Free EV Check

Enter a UK registration and get the official picture in seconds: make, colour and fuel type, tax and MOT status, the full MOT history with every advisory, and a mileage timeline that flags readings which go backwards. If the car is electric or hybrid, you also get battery warranty context and what to check before you buy.

Updated 2026-07-18 · The EV Pros editorial team

Free check against official DVLA and DVSA records. No sign up.

What this check shows you

The results come straight from two official sources, so there is nothing scraped or second-hand:

  • DVLA Vehicle Enquiry Service supplies the vehicle basics: make, colour, fuel type, first registration, tax status and due date, MOT status and expiry
  • DVSA MOT History supplies every MOT test since 2005: pass or fail, advisories, defects and the recorded mileage at each test

We plot the mileage readings on a timeline. A healthy car shows a steady upward line. Any reading lower than the one before it is flagged in red as a possible clocking warning, worth a closer look before you hand over money.

How to read the mileage timeline

Mileage should only ever go up. A flagged reading does not always mean fraud: testers occasionally mistype a number, and a replaced instrument cluster can reset the display. But it always deserves an explanation.

  • One odd reading that corrects itself at the next test is usually a typing error
  • A drop that sticks across later tests is the classic sign of a clocked car
  • Very low annual mileage on an older car is worth verifying against service records

If anything looks off, ask the seller for invoices and service history that back up the numbers, and walk away if the story does not add up.

Buying a used EV? Check the battery too

The MOT does not test battery health, and the battery is the most valuable component on an electric car. Two things protect you:

  • The manufacturer battery warranty. Most makers cover the battery for 8 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first, typically against dropping below about 70% of original capacity. This check shows the car’s age so you can work out what cover is left.
  • An independent battery health check. A garage with EV diagnostic equipment can read the battery’s state of health directly and tell you how much of the original range remains.

For any used EV outside its first few years, a battery health check before purchase is the single best money you can spend. It turns the biggest unknown into a number.

Assumptions and accuracy

Data comes live from official DVLA and DVSA records and can lag a recent test or tax change by a few days. Battery warranty terms are typical industry figures: check your manufacturer’s own terms for the exact cover.

These figures are estimates, not a guarantee. Last updated 2026-07-18.

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FAQs

Is this vehicle check really free?
Yes. The check uses the free official DVLA Vehicle Enquiry Service and DVSA MOT History services, and we pass the results on at no cost. There is no sign up and no card required.
Where does the data come from?
Directly from the DVLA (tax and vehicle details) and the DVSA (MOT history). These are the same official records the government services use. We do not alter the data, we only present it clearly.
What does a clocking warning mean?
It means a recorded mileage is lower than an earlier reading. Mileage should only go up, so a drop is either a typing error at the test station or a sign the odometer has been tampered with. Ask for service records that explain it before buying.
Do electric cars need an MOT?
Yes. Electric cars need an MOT from three years old just like any other car. The test skips the emissions and noise checks but still covers brakes, tyres, steering, suspension, lights and structure.
Does the MOT check the battery on an electric car?
No. The MOT does not measure battery health or remaining range. For a used EV, book a separate battery health check with an EV specialist so you know the true condition before you buy.
Why can I not find my vehicle?
Brand new vehicles, very recent registration transfers and some imported or Northern Ireland registered vehicles can take time to appear in the records. Check the reg is typed correctly, and try again later if the vehicle is new.

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