A lost or damaged MOT certificate can be replaced free on GOV.UK with the registration and the 11-digit V5C number, or by any MOT centre for up to £10. Wrong mileage from the last 28 days is fixed by the centre; older errors go to DVSA's online form.
Checked 23 October 2026 against the DVSA MOT inspection manual
- Online replacement: Free (needs V5C number)
- At any MOT centre: Up to £10
- Mileage error under 28 days: Ask the test centre
- Older errors: DVSA online form
Replacing a lost certificate
A replacement MOT certificate can be obtained online for free if the original has been lost or damaged. The service uses the vehicle registration and the 11-digit number from the V5C registration certificate to locate the record. This online route provides a free replacement without the need to visit a test centre.
For cars, motorcycles and vans, a replacement can also be issued in person at any MOT centre, not only the centre that carried out the test. A fee of up to £10 may be charged for this service. The in person option allows a replacement to be collected directly from a centre.
Different arrangements apply to other vehicle types. HGV and trailer replacements use form VTG59 by post at a cost of £13. Public service vehicle replacements use form VTP6 at a cost of £10. These postal routes apply where the original certificate has been lost or damaged.
Results are recorded online
Every MOT test result is recorded online against the vehicle's registration number. The test centre enters the outcome into the MOT database, and this record becomes the official account of the test. A printed certificate can be requested from the test centre, but the online record is the version held centrally. The database entry covers the result itself and the details logged at the time of the test.
The free GOV.UK MOT history service draws on this database. Only the registration number is needed to search it. The service shows each test result for the vehicle, the recorded mileage at each test and when the next MOT is due. This allows the history to be checked without the printed certificate to hand.
The printed copy and the online record therefore serve different purposes. The certificate is a document issued at the test centre, while the database holds the same result in a form that can be searched by registration number. Where a printed certificate is lost or damaged, the online record remains available through the GOV.UK service at no cost.
Correcting mileage
Where an MOT test record shows the wrong mileage and the test took place within the last 28 days, the correction is handled by the MOT centre that carried out the test. The centre will need to see the vehicle again before the record can be amended. This applies to errors identified shortly after the test, when the vehicle and the original paperwork are still readily available to the testing station.
If the wrong mileage relates to an MOT carried out more than 28 days ago, the matter is reported through the GOV.UK online form rather than by returning to the test centre. The report must be supported by evidence dated within one day of the test. Accepted evidence includes an MOT invoice, an emissions printout, a service receipt or a job card showing the correct mileage.
The 28-day split determines which route applies. Inside that period, the testing centre corrects the record after inspecting the vehicle. Beyond it, the online form and dated evidence are used.
Other errors
Errors relating to a vehicle's make, model or colour are not corrected through the standard replacement service. Instead, a wrong make, model, colour, registration country or test centre is reported through the same online form. This route covers the details recorded against the test rather than the certificate document itself. Reporting the mistake through the form allows the record to be reviewed and, where appropriate, amended.
Missing or incorrect test records are handled separately. To add or remove test records, DVSA can be contacted at enquiries@dvsa.gov.uk or on 0300 123 9000, Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm. The team deals with record changes that cannot be made through the online form. Once the record has been corrected, a corrected certificate can then be downloaded.
Keeping the vehicle details accurate helps ensure the MOT history matches the vehicle.
Frequently asked questions
How can a replacement MOT certificate be obtained for free if the original is lost or damaged?
A replacement can be got online for free through the GOV.UK service. The vehicle registration and the 11-digit V5C number from the logbook are needed to complete the request.
Can a replacement MOT certificate be issued at any MOT centre or only the one that did the test?
For cars, motorcycles and vans, any MOT centre can issue a replacement in person, not only the centre that carried out the test. A fee of up to £10 may be charged.
How are replacement certificates handled for HGVs, trailers and public service vehicles?
HGV and trailer replacements use form VTG59 by post at a cost of £13. Public service vehicle replacements use form VTP6 at a cost of £10.
What does the free GOV.UK MOT history service show?
The free GOV.UK MOT history service needs only the registration number. It shows each test result, the recorded mileage and when the next MOT is due.
How is wrong mileage on an MOT certificate corrected?
If the test was within the last 28 days, the MOT centre that did the test corrects it and needs to see the vehicle again. If more than 28 days ago, it is reported through the GOV.UK online form with evidence dated within one day of the test.
