Get MOT reminders

Sign up to get free reminders by text message or email when your MOT is due.

When you sign up you’ll get a reminder:

  • one month before your car, van or motorcycle MOT is due
  • 2 months before your lorry, bus or large trailer MOT is due

You can be fined up to £1,000 for driving a vehicle without a valid MOT.

You cannot use this service if you live in Northern Ireland - you’ll get a reminder by post 7 weeks before your MOT is due.

You can also use this service to view your current reminders or stop an MOT reminder.

Start now

Before you start

You need:

  • the vehicle’s number plate (registration number)
  • a mobile phone number or email address

Vehicle recalls

Your reminders may tell you if your vehicle has been recalled for a safety reason, depending on the manufacturer. You can also check if a vehicle model, part or accessory has been recalled.

Help with reminders

Contact the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) to get help with MOT reminders.

DVSA customer service centre
Telephone: 0300 123 9000
Monday to Friday, 7:30am to 6pm
Find out about call charges

  1. Step 1 Check the vehicle before you buy it

    You'll need the vehicle's registration number, make, model and MOT test number. You also need to see the V5C vehicle registration certificate (log book).

    1. Check the details you've been given match DVLA's information
    2. Check the vehicle's MOT history
    3. Check if the vehicle has been recalled because of a safety issue
    4. Check the log book isn't for a stolen vehicle
  2. Step 2 Buy and register the vehicle

    Once you've bought the vehicle, you have to register it. How you register it depends on whether it has a V5C registration certificate (log book).

    1. Find out how to register your vehicle
    2. Get a vehicle log book if you don't have it £25
  3. and Register for MOT reminders

    You must get an MOT for your vehicle every year once it's 3 years old.

    1. You are currently viewing: Get a reminder when your MOT is due
  4. Step 3 Insure the vehicle

    You must have insurance before you can use your vehicle on the road.

    1. Check if your vehicle is insured on the Motor Insurance Database
    2. Read about vehicle insurance
  5. Step 4 Tax the vehicle