What Is an MOT Certificate?

How do I print my MOT certificate at home?

After downloading, print your MOT certificate PDF on any standard printer.

Confirm it displays:

• Vehicle registration
• Test mileage and result
• Expiry date
• Advisory items
• Station ID

Printouts match legal requirements for:

• Insurance proof
• Private sales
• Registration and tax records

You do not need to request a printed version from a garage.

Duplicate, copy, or reprint, is there a difference?

These terms all refer to a single output:

A DVSA-authenticated MOT certificate, retrieved digitally or in print.

Format and wording do not affect its legal value. The content must match DVSA records.

Verify any printed or shared certificate using:

• The official GOV.UK MOT history service
• CarVeto’s MOT certificate check

Avoid third-party certificate issuers not linked to GOV.UK.

Do You Need an MOT Certificate to Buy a Used Car?

Buying a used car without an MOT certificate is legal in the UK but exposes you to financial, mechanical, and legal risks.

While not required for purchase, a valid MOT is essential to drive, insure, or tax the vehicle.

Is It Legal to Buy a Car Without an MOT?

A used vehicle may be sold:

• With or without a current MOT
• In any condition, including after a failed or expired test

However:

• You cannot legally drive it without travelling to a pre-booked MOT test.
• The DVLA will block any road tax applications.
• Most insurers will refuse coverage without a valid MOT.

Why Checking the MOT Certificate Matters

The MOT confirms legal roadworthiness at the time of the test. Reviewing the MOT:

• Reveals unresolved defects or repeat advisories
• Verifies mileage and test centre consistency
• Confirms if the car is immediately road-legal

CarVeto’s MOT check delivers real-time data directly from the DVSA.

How to Use the MOT Certificate in Price Negotiation?

If no valid MOT is available:

• Request a new MOT before agreeing to buy
• Reduce your offer based on expiry or defects
• Use advisory notes to justify repairs before sale

This helps prevent legal and mechanical issues post-sale.

Should You Ask the Seller for a Fresh MOT?

Request a fresh MOT if:

• The certificate is expired or near expiry
• The MOT history shows repeat or severe advisories
• There’s doubt about the car’s condition

A new MOT:

• Verifies legal road use
• Confirms repairs have been completed
• Enables insurance and tax setup immediately

Why Does a Valid MOT Certificate Matter for Driving and Insurance?

In the UK, a valid MOT certificate is required by law and by most insurance providers. Without one, you risk fines, driving bans, or denied insurance claims.

Road Legality Under UK Law

Cars over three years old must have a valid MOT certificate under the Road Traffic Act 1988. You can only drive without one if:

• You're heading to a pre-booked MOT test, or
• Driving to a garage for MOT-related repairs

All other use is illegal.

Enforcement uses:

• DVSA’s digital MOT database
• Police ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition)

Penalties may include:

• Fines up to £1,000
• Licence penalty points
• Vehicle seizure or prosecution

Insurance Validity and MOT Compliance

Most insurance providers require a valid MOT. Without it:

• Cover may be suspended or voided
• Claims may be refused, even for unrelated issues
• You may breach your policy terms

Insurers often check MOT status before confirming or settling a claim.

Verify MOT Status with CarVeto

CarVeto’s MOT check confirms:

• MOT status and expiry date
• Past failures and advisory notes
• Eligibility for tax, insurance, and road use

Results are pulled directly from the DVSA, ensuring legal accuracy and up-to-date data.

Read What is an MOT Failure?

Can You Tax Your Car Without a Valid MOT?

No. The DVLA requires a valid MOT to tax your car unless it qualifies for an official exemption.

DVLA Requirements to Tax a Vehicle

To process vehicle tax, the DVLA checks:

• Valid MOT logged with the DVSA
• Active insurance on the MID
• Accurate logbook (V5C) details

If MOT is missing, tax applications fail via:

• GOV.UK
• Post Office
• DVLA phone lines

Exemptions and Declaration Rules

Exemptions cover:

• Historic cars over 40 years old (unaltered)
• Pre-2015 electric vans
• Off-road/agricultural vehicles under SORN

To tax without an MOT:

• You must declare the exemption to the DVLA
• Insurance and registration must still be valid.

If you don’t declare the exemption, the DVLA will reject your tax request, even if you're eligible.

Check Tax Readiness with CarVeto

CarVeto’s MOT tool:

• Shows MOT status and expiry
• Flags expired or missing records
• Highlights exemption eligibility

Use it to confirm your car is ready before applying for VED.

Use our free DVLA Car Tax Calculator.