A free MotorMkt check shows the official DVLA vehicle record and DVSA MOT history, and a Full History Check adds paid records such as outstanding finance, write-off markers and stolen status.
How we source our data: our free checks use official records from the DVLA (registration & tax) and DVSA (MOT history). Paid full history data — finance, stolen and write-off markers — is supplied by UK Vehicle Data (UKVD), which aggregates industry registers including MIAFTR (insurance write-offs) and the Police National Computer (stolen markers). MotorMkt does not query those registers directly.
Check the actual vehicle
Enter its registration to check the official tax, MOT and mileage record free. If you need provenance for a purchase or ownership decision, add finance, stolen and write-off checks.
Free: vehicle identity, tax/SORN, MOT history, mileage and buyer red flags.
Full history: adds outstanding finance, stolen, insurance write-off and other paid provenance checks.
The full report is optional. Review the free official record first if you are unsure. Payment is completed securely on the next screen.
Quick Answer
A vehicle history check reveals hidden problems: outstanding finance (finance company can repossess the car from you), write-off history (Cat A/B cannot be driven, Cat S/N can but affect value), stolen status, and mileage discrepancies. Our free check shows MOT history and mileage records. A full history check (paid) reveals finance, write-offs, and stolen status - essential before buying any used car.
MotorMkt splits this on purpose. Official DVLA and DVSA data stays on the free brief. You pay only for records bought in from licensed data partners. Exact fields on a given report depend on what those partners return for that registration. A clear section is not a promise that nothing has ever happened to the car.
We do not hold a direct feed to police, insurers or lenders. The wording for each source is on data sources.
When a car is damaged and the insurer decides repair costs exceed its value, it's "written off." The category tells you how severe the damage was — the definitions follow the ABI Salvage Code.
The entire vehicle must be crushed. Nothing can be saved. These cars should never appear for sale.
⚠️ If you see a Cat A for sale, report it immediately.
The body shell must be destroyed, but parts can be salvaged. You might see engines or parts from Cat B vehicles, but never the whole car.
⚠️ A Cat B car cannot legally be returned to the road.
Structural damage (chassis, frame, etc.) but can be repaired and returned to road. Must be professionally repaired and inspected. These cars are significantly cheaper but can be harder to insure and resell.
✓ Can be driven if properly repaired
⚠️ Always get an independent inspection
⚠️ Disclose when selling – it's legally required
Non-structural damage only (bumpers, lights, etc.). Often cosmetic damage where repair cost exceeded value. Can be excellent value if repaired properly.
✓ Often good value for money
✓ Easier to insure than Cat S
⚠️ Still check repair quality
"Clocking" – winding back the odometer – is illegal but still happens. A clocked car might seem like a bargain but could have hidden wear and mechanical issues.
Our free car check displays the full MOT mileage history, making it easy to spot discrepancies. Look for consistent increases – any decrease or suspicious jump should be investigated.
MOT history is publicly available from the DVSA MOT history service and tells you a lot about how a car has been maintained. Every test records mileage, pass/fail status, and any advisories.
Good Signs
Warning Signs
| Need | Free brief | Full History |
|---|---|---|
| MOT status and history | Yes | Yes — the free data stays visible |
| Mileage across MOTs | Yes | Yes, plus anomalies outside the MOT |
| Tax / SORN | Yes | Yes |
| Outstanding finance | No | Yes, where a record is returned |
| Write-off category | No | Yes, where MIAFTR returns a marker |
| Stolen marker | No | Yes, where a record is returned |
| Salvage auction / valuation | No | Where the paid sources return them |
The free brief is £0. A single Full History Check is £6.99 instead of £9.99 with code LAUNCH30. Essential (£3.99) and Clear Title (£5.99) are narrower and do not take that code.
A clean report reduces paperwork risk. It does not make a rusty car solid, and a crash repaired without an insurance claim leaves no write-off marker.
MOT, tax and mileage from the official record, with no account.
Status, expiry and every test with advisories and mileage.
Every reading in order, with drops and unit switches flagged.
Taxed, untaxed or SORN, the due date and an estimated cost.
What Cat A, B, S and N mean for a used car.
Why finance can follow a car to its next owner.
How to read status, expiry, failures and mileage.
Whether a structural or non-structural write-off is worth buying.
Check a registration
Read the free MOT, tax and mileage record first. If you are still buying, Full History on the same page is £6.99 instead of £9.99 with code LAUNCH30. That price is one Full History Check.
Run a free check