Advice
MOT certificate: How to check it online
MOT certificate is an important document to legally drive in the UK. Find out how to access your certificate and download it for taxing your car.
Words by: Nimisha Jain
Published on 17 March 2026 | 0 min read
What is an MOT certificate?
Each time your car passes its MOT test, the test centre issues you an MOT certificate. The certificate confirms that your car is roadworthy and complies with the safety standards set by the DVSA.
If your car fails its MOT test, you’re issued with a VT30 ‘Refusal of an MOT Test Certificate’ instead. The certificate details why your car failed the test. Once you’ve carried out the required repairs, you can retest your car to get an MOT certificate.
If your car fails its MOT test, you’re issued with a VT30 ‘Refusal of an MOT Test Certificate’ instead. The certificate details why your car failed the test. Once you’ve carried out the required repairs, you can retest your car to get an MOT certificate.
What information is in an MOT certificate?
The MOT certificate contains details about:
• your vehicle such as the make and model, VIN number, registration number and the country of registration • the MOT test such as when and where your car was tested, the mileage recorded on the day, the MOT test number and the expiry date of the certificate
• your vehicle such as the make and model, VIN number, registration number and the country of registration • the MOT test such as when and where your car was tested, the mileage recorded on the day, the MOT test number and the expiry date of the certificate
Can I check my MOT certificate online?
Yes, you can check your MOT certificate online. Simply head to gov.uk and enter your car’s registration number and the 11-digit reference number on your V5C logbook. Once you’ve entered these details, you’ll be able to view, download and print your MOT certificate.
What happens if I lose my MOT certificate?
If you lose or damage your car’s MOT certificate, you can get a free replacement copy online on gov.uk. If you want a physical copy of the certificate, you can get one from an MOT centre which usually costs up to £10.
How long is an MOT certificate valid for?
An MOT certificate is valid for one year, so you need to renew your MOT annually.
You can renew your MOT earlier too. If you renew it up to a month minus one day before it expires, you get to keep the same renewal date for the next year. However, if you renew it a month or more before the expiry, your MOT’s expiry date changes to one year minus a day from the date the vehicle passed its test. For example, if your MOT runs out on 15th July 2026, and you renew the certificate on 16th June 2026, you can renew it till 14th July 2027 next time. However, if you renew your MOT on 14th June 2026, you must renew it by 13th June 2027 the following year.
You can renew your MOT earlier too. If you renew it up to a month minus one day before it expires, you get to keep the same renewal date for the next year. However, if you renew it a month or more before the expiry, your MOT’s expiry date changes to one year minus a day from the date the vehicle passed its test. For example, if your MOT runs out on 15th July 2026, and you renew the certificate on 16th June 2026, you can renew it till 14th July 2027 next time. However, if you renew your MOT on 14th June 2026, you must renew it by 13th June 2027 the following year.
Is it legal to drive without an MOT certificate?
Yes, it’s a legal requirement for all cars to have a valid MOT certificate to be able to drive in the UK. The only circumstances where you may be allowed to drive without one is if:
• you’re driving to your MOT test appointment • you’re driving your car to get it repaired • your car is less than three years old Remember, you can be fined up to £1,000 if you’re caught driving without an MOT.
• you’re driving to your MOT test appointment • you’re driving your car to get it repaired • your car is less than three years old Remember, you can be fined up to £1,000 if you’re caught driving without an MOT.
Can I tax my car without an MOT certificate?
No, in most cases you need a valid MOT certificate to be able to tax your car. The only time you don’t need an MOT to tax your car is if your car is less than three years old or if you have a classic car that’s more than 40 years old and you haven’t made any ‘substantial’ changes to it.
How to get an MOT exemption certificate?
If your vehicle is exempt from an MOT test, then you need to get a V112 ‘Declaration of exemption from MOT’ to prove that your car is exempt and to be able to tax your car.
You can download the V112 form from gov.uk. You should fill this form and carry it to the Post Office to be able to tax your car. If you drive a goods vehicle weighing more than 3,500kg, you should fill the V112G form instead.
You can download the V112 form from gov.uk. You should fill this form and carry it to the Post Office to be able to tax your car. If you drive a goods vehicle weighing more than 3,500kg, you should fill the V112G form instead.
Is the VIN number on the MOT certificate?
Yes, you can find your VIN number on the MOT certificate. You can also find the VIN on your car’s V5C logbook or stamped on your car’s chassis.
Do you still get a paper MOT certificate?
Once your car passes its MOT test, the certificate is automatically uploaded online which you can access at any point on gov.uk. However, if you want a paper MOT certificate, you should ask the test centre to give you a printed certificate.
What to do if there’s wrong mileage on my MOT certificate?
If the mileage recorded on your MOT certificate is wrong, you can get it corrected.
If your MOT test was within the last 28 days, you should take your car to the test centre and ask the test centre to update the mileage in their database. If your MOT test was more than last 28 days ago, you can report the mistake online on gov.uk. You’ll need the following information to apply online: • your driving licence number • the MOT test number • the date of the MOT • the vehicle’s number plate • the vehicle identification number (VIN) - also known as the vehicle’s chassis number • the make, model and colour of your vehicle You’ll also have to provide evidence that the mileage is wrong including what the correct mileage should be. You can provide an invoice for the MOT, an emissions printout, a service receipt or a vehicle job card from the MOT centre as evidence. Now that you know how to get an MOT certificate, find out how to use the certificate to tax your car.
If your MOT test was within the last 28 days, you should take your car to the test centre and ask the test centre to update the mileage in their database. If your MOT test was more than last 28 days ago, you can report the mistake online on gov.uk. You’ll need the following information to apply online: • your driving licence number • the MOT test number • the date of the MOT • the vehicle’s number plate • the vehicle identification number (VIN) - also known as the vehicle’s chassis number • the make, model and colour of your vehicle You’ll also have to provide evidence that the mileage is wrong including what the correct mileage should be. You can provide an invoice for the MOT, an emissions printout, a service receipt or a vehicle job card from the MOT centre as evidence. Now that you know how to get an MOT certificate, find out how to use the certificate to tax your car.