Check My Car Is MOT and Taxed — Complete Verification Guide
Both MOT and road tax are legal requirements. Here is how to verify both are current, what to do if either is missing, and how to stay compliant.
MOT and Tax: Both Required
A car must have both a valid MOT certificate AND valid road tax to be legal on public roads. Neither alone is sufficient. Driving with either missing or expired is a criminal offence and typically invalidates insurance.
How to Check Both in One Place
The DVLA Vehicle Enquiry Service at vehicleenquiry.service.gov.uk shows both in a single free check:
- Visit vehicleenquiry.service.gov.uk
- Enter the vehicle registration number
- Confirm the make — results show tax expiry and MOT expiry instantly
For a detailed MOT history (test dates, mileage, failure reasons), use the DVSA check at gov.uk/check-mot-history.
What Happens If Either Expires
MOT expired
Cannot drive legally. Insurance typically invalid. Fine up to £1,000. Can only drive to a pre-booked MOT test if insured.
Tax expired
Cannot drive or park on a public road. £80 fixed penalty (£40 if paid within 28 days). Vehicle may be clamped or impounded.
Both expired
Both penalties apply. Vehicle is also likely to be impounded if found on a public road.
Checking When Buying a Used Car
Before viewing any used car, check its MOT and tax status. A car with recently expired MOT may have underlying issues the seller cannot afford to fix. A car that has been SORN'd (no tax) may have been off the road for a reason.
Run a free MOT and tax check on VEHIXA to verify status instantly before viewing.