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Privacy Policy
Last updated: 8 November 2026
This policy explains what personal information GovMotCheck collects when you use this website, why we collect it, how long we keep it and what your rights are under the UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.
In Short
We collect very little. We do not require an account, we do not sell data and we do not use advertising cookies. Registration numbers you enter are used only to return your result.
Who We Are
The data controller is the operator of GovMotCheck, operating GovMotCheck at govmotcheck.co.uk. Contact us at [email protected].
What Information We Collect
| Information | Why We Use It | Lawful Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Registration number you type into the checker | To fetch and show the MOT result you asked for | Legitimate interests (providing the service you requested) |
| Technical data: IP address, browser, device type, pages requested, time | To deliver the site, prevent abuse and keep it secure | Legitimate interests (security and reliability) |
| Cookie preference stored on your device | To remember your cookie choice | Strictly necessary / legal obligation |
| Emails you send us | To reply, fix errors and handle requests | Legitimate interests; legal obligation for rights requests |
| Analytics (only if you accept optional cookies and we enable them) | To see which pages are useful | Consent |
We do not ask for your name, address, payment details or V5C number to use the checker, and you should never type them into it.
Vehicle Data And Personal Data
MOT records describe a vehicle, not a person. They do not include the keeper's name or address. A registration number can sometimes be linked to a person by someone who knows the keeper, so we treat registration searches carefully: we do not link them to you, do not build profiles from them and do not sell them.
How Long We Keep Information
- Server logs: up to 30 days, then deleted or anonymised.
- Registration lookups: not stored against you; any short-term cache holds only the vehicle result and expires automatically.
- Emails: up to 2 years after the last message, unless needed longer for a legal reason.
- Cookie preference: up to 12 months.
Who We Share Information With
We never sell personal data. We use a small number of service providers (processors) who act on our instructions:
- Hosting and delivery network providers that serve the website.
- DVSA, which supplies the official MOT history data we request using the registration you enter.
- Email provider, if you contact us.
We may disclose information if the law requires it, for example to the police or a court.
International Transfers
If a provider processes data outside the UK, we require an adequacy decision, the UK International Data Transfer Agreement or an equivalent safeguard.
Your Rights
- Access the personal data we hold about you.
- Correct anything inaccurate.
- Erase your data in many circumstances.
- Restrict or object to our use of it, including processing based on legitimate interests.
- Withdraw consent at any time for optional cookies, using the cookie settings link in the footer.
- Data portability where it applies.
To use a right, email [email protected]. We reply within one month and do not charge a fee for reasonable requests.
Complaints
If you are unhappy with how we handle your data, please tell us first. You can also complain to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) at ico.org.uk/make-a-complaint or on 0303 123 1113.
Children
GovMotCheck is for people who drive or own vehicles and is not aimed at children under 13. We do not knowingly collect their data.
Security
The site is served over HTTPS with security headers. No system is perfectly secure, so please do not send sensitive information by email.
Cookies
See our cookie policy for the full list and how to change your choice.
Changes To This Policy
If we change how we use personal data, we will update this page and the date at the top. Material changes will be highlighted on the site.