Check MOT and tax for any UK vehicle.
Type a UK reg plate. We validate it, infer the registration era, and link you straight into the official gov.uk DVSA + DVLA checkers.
Check MOT history
Official DVSA service. Shows expiry date, full pass/fail history and recorded advisories for AB12 CDE.
Check tax status (VED)
Official DVLA vehicle enquiry. Shows tax-disc expiry, SORN status, CO₂ emissions and tax band.
We don't store or transmit your reg plate. Both gov.uk services are free, public and the authoritative source for MOT and tax status — anything else (paid HPI / data checks) builds on these same DVLA records.
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How it works
When does a car need its first MOT?
Cars and motorcycles need their first MOT on the third anniversary of first registration. After that, annually. Some classic and historic vehicles (over 40 years old) are exempt.
Driving without a valid MOT
Illegal except to drive to a pre-booked MOT test. Penalty is up to £1,000 (£2,500 if the vehicle is in a dangerous condition) and the insurance is normally invalidated. ANPR cameras flag expired MOTs automatically.
You can MOT a month early
You can have an MOT done up to one month minus a day before the current MOT expires and keep the same renewal date. Helpful for spreading the cost — and avoiding a panic the day before expiry.
The cost is capped
DVSA caps MOT fees: £54.85 for a car, £29.65 for a motorcycle. Garages can charge less but never more. Watch out for upselling on advisories — they don't need to be fixed unless they're classified Major or Dangerous.
Tax (VED) is separate from MOT
Vehicle tax (VED) needs renewing annually (or 6-monthly). DVLA sends a reminder. You can't tax a vehicle that has no MOT or no insurance — both must be valid first.
Continuous Insurance Enforcement
Even when a car is parked off-road, it must either be insured or formally declared SORN (Statutory Off-Road Notification). Failing to do so means an automatic fine.