Checking VED, insurance and MOT status for a car

With a classic car, it is very easy to overlook when an MOT test is due or that you need to tax or SORN the car, so here are some useful links to online services which could help you avoid difficulties with the DVLA or police.

Looking at getting a classic car?
If you are considering buying an MGV8 then two DVLA services are well worth using as checks: the MOT history enquiry and the V888 procedure.
MOT history & V888 procedure

Buying a vehicle: step by step guide
See the GOV.UK webpage. More

Did you know? vehicle tax and SORN can't be passed on when a vehicle changes hands
See a leaflet released by DVLA in February 2019 reminding people that the tax and SORN cannot be passed on selling a car. More

Updated: 190507
Posted: 160306
Vehicle Enquiry Service (VES) - an online service for checking the information held on its database for a vehicle. DVLA have made the entry webpage easier to use. The online report will tell you when your VED/SORN and MOT are due to expire. VES search & NEWS & V888
Motor Insurance Database or MID is a central database of currently insured vehicles. It is worth checking as mistakes have been known in recording the information provided by insurance companies. Take care. it can take 5 days for your insurer to update the MID. askMID search & MID concerns
Check the MOT history of a car - the GOV.UK website has a website where you type in the registration (VRN) of the car and up pops the report. It will show earlier MOT test results and the mileages at those dates.
MOT history search & guide & example of a report
Tax online - you will need either the 16 digit reference number from your renewal reminder, or the 11 digit reference number from your Registration Document and your vehicle registration mark (VRN or number plate). VED application
SORN online - you can declare a SORN on your car using the online service on the GOV.UK website. SORN application
MOT check service
Please note that the results of MOT tests carried out before the new computerised system was introduced in April 2005 are not held on the database.
Conditions of Use: You may use the GOV.UK site to obtain information about MOT tests on a vehicle in which you have a legitimate interest. For example, you are the owner, registered keeper or are about to buy the vehicle. The use of this site for other purposes is not authorised.