How do I check an MOT in Northern Ireland?
Enter the registration number on GOV.UK’s MOT history service. For tests done in Northern Ireland it shows results back to 2017, with pass or fail, mileage and next MOT date, but cannot download certificates.
Last reviewed . The official sources it draws on, and the date each was read, are listed at the foot of the page.
What the check shows
GOV.UK’s MOT history service shows the past results of a vehicle’s MOT tests, including whether it passed or failed, the mileage recorded when it was tested and when the next MOT is due. You need the vehicle’s registration number. For tests done in Northern Ireland the results go back to 2017; for cars, motorcycles and vans tested in England, Scotland or Wales they go back to 2005.
What it does not do for a Northern Ireland test
GOV.UK lists some extras under tests in England, Scotland and Wales, not under Northern Ireland: downloading the current and previous certificates, seeing where each test was done and seeing which parts failed or had minor problems. For a Northern Ireland test it says you cannot download MOT certificates using the service.
Getting a copy of the certificate
If the MOT is still valid, you can apply for a duplicate certificate on nidirect; you cannot get one for an expired MOT. A replacement costs £10.00, you need the vehicle registration and the last four digits of the chassis or vehicle identification number, and it is an exact copy of the certificate issued on the day of the test. A vehicle with a Temporary Exemption Certificate cannot apply for a duplicate, because its expiry date has been extended.
Temporary Exemption Certificates
Some private cars are given a Temporary Exemption Certificate that extends the validity of their MOT. nidirect explains who gets one, says it is given automatically and that you will not receive a paper or digital copy. You can also check a vehicle’s MOT and tax expiry date on the Vehicle Enquiry Service, though that may take longer to update.
Booking, and buying a car
The Driver and Vehicle Agency runs the test in Northern Ireland, and nidirect lets you book, view, change or cancel your appointment online, or book by telephone. When you buy a vehicle there, nidirect says to make sure the last keeper passes on the test certificate, or you may need to apply for a duplicate.
Sources
- GOV.UK: Check the MOT history of a vehicleRead on 6 October 2026. What the history shows; results back to 2017 for Northern Ireland tests and to 2005 for cars, motorcycles and vans in England, Scotland and Wales; no certificate downloads for Northern Ireland.
- nidirect: MOT certificateRead on 6 October 2026. Duplicate certificates: for a valid MOT, £10.00, registration and last four digits of the chassis number, exact copy, none with a Temporary Exemption Certificate; the advice when buying.
- nidirect: A guide to booking your MOT/ vehicle testRead on 6 October 2026. Booking online or by telephone with the Driver and Vehicle Agency; Temporary Exemption Certificates; the Vehicle Enquiry Service may take longer to update.
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