What Documents Do I Need to Take an MOT Test?

When you take your car in for an MOT test, you'll have to more than just drop it off and forget about it. You need to come prepared with the right paperwork and documents for the process to run smoothly. Depending on your vehicle, you'll need a few different things.

If your car is older than three years, it has to have an MOT certificate to drive on UK roads. And every year thereafter, you'll need to renew it. To get one, your car must first pass an MOT test.

The MOT test is a straightforward vehicle check that certifies your vehicle meets legal safety and emissions standards. Your MOT records will be kept on the government's MOT database, which anyone can use to track your car's history.

The duration of an MOT test varies slightly, though the inspector usually runs through the checklist in 45 minutes to an hour. To keep everything on schedule and ensure a frictionless process, you'll want to have all your documents in order ahead of time.

MOT Document Checklist for 2025

When you arrive for your MOT test, you'll drop off your car and have paperwork sorted before the inspector checks your vehicle. The good news is, it's a lot less than you might think.

Here's what you'll need to bring:

V5C logbook

Your V5C logbook is your vehicle's registration certificate. It contains the details of your car, including the make and model. It also includes details about the previous registered keeper if you purchased it on the secondary market.

You will need to bring your V5C logbook if this is your vehicle's first MOT test. If it's the first test since changing the number plate, you will also need to bring it.

You don't need to bring it for any following MOT checks unless you make any changes to the registration number that year.

Appointment confirmation

Everyone who gets an MOT test makes an appointment first. Based on availability, you'll have the option to choose a date and time that works for you.

You'll be able to keep your appointment confirmation on your phone. The assistant at the garage will be able to pull up your information on their end, and all you'll need to do is verify.

Current MOT certificate

First-timers won't have an existing MOT certificate. For those whose car has an existing certificate, past MOT information is saved into an online database. The MOT database is easily accessible, so your inspector will be able to access all your information about previous checks on their computer at the garage.

Still, it helps to bring a paper copy in case anything goes wrong with the internet connection. But it's really more of a nice-to-have.

You should also keep a paper record of all your MOT certificates regardless. If you ever plan to sell or trade in your car, you will need to provide the dealer, online buyer or private individual with a full rundown of its MOT history.

What else do I need before getting my MOT test?

Aside from documentation required for your test, you'll also need to consider a few other documents.

A valid driving licence

You aren't legally allowed to drive your vehicle to the test centre without a valid driving licence. This should be easy to remember since you carry it around when you drive anyway.

At the garage, they may also ask for your driving licence to verify your identity if it happens to be the first time you've visited them.

Current insurance policy

You cannot drive a vehicle in the UK without insurance cover. Not even to the MOT centre. If you're caught driving without valid insurance, you could face a fine and/or penalty points.

Before your inspector looks around your car, they will ask to see your policy paperwork. You probably keep a paper copy of this in your glovebox, so you shouldn't have to worry too much about it.

Vehicle service history (if available)

The garage won't ask you for your vehicle history. But having it on hand will be helpful if you fail your MOT test.

Your service history will help you compare past MOT test results with previous maintenance. This will help you identify any problems that may have arisen since the last check and give you an idea of how deep a repair job might be.

Can you get MOT without a V5C logbook?

If you don't have your V5C logbook, you should replace it immediately. You can do so online via the DVLA's 'get a duplicate logbook' service.

It's good practice to have a V5C as this is the document that proves you're the registered keeper of the vehicle. To prevent an issue (like losing your logbook and not remembering your VIN or chassis number), you should also take a picture of it.

If you can't replace your V5C in time for your MOT test, you don't have to worry. The inspector will probably be able to retrieve it from the garage's database. However, you should plan to wait a few minutes longer for the check than expected.

Where do I get an MOT appointment confirmation?

You might receive a booking confirmation for your MOT appointment via email, or you might not. Every garage is different. For every booking, the registration will go to the system regardless of whether you receive confirmation.

You can either save your appointment to a calendar, take a screenshot of your booking confirmation page or take note of it somewhere safe. This will help you double-check its accuracy in case the garage's booking systems go down.

If you have questions about your booking later on, you can call your MOT test centre. Its manager should be able to pull your information up.

Where do I find my current MOT certificate?

We recommend keeping a paper copy of your MOT certificate somewhere it won't get lost (like your glovebox). That way, you never have to worry about losing or misplacing it.

If you have to replace your MOT certificate (or you didn't have one to begin with), you can do so by visiting the government's 'replace a lost or damaged MOT certificate' page. This service is free of charge.

Want to learn more? These are the questions our customers ask us the most.

Are there specific MOT documents required for different types of vehicles?

There aren't any specific documents you need to bring for different types of vehicles. Regardless of what type of vehicle you have, the documents listed in this article apply to all MOT tests. If you're unsure what you need to bring for your test, it wouldn't hurt to call the MOT test centre just to be sure.

Can I use digital copies of the documents required for an MOT test?

The garage only needs your documents to enter accurate information into its system. Realistically, they can do this without you bringing any documents at all (most of the time). So yes — having digital documents should be fine. But we still recommend keeping a physical copy of all your important documents in your glovebox just in case.

What if I don't have all the required documents on the day of the MOT test?

The assistant at the garage will look up your information in their system if you don't have all the required documents for your MOT test. But this could mean you have to wait a few more minutes for your test. If something goes wrong with the system, it helps to have physical copies of all your documents with you.

Are there any specific MOT requirements for imported vehicles?

There is nothing different between an MOT test for a foreign car and one purchased in the UK. Either way, you'll need to have your car registered and insured to drive on UK roads. The documents listed in this article apply to all MOT tests. If you're currently bringing a car over to the UK, you may want to check with the dealer or private seller if there are requirements for imported vehicles besides the MOT.

Are there any specific MOT test requirements for electric or hybrid vehicles?

MOT tests for electric vehicles don't have any special requirements. Since they have a battery instead of an engine, the inspector will skip over routine tests (like checking the spark plugs, carburettor or oil filter) and replace them with electrical system and battery assessments. You'll still need to bring all the documents listed in this article — no exceptions.

Is there a need for special MOT documents if my vehicle has been modified?

Modified cars don't have any specific documents needed for an MOT test. However, you may need to be aware of the modifications listed in your official paperwork. This includes what type of tyres are fitted (as some modifications require special ones) and other details that might affect the inspection process. You can talk to your garage or read up on the government's modified motor vehicle requirements if you're unsure about compliance with roadworthiness standards.