Do I need to keep my old MOT certificates?
In the past, you needed to keep all copies of your MOTs.
Today, the DVSA keeps an electronic record of your MOT test certificate so it’s not essential that you keep them. The police can also access this electronic record if they need to.
If you know the registration number, you can check the MOT history of any vehicle on the road here.
Why should you keep your MOT certificate?
Even though MOTs are stored digitally, holding onto your paper copies is still useful:
- They show advisories that may need attention.
- They help build a clear service and ownership history, which buyers will want to see. Dealerships will not accept a trade-in car without a clear MOT history.
- They make it easier to track repairs, maintenance and previous test results.
A prospective buyer will also want to see the most recent MOT certificate as proof that the car was roadworthy at the time of sale. They may also want reassurance that any advisories have been addressed.
A paper certificate can also be handy for insurance claims or accident reports — though it’s not essential, as insurers can access digital records too.
How to get a replacement MOT certificate?
If you lose your paper MOT certificate, you can download copies of all old MOTs online.
To access old MOT certificates, you’ll need:
- Your vehicle registration number
- Your V5C logbook document reference number
You can access and download all your car’s old MOT certificates here.
You can also request a replacement from an MOT test centre. They may charge a small fee (usually around £10). You’ll need either:
- Your original MOT test number, or
- Your V5C document reference number
How long is an MOT certificate valid for?
An MOT certificate is valid for 12 months from the date of your test. You can renew your MOT up to one month (minus a day) before it expires, and your renewal date will stay the same.
Check your renewal date here with our handy MOT checker tool.
Can I drive without an up-to-date MOT?
In short: no.
If your car is over three years old, it must have a valid MOT to be driven on public roads.
The only circumstances during which you can legally drive any car on public roads with an expired MOT are to a test centre where you have an MOT test booked.
Without a valid MOT:
- You cannot renew your road tax, and therefore, your car becomes illegal to drive and park on public roads
- You may invalidate your insurance
You can easily book your MOT online at one of our hundreds of garages nationwide today.
05/26