Guidance

Use your MOT testing security card

How to use your security card to access the MOT testing service, and what to do if your card is lost, stolen, broken or you forget it.

From:
Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency
Published
17 August 2016
Last updated
19 October 2016 — See all updates

This guidance was withdrawn on

From 18 February 2020, DVSA stopped issuing replacement and new security cards as the cards are being replaced by a new digital authentication system.

You can find full details on how to get a 6-digit security code when you try to sign in to the MOT testing service

Applies to England, Scotland and Wales

About MOT security cards

Your MOT security card generates a 6-digit number you need to sign in to the MOT testing service.

Your card is linked to you, and you can use it at any vehicle testing station (VTS).

You don’t have to pay for the card.

Replace a lost, stolen or broken MOT security card

  1. Sign in to the MOT testing service using your username and password.

  2. On the ‘Your security card PIN’ page, click on ‘Lost, forgotten or damaged security card’.

You’ll then be guided through the process.

If you’ve forgotten your card

Follow the same process to sign in, but don’t order a new card.

Get a card if you’re a new user

The way you get a card depends on what role you’ll be doing at your VTS.

MOT tester

  1. Complete your MOT qualification course.

  2. Add your Level 2 MOT testing certificate number to the MOT testing service.

  3. Order your security card when prompted. You can have it sent to your home or your VTS.

  4. Activate your card when it arrives, using the MOT testing service guided process.

You must have an activated security card to take your DVSA MOT demonstration test and accept the role of tester.

Site manager and site administrator

  1. Order your MOT security card in the MOT testing service.

  2. Activate your card when it arrives, using the MOT testing service guided process.

  3. Accept the role of site manager or site administrator.

Authorised examiner (AE)

  1. Send a copy of your Level 3 MOT Test Centre Management certificate to your area office. They’ll give you the role of authorised examiner designated manager (AEDM).

  2. Sign in to the MOT testing service and follow the prompts to order your MOT security card.

  3. Activate your card when it arrives, using the MOT testing service guided process.

  4. Accept the role of AEDM.

Help and support

Contact the MOT testing service desk to get help using your card.

MOT testing service desk

Telephone 0330 123 5654

Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm
(excluding public holidays)

Updates to this page

Published 17 August 2016
Last updated 19 October 2016 + show all updates

  1. Updated information for new testers and authorised examiners on activating security cards.

  2. Added information about when DVSA will start to send security cards out to vehicle testing stations.

  3. First published.

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