How to Sell a Car Without an MOT (UK)
Yes — you can sell a car without an MOT in the UK. The key is to sell it as seen, disclose known faults, and make sure it isn’t driven on the road (except to a pre-booked MOT test). Here’s exactly how to do it safely and legally.
Is it legal to sell without an MOT?
It’s legal to sell a vehicle with no MOT. What you can’t do is drive it on the road, other than directly to a pre-booked MOT appointment — and it still needs to be roadworthy for that journey. Buyers should arrange collection on a trailer or recovery truck.
Check official guidance: GOV.UK — MOT and Check MOT history.
Best ways to sell a car with no MOT
- Sell to a non-runner specialist (fastest): Start with a free quote & collection.
- Sell privately as a repair project: Good for popular models with minor faults.
- Scrap at an ATF: Sensible if the car is very tired or repairs don’t stack up. If you’re in Preston, see Scrap My Car Preston.
Pricing a car without MOT
Buyers will discount for:
- Unknown repair costs (engine, brakes, emissions, rust).
- No test certificate (buyer must transport it).
- Missing service history or spare key.
Set expectations with clear photos and an honest fault list. For a quick benchmark, get our free valuation and compare it with local repair estimates if you have them.
What to say in your listing (copy you can reuse)
“Sold as seen, no MOT. Known issues listed in the advert. Suitable for repair or parts. Collection only (no test drives on public roads). V5C present.”
Documents & admin
- V5C (logbook): Have it ready and complete the new keeper section on sale.
- Receipts & history: Any recent work helps buyers judge risk.
- SORN: If the car isn’t used or kept on a public road, make a Statutory Off Road Notification. See GOV.UK — Make a SORN.
- Notify DVLA after the sale. See GOV.UK — Tell DVLA you’ve sold your vehicle.
Collection & test drives
No MOT usually means no road test drives. If a buyer insists on hearing it run, keep it on private land. Always clarify that the vehicle must be transported by truck or trailer. We can arrange free collection across the North West.
Should you repair it first?
If the car is otherwise tidy and the fail items are minor (tyres, bulbs, simple exhaust work), a cheap fix and fresh MOT can lift the price. If the fail list includes engine issues, emissions, structural rust, or airbags, selling as-is is often smarter. For pricing context, read How Much Is a Non-Running Car Worth?
Bottom line
You can sell a car without MOT quickly by being transparent, pricing realistically, and arranging safe collection. If you want the simple route, start with our instant quote & free collection.
Helpful internal links
- Sell Your Non-Running Car
- How Much Is a Non-Running Car Worth?
- Car Breaking
- Contact Us — Free Valuation