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DVLA Guide MOT Certificates

Your MOT certificate confirms that your vehicle, at the time of its test, (as far as can be reasonably determined without dismantling) met the minimum acceptable environmental and road safety standards required by law. It doesn't mean that the vehicle is roadworthy for the life of the certificate and isn't a substitute for regular maintenance.

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MOT Certificates

MOT Certificates Have Changed

The way information is held about MOT tests has changed. Records of test results are now held on a secure central database. This change hasn't affected your actual MOT test but it has affected the way you check the MOT history. All MOT testing stations have been connected to the central database. When your vehicle is tested at one of the ‘computerised’ testing stations your test record will be entered onto the new database and you'll receive a new style certificate (A4 size).

  • Computerisation of the MOT scheme
  • Information for MOT Garages and Testers Opens new window

About the new MOT Certificate

The new MOT certificate is your receipt for the MOT test. It shows the information that's held on the MOT database. The certificate is no longer proof of an MOT and shouldn't be relied on as such. Only the computer record can prove a vehicle has a valid MOT. Under the new system any recommended advisory work would normally be shown on a new Advisory Notice and will be given to you at the time of the test.

Note: The police may still require sight of your MOT certificate so please keep it in a safe place.

Check an MOT record here

The Need for an MOT Certificate

It is generally an offence to use on a public road, a vehicle of testable age that doesn't have a current test certificate, except when:

  • taking it to a test station for a test booked in advance
  • bringing it away from a test station after it has failed the test, to a place of repair
  • taking it to or bringing it away from a place where, by previous arrangement, repairs are to be made or have been made to fix the problems that caused the vehicle to fail its test

Even in the above circumstances you may still be prosecuted for driving an unroadworthy vehicle if it doesn't comply with various Regulations affecting its construction and use. Additionally the insurance may not be valid.

It is your responsibility as the vehicle owner to ensure that the due MOT test is carried out in time. Please use the peel off reminder sticker on the front of the MOT certificate and put it in a place where you'll be reminded of the expiry date, such as. the sun visor or the back of the tax disc holder facing inside the vehicle.

You should take your MOT Certificate with you when you apply for a new tax disc at a Post Office. This is unless the vehicle is not subject to MOT testing because of its age or type. If you have a new style MOT certificate you can choose to relicence your vehicle online.

Don't for get the police (not the band) are also entitled to see an MOT certificate for a vehicle that's required to have one.

A test certificate relates only to the condition of testable items at the time of the test and should not be regarded as:

  • evidence of their condition at any other time
  • evidence of the general mechanical condition of the vehicle
  • evidence that the vehicle fully complies with all aspects of the law on vehicle construction and use

Checking the Authenticity of an MOT Certificate

If you have reason to believe the certificate you have been issued isn't genuine please contact the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) MOT enquiry line on 08703 300 444. Calls are charged at the national rate.

Contact VOSA here.

Replacing Lost or Damaged MOT Certificates

If you have lost or damaged your MOT certificate, you can obtain a duplicate from any MOT Testing Station.

You'll need to provide the vehicle registration mark and either the original MOT test number or document reference number, shown on the V5C registration certificate issued by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency.

The maximum fee for a duplicate certificate for a car is £10.00.