Do I need a physical MOT certificate anymore?

No, MOT certificates are stored digitally in the UK. Authorities like the police and DVLA can check your MOT status online, so a paper copy isn’t required by law, but you may still want one for your own records.

Can I print my MOT certificate for free?

Yes, you can download and print your MOT certificate for free from the official GOV.UK website, as long as you have the required vehicle details.

What information do I need to download my MOT certificate?

You’ll need your vehicle registration number and either the 11-digit V5C logbook reference number or the 12-digit MOT test number to access and print the certificate.

Can a garage reprint my MOT certificate for me?

Yes, any MOT test centre can provide a replacement certificate, although they may charge a small fee (usually up to £10).

Printing your MOT Certificate at Home

Lost your MOT certificate? Don’t worry - you’re not alone. The good news is that in the UK, you don’t actually need the original paper copy anymore, and if you do want one, it’s quick and easy to print at home.

Do you still need an MOT Certificate?
What you’ll need before you start
Step-by-Step Guide
What if you’ve lost your Logbook?
Final Thoughts
FAQs

woman looking at paperwork in front of a laptop at a desk

Do you still need an MOT Certificate?

First things first: MOT certificates are now digitally stored. This means garages, the police, and the DVLA can check your MOT status online using your registration number.

So technically, you don’t need a printed copy. However, you might still want one for:

Personal records
Selling your car
Peace of mind

Person handing over paperwork and pen to be signed

What You’ll Need Before you Start

To print your MOT certificate, you’ll need:

Your vehicle registration number
Either the 11-digit V5C logbook reference number or the 12-digit MOT test number
A printer (or the ability to save as a PDF)

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Print your MOT Certificate

Go to the official GOV .UK website and head to the official MOT history service.
Enter your Vehicle Details and input your registration number to access your vehicle’s MOT history.
Select the Relevant MOT Test and you’ll see a list of past MOT tests. Choose the one you want to print.
View the Certificate and click on the option to view or print the certificate
Print or Save as from here you can either print it directly or save it as a PDF for later

Can you get a Replacement from a Garage?

Yes. If you prefer, you can visit any MOT test centre and ask for a replacement certificate. They may charge a small fee (usually up to £10).

Close up of a V5 Log Book to Tax Your Car

What if you’ve Lost your Logbook?

You can still access your MOT certificate using the MOT test number, which is printed on previous certificates.

If you don’t have that either, you can still check your MOT status online - but you may not be able to download the full certificate without additional details.

Is a Printed MOT Certificate Official?

Yes. A printed copy from the GOV .UK website is considered valid. It contains all the same details as the original, including:

Vehicle information
Test date and expiry
MOT test number
Pass or fail result

Final Thoughts on MOT Certificate Printing

Printing your MOT certificate at home is simple, free, and only takes a few minutes. While it’s no longer essential to carry a paper copy, having one can still be useful - especially when selling your car or keeping records organised. As long as you have the right details, you’re just a few clicks away from getting your certificate back in hand.

How to Print your MOT Certificate at Home