Free car check by registration
Enter any UK number plate to see the car's tax status, MOT history, recorded mileage, emissions and clean air zone compliance in one place.
What you'll see
- Tax status: taxed, untaxed or SORN, and the date tax is next due.
- MOT status and history: every test since the car's first MOT, with advisories explained in plain English.
- Mileage: readings from each MOT, with a warning if the mileage ever went down.
- Road tax cost: what the car costs to tax each year at current rates.
- ULEZ and clean air zones: whether you'd pay to drive in London, Birmingham, Bristol or be fined in a Scottish low emission zone.
Buying a used car? What to check
- Make sure the number plate, make and colour match the V5C logbook.
- Look for mileage that drops between MOTs, which is a sign of clocking.
- Read repeated advisories (tyres, brakes, corrosion). They show what's likely to need money soon.
Last reviewed 29 September 2026.
Frequently asked questions
›What does a free car check show?
Make, colour, fuel type, engine size, date of first registration, tax status and due date, MOT status and full MOT history (including advisories and mileage readings), CO2 emissions, estimated annual road tax, and whether the car meets ULEZ and clean air zone standards.
›Does a free check show outstanding finance or write-offs?
No. Finance, insurance write-off and stolen markers are held by private databases and need a paid history check. If you're buying a used car, we recommend one.
›Is it legal to check someone else's car?
Yes. Tax and MOT records are public. You don't need the owner's permission, and no personal details about the keeper are shown.