Check a car’s tax and MOT using its registration number. They are separate records: use the official tax checker for tax or SORN status, then review the MOT history for the latest test and past results.
Choose the record you need
Check tax or SORN → Check MOT history →
Both links open official GOV.UK services. Our own registration lookup is not live yet.
How to check tax and MOT together
- Get the registration from the car or seller.
- Confirm that the vehicle details shown by the official service match.
- Check the tax or SORN status and note the date shown.
- Open the MOT history and check the latest result and due date.
- Read earlier mileage readings and advisories before deciding what to ask.
Keep the two results separate in your notes. A car can have an MOT record while being off the road, and a tax check does not tell you whether all earlier advisories have been repaired.
Tax status versus MOT history
| Question | Which check helps? |
|---|---|
| Is the vehicle recorded as taxed? | Use the DVLA tax status service. Read our car tax check guide. |
| Is it declared off the road? | Check the SORN result. See the SORN checker guide. |
| When is the next MOT due? | Read the official MOT record and confirm the current result. |
| What did previous tests find? | Read past failures, advisories and mileage in the MOT history. |
| Is there outstanding finance? | Tax and MOT records do not answer this. Read our finance check guide. |
Checking before a viewing
Compare the records with the advert before travelling. Write down any difference in the vehicle details, mileage or description. Ask the seller for an explanation and supporting paperwork instead of relying on a screenshot they have selected.
At the viewing, check the current odometer and vehicle identity. The record belongs in the wider picture alongside service invoices, repair evidence and the car’s condition. Use our car check guide for the full sequence.
Checking your own car
Save the expiry dates somewhere you will see them in time to act. If you have just completed a tax, SORN or MOT process, check the confirmation rather than repeatedly paying or applying because the public record has not yet changed.
For detailed next steps, use the official service linked to the specific record. A general vehicle check cannot resolve an application problem on your behalf.
Buying the car after checking
Do not assume a positive result means all arrangements for driving home are complete. Follow GOV.UK’s steps for buying a vehicle, and confirm the tax, insurance and MOT position for your own circumstances.
For physical checks, take the used-car buying checklist. If you are uncertain about a fault or repair, an independent inspection can help you decide whether to proceed.
Tax and MOT check questions
Can I check tax and MOT for free?
Yes. Use the free official services linked above. You do not need to buy a vehicle history report to read these records.
Does a tax check show every problem with a car?
No. It reports a vehicle status, rather than its mechanical condition or full history. Review the wider car history and inspect the actual car.
Why check the MOT history if the car has passed?
Earlier tests can help you identify questions about mileage, repeated advisories or repairs. The latest result alone gives less context.
Official references: DVLA vehicle tax checker, MOT history service and buy a vehicle. Reviewed 30 October 2026.