inconsistencies because mileage is recorded at MOT tests, but it should be considered alongside other mileage records and the vehicle's condition.

Start with the registration

Check the vehicle before you commit.

Run the free vehicle lookup first, then choose deeper history checks if the purchase needs them.