How to check a used car from its number plate before you buy

Before buying a used car, a number plate alone will tell you more than the seller does. Three free government services — all usable before you ever meet or hand over money.

What does the MOT history show?

The MOT history service returns every past test: pass or fail, which parts failed, which had minor problems, where the test was done and when the next one is due. A registration number is all you need.

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The most valuable part is the mileage recorded at each test. It builds a ladder over years, and a wound-back odometer shows up immediately: if last year read 120,000 miles and the seller now shows 90,000, the conversation is over.

Depending on the manufacturer, the service also shows whether the vehicle has been recalled for a safety reason. You can download current and previous certificates, and the 11-digit number from the V5C log book lets you see where each test was carried out.

How far back does the history go?

Cars, motorcycles and vans from 2005. HGVs, trailers, buses and coaches from 2018. Northern Ireland only from 2017, and certificates cannot be downloaded there.

How do you check the vehicle tax?

A separate service, on the same registration number, shows whether the vehicle has up-to-date tax or is registered as off the road under a SORN. It also gives the tax rate for that vehicle, though the rate needs the 11-digit V5C reference.

Allow for a delay: if tax or a SORN was arranged very recently, records can take up to two working days to update.

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What else does DVLA give for a plate?

The vehicle enquiry service shows the tax rate and expiry, SORN status, MOT expiry, the date of first registration, the date the last V5C was issued, year of manufacture, type approval category, weight, engine size, fuel type and emissions including CO2. Export status is included too.

What cannot be found from a plate?

Keeper details, current or previous, are not available online — you must write to DVLA. Insurance is not covered here; that is askMID, a separate service. Colour and scrapped status are not offered online either, and for colour DVLA directs you to contact them.

How to use this in practice

Take the plate from the advert and check everything before you meet. Compare the year, engine size and fuel type with what the advert claims — a mismatch is a question worth asking. Read the mileage year by year. Check the car has not been declared off the road or exported. At the viewing, match the 11-digit number on the V5C: if the seller will not show the log book, there is nothing further to discuss.

Checked against GOV.UK on 27 October 2026.