What has DVLA announced?
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) sets out its priorities for the year in a business plan. The 2026 to 2027 plan, published on 19 October 2026, says: "We will launch a new service allowing customers to sign up for digital MOT reminders through the Driver and vehicles account." Its list of milestones puts that launch in December 2026.
The Driver and vehicles account is DVLA's online account for drivers. The plan says DVLA will keep expanding it so customers can see more of their information in one place, including being able to tax a vehicle through the account by March 2027.
Can I get an MOT reminder now?
Yes. You do not have to wait for December. GOV.UK already runs a free MOT reminder service: enter the number plate and a mobile number or email address, and you get a reminder one month before a car, van or motorcycle MOT is due. It is free, though unsubscribing by text costs a standard text message.
DVLA has not said how the new account-based reminders will differ from the existing service. We will update this article when the service launches.
Why MOT reminders matter
- The fine: you can be fined up to £1,000 for driving a vehicle without a valid MOT. Read what happens if you drive without an MOT.
- Booking early: you can get an MOT up to a month (minus a day) before it runs out and keep the same renewal date.
Check your MOT due date today
Enter any number plate in our free MOT due date checker to see when the current MOT runs out and the earliest date you can book. Our MOT reminder tool adds the booking date and the expiry date to Google Calendar, Apple Calendar or Outlook, with no sign-up.
To get ready for the test itself, work through our MOT checklist and see how much an MOT costs.
What else is in DVLA's plan?
- November 2026: move the drivers register from the old mainframe to a cloud platform.
- December 2026: resolve 90% of complaints within 20 days, falling to 15 days by March 2027.
- January 2027: bring the average time to answer calls and web chats under 10 minutes.
- March 2027: tax a vehicle through the Driver and vehicles account, and deliver 85% of transactions digitally.
- April 2028: collect electric Vehicle Excise Duty (eVED). Read our explainer on pay-per-mile tax for electric cars.
Questions drivers ask
When will DVLA launch digital MOT reminders?
DVLA's business plan for 2026 to 2027 sets December 2026 as the target to launch digital MOT reminder sign-up through the Driver and vehicles account.
Is there a free MOT reminder service now?
Yes. The GOV.UK MOT reminder service sends a free text or email one month before a car, van or motorcycle MOT is due.
How early can I get an MOT?
Up to a month (minus a day) before the current MOT runs out, and you keep the same renewal date.
What is the fine for driving without an MOT?
Up to £1,000.
Sources
- DVLA: Business plan 2026 to 2027 (19 October 2026)
- GOV.UK: Written statement on the publication of the DVLA business plan 2026 to 2027
- GOV.UK: Get an MOT reminder
- GOV.UK: Penalties for not having an MOT
Facts checked against the sources above on 24 October 2026. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
