If you are buying or keeping a car, you must know about its tax and MOT status. MOT compliance makes sure a car is safe to drive and up to date tax makes sure you are too. To simplify and speed up this process we’ve put together a list of the top 6 websites that you can use to check a car’s tax and MOT details.

1. Motorscan
Motorscan is the way forward as regards quick and comprehensive car tax and MOT checks. By simply entering a vehicle’s registration number, you can access:
- MOT history, including past results and advisories.
- Tax status and expiration dates.
- Mileage records to identify discrepancies.
- Additional insights like past ownership and valuation.
UK drivers choose Motorscan as their go to platform for its intuitive interface and detailed reports. With its streamlined process, users can easily get at the critical vehicle details with a few clicks, saving time and effort. The accuracy of the platform ensures that you receive complete and updated information, and you won’t have to double check from other sources and deal with incomplete data.
Motorscan’s ability to offer a wider picture of the history of the vehicle, including a vehicle’s tax payment records, MOT compliance and mileage verification, makes it a must have for car buyers and owners. They take all the relevant information and put it in one place, whether you’re evaluating a vehicle for purchase or confirming the compliance of your current car. The level of detail and reliability is such that you have confidence in your decisions, making Motorscan a trusted partner to the drivers in the UK.
2. DVLA Vehicle Enquiry Service
Checking car tax and MOT details is free and completely reliable through the DVLA’s official service. By entering the car’s registration number, you can find:
- Current tax status.
- MOT status and due date.
- Road tax renewal dates.
This government platform is simple and is a trusted option for verifying key vehicle details. One of its greatest strengths is the ability to receive real time updates on MOT compliance and tax due dates so you know exactly when there are changes to your vehicle’s legal status. It also gives a peace of mind because it’s an authoritative source running under the service, hence accurate and reliable.
3. HPI Check
A well known platform for comprehensive vehicle history reports is HPI Check. Alongside its tax and MOT checks, it provides additional information, such as:
- Outstanding finance records.
- Whether the car has been written off or stolen.
- MOT advisories and past failures.
HPI’s services are not cheap, but their thoroughness makes them a top choice for buyers wanting that little bit of extra peace of mind. These comprehensive reports allow users to go deeper into a vehicle’s history, including outstanding finance records, theft reports and whether the car has ever been previously written off. This detail level helps make transparent and reduce the risk of buying an unwanted car.
HPI Check also points out other red flags such as mileage differences and outstanding MOT advisories that could lead to the buyer paying for repairs they didn’t know about. If you are buying a vehicle, and you need some reassurance that you are buying a vehicle that is not stolen, or hasn’t been written off, then the HPI report is absolutely worth the money and it gives you a degree of clarity and reassurance. HPI provides the power to its buyers, upfront addressing the main worries and aiding these to create educated decisions and stay clear of costly errors.
4. Vehicle Smart
Vehicle Smart offers free and premium tools for car tax and MOT checks. Through their website or mobile app, you can access:
- MOT compliance and upcoming test dates.
- Tax status and reminders for renewal.
- A vehicle health report with optional premium features.
Vehicle Smart is a popular choice because it's so convenient as a mobile app. It allows users to set reminders applicable to MOT and tax deadlines, thus ensuring one is not fined or suffering an issue of compliance. Its user-friendly interface and premium options provide drivers with more in depth vehicle health reports to keep them proactive about maintenance.
5. Car Analytics
Car Analytics provides free MOT and tax checks along with affordable paid reports for detailed vehicle insights. Their platform covers:
- Tax and MOT status at a glance.
- Past MOT failures and advisories.
- Additional data, such as mileage verification and accident history.
If you want a good trade off between price and quality, Car Analytics is a good choice. The reports on the platform are simple to understand and give you the information you need to make informed decisions. With Car Analytics, you get the essential details you need to make a safe and smart purchase whether it’s by verifying mileage records or checking for prior accidents.
6. FreeCarCheck
As the name suggests, FreeCarCheck offers basic MOT and tax checks at no cost. Paid options unlock deeper insights, including:
- Outstanding finance checks.
- Write-off and accident history.
- Mileage anomaly detection.
For fast, simple verification of a car’s basic details, FreeCarCheck is perfect. If you are looking for more detailed information, then their premium reports offer an affordable way to obtain more data, which makes them an excellent choice for budget buyers.
Final Thoughts
To drive safely and legally, a car’s tax and MOT must be in order. By keeping up with these requirements you not only ensure you remain safe from possible fines but also that your vehicle is compliant with the road and environmentally.
Of the many tools, Motorscan is a standout choice because of its comprehensive and user friendly approach. Because of its robust features, accuracy and ease of use, Motorscan is the perfect place to start for anyone looking for a quick, reliable vehicle check, taking out what could be a lengthy process. Motorscan provides the detail you need to make confident decisions about your car with detailed insights into a vehicle's history such as tax payment records, MOT compliance and more.
These six platforms will give you all the information you need whether you’re buying a used car or managing your current one. For the best in vehicle history checks and get peace of mind on the road, start with Motorscan.
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