How do I check my MOT and tax status?

Enter your vehicle registration number in the search box above. Our system will instantly retrieve your MOT expiry date, road tax due date, and complete MOT history from official DVLA records.

Is the MOT and tax check really free?

Yes, checking your MOT and tax status is completely free with no signup required. You can also create a free account to receive automatic reminders before your deadlines expire.

Where does the MOT and tax data come from?

All data is retrieved directly from official DVLA and DVSA records. This ensures you receive accurate, up-to-date information about your vehicle's MOT and tax status.

Can I view my vehicle's MOT history?

Yes, when you check your vehicle, you'll see complete MOT history including all past tests, results, mileage records, and any defects or advisories from each test.

When do I need an MOT?

Most vehicles need an MOT once they're 3 years old, then annually thereafter. Your MOT must be valid when you tax your vehicle.

What happens if I drive without an MOT?

Driving without a valid MOT certificate can result in a fine of up to £1,000. Your insurance may also be invalid.

How do I renew my road tax?

You can renew your road tax online at gov.uk, by phone, or at a Post Office. You'll need your V11 reminder letter or V5C registration certificate.

What happens if I drive without valid tax?

Driving without valid road tax can result in a fine of up to £1,000. Your vehicle could also be clamped, impounded, or even destroyed.

Check MOT & Road Tax

Free Check, View History & Set Reminders

Enter your UK registration number to instantly see when your MOT and road tax expire, plus view complete MOT history.

Want automatic reminders? Create a free account and we'll send you alerts 60, 30, 14, and 7 days before your deadlines.

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MOT History

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How MOT and road tax checks work

Every registered UK vehicle has its MOT status, tax status, and MOT history held on official DVLA and DVSA records. When you enter a registration above, Autodue queries those records in real time and shows you the MOT expiry date, the road tax due date, and the full test history for that vehicle, including advisories, failures, and recorded mileage.

You do not need the V5C logbook, a reminder letter, or any account. Just the number plate. The check is free, takes about two seconds, and works for cars, vans, motorbikes, and HGVs.

What your MOT history tells you

Your MOT history shows every test the vehicle has ever had, pass or fail. Three things are worth reading carefully:

Advisories are items that were not bad enough to fail the test but will probably fail next year. Tyres near the legal limit and brake discs showing wear are the most common.
Defects are recorded at three levels: minor, major, and dangerous. Major and dangerous defects are automatic fails. Dangerous means the vehicle should not be driven away from the test centre.
Recorded mileage lets you spot clocking. Sudden drops or implausibly slow accumulation year on year are red flags, particularly when buying used.

Fines for driving without MOT or tax

Driving without a valid MOT can land you a fine of up to £1,000. If the vehicle is in a dangerous condition, the fine rises to £2,500 and you can be banned from driving. Your insurance is also likely to be invalid, which means a separate charge of up to £300 and six points on your licence even if you have a cover note.

Untaxed vehicles are picked up automatically by DVLA ANPR cameras. The standard penalty is an £80 fixed fine (halved if paid within 28 days), but repeat offences can lead to a court fine of up to £1,000 and your vehicle being clamped or impounded.

Set it and forget it with Autodue reminders

One-off checks are useful, but the real cost of missing a deadline is forgetting it entirely. Create a free Autodue account and we will send you push and email reminders 60, 30, 14, and 7 days before any MOT, tax, or insurance deadline expires, across every vehicle you own or manage. Cars are free forever, with no card required.

Frequently asked questions

How do I check my MOT and tax status?: Enter your vehicle registration number in the search box above. Our system will instantly retrieve your MOT expiry date, road tax due date, and complete MOT history from official DVLA records.
Is the MOT and tax check really free?: Yes, checking your MOT and tax status is completely free with no signup required. You can also create a free account to receive automatic reminders before your deadlines expire.
Where does the MOT and tax data come from?: All data is retrieved directly from official DVLA and DVSA records. This ensures you receive accurate, up-to-date information about your vehicle's MOT and tax status.
Can I view my vehicle's MOT history?: Yes, when you check your vehicle, you'll see complete MOT history including all past tests, results, mileage records, and any defects or advisories from each test.
When do I need an MOT?: Most vehicles need an MOT once they're 3 years old, then annually thereafter. Your MOT must be valid when you tax your vehicle.
What happens if I drive without an MOT?: Driving without a valid MOT certificate can result in a fine of up to £1,000. Your insurance may also be invalid.
How do I renew my road tax?: You can renew your road tax online at gov.uk, by phone, or at a Post Office. You'll need your V11 reminder letter or V5C registration certificate.
What happens if I drive without valid tax?: Driving without valid road tax can result in a fine of up to £1,000. Your vehicle could also be clamped, impounded, or even destroyed.