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When selling a car in the UK, one of the most common questions sellers and buyers ask is: does the MOT history transfer automatically? The good news is — yes, it does. The MOT history is tied to the vehicle, not the owner, and remains accessible even after a change of ownership.
However, there are a few important things to know to ensure the new owner has full access to the MOT record and that the sale goes smoothly.
The UK’s Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) manages MOT data. Each record is stored against the car’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and registration number, not the name of the owner.
This means when you sell your car, the MOT history automatically follows the vehicle — no manual transfer is required. The new owner can instantly check the full MOT history, including passes, failures, and advisories, using CheckMot.com.
While the MOT record is digital, it’s still good practice for sellers to provide physical or digital proof of:
This helps buyers verify that the vehicle has a valid MOT and understand any previous issues or maintenance trends.
Buyers should always perform an independent MOT history check before completing a purchase. This ensures the details match the seller’s claims.
To do this, the buyer simply needs the vehicle’s registration number. By visiting CheckMot.com, they can instantly view the car’s entire MOT record, including mileage, test dates, and advisory notes.
This level of transparency builds trust between buyer and seller and helps avoid disputes later.
If the seller has recently changed to a private or personalised plate, the MOT history will still transfer. The DVSA automatically links the new registration to the same VIN, ensuring no records are lost.
However, it may take a few days for the system to reflect the updated plate. During this time, both the old and new registration numbers may temporarily show different MOT records.
A complete and verified MOT history increases a car’s resale value and gives potential buyers confidence in its condition. Missing records or inconsistent mileage can raise red flags and reduce offers.
By ensuring the MOT data is easily accessible and accurate, both parties can complete the sale with peace of mind.
1. Do I need to transfer MOT history manually when selling my car?
No. The MOT history is stored by the DVSA and automatically transfers with the vehicle.
2. What if the buyer can’t see the MOT history?
Ask them to use CheckMot.com and enter the registration number. If the plate was recently changed, the system may need a few days to update.
3. Does the paper MOT certificate need to be handed over?
Yes, it’s good practice to provide the latest MOT certificate, although all records are available online.
4. Can I hide previous MOT failures from buyers?
No. The MOT history is public information tied to the vehicle and visible to anyone checking it online.
When selling a car, the MOT history transfers automatically — but ensuring it’s up-to-date and transparent makes for a smoother, more trustworthy sale. Check or share your MOT record easily through CheckMot.com.