Drivers can now print their MoT certificates at home, thanks to a new service being offered by the DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency).
In 2018, the DVSA issued more than 630,000 MoT certificate copies at a cost of £10 each, so the new system could save drivers upwards of £6 million a year.
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The system, which has already gone live, allows motorists to view, save and print any car, van or motorcycle MoT certificate issued after 20 May 2018. Certificates for buses, lorries and coaches will also be available online later this year.
Drivers who wish to use this service need to visit the DVSA website and enter both their vehicle’s registration number and the 11-digit reference number from its V5C logbook.
MoT certificates are required by drivers who either wish to tax their vehicle at the Post Office or change their vehicle’s tax class (e.g. not having to pay vehicle tax if you’re a driver with a disability or changing a vehicle’s engine size).
Although an MoT certificate is not required to sell a vehicle, some buyers would prefer to see it, along with the vehicle’s service history.
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Motorists who are unable to use the online service will still be able to get a copy of their certificates from any MoT centre, but this option will still attract a £10 charge.
Roads minister Jesse Norman said the move was “part of a Government drive to keep costs down for motorists and remove unnecessary barriers to getting out and about safely”.
Neil Barlow, head of vehicle engineering at the DVSA, added: “We want to make sure that motorists have the information they need to keep their vehicle safe to drive. The free copy MOT certificate service gives consumers choice and saves them time and money.
“The service will also help us to protect consumers by giving them a free alternative to businesses that charge for a copy MOT certificate online.”
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