From DVSA records
Free car check
Enter your registration for a free check. See MOT history, mileage, recalls and likely ULEZ status. No sign up required.
What the free check shows
Data comes from DVSA. Records for cars, motorcycles and vans tested in England, Scotland and Wales go back to 2005. Northern Ireland tests go back to 2017. Recall info depends on manufacturers reporting to DVSA, so a blank result does not prove there is no recall. Tax status isn't on the report yet. Use GOV.UK’s free check vehicle tax service for that.
| Check | Source |
|---|---|
| MOT status and expiry | DVSA |
| Every MOT since 2005 (2017 in Northern Ireland): result, failed parts, advisories | DVSA |
| Mileage at each MOT, with drops and jumps flagged | DVSA |
| Outstanding safety recall | DVSA |
| Recall campaigns for the model | DVSA |
| Likely ULEZ standard (London) | Worked out from the DVSA record |
| Make, model, colour, fuel, engine size | DVSA |
| How the model does at its MOT | DVSA 2025 results |
Checks you have to pay for
This free check cannot show whether a car is recorded as stolen, has money owing on it, or has been written off. Citizens Advice says a private history check costs up to £20 and covers theft, finance, serious accidents, mileage and write-offs.
Insurance write-off categories
The insurer decides whether to write the car off. S and N cars can return to the road once repaired to a roadworthy condition. DVLA records category S in the log book, so ask to see it. A category N car can keep its old log book, so a clean one does not prove it was never written off.
| Category | Repair | Use |
|---|---|---|
| A | Cannot be repaired | Whole vehicle crushed |
| B | Cannot be repaired | Body shell crushed, other parts can be salvaged |
| N | Can be repaired (non-structural damage) | Can be used again once roadworthy |
| S | Can be repaired (structural damage) | Can be used again once roadworthy |
Free checks to make at the seller’s
These steps come from GOV.UK’s checklist for buying a used vehicle.
- Make sure the details match what DVLA holds.
- Check the MOT status and history.
- Ask for the log book and check for a DVL watermark.
- If the V5C serial number is between BG8229501 and BG9999030, or BI2305501 and BI2800000, the document might be stolen. Call the police when safe.
- Make sure the VIN and engine number match the log book.
Is the car insured?
askMID checks the Motor Insurance Database. It is free for your own vehicle. Checking another car after an accident costs £10. askMID says it will become Check Their Vehicle when its new service goes live, planned for 7 December 2026.
Questions
Is the check really free?
Yes. You get MOT history, mileage, recalls and likely ULEZ status. There is no sign up and no payment required.
Does it show outstanding finance?
No. This check does not show finance owing. Citizens Advice says a private history check costs up to £20 and tells you if the seller still owes money on the car.
Does it show if the car is stolen?
No. This check does not show whether a car is reported stolen. GOV.UK lists V5C serial ranges that might be stolen documents. Citizens Advice says a private history check, up to £20, tells you.
Does it show if the car was written off?
This check does not show write-off history. DVLA records category S in the V5C log book, so ask the seller to show it. A category N car can keep its old log book, so a clean one does not prove the car was never written off. Citizens Advice notes a private history check costs up to £20 and reveals if the car was written off, repaired and returned to the road.
How far back does the MOT history go?
Records for cars, motorcycles and vans in England, Scotland and Wales go back to 2005. Northern Ireland tests go back to 2017. A car's history starts at its first MOT or the start date, whichever is later.
Sources
- GOV.UK: Check the MOT history of a vehicle, read 25 Oct 2026
- GOV.UK: Check a used vehicle you're buying, read 25 Oct 2026
- GOV.UK: Insurance write-offs, read 25 Oct 2026
- Citizens Advice: Buying a used car, read 25 Oct 2026
- askMID (Motor Insurance Database), read 25 Oct 2026