DVLA MOT API v6 goes live: faster, more accurate reg lookups for UK parts buyers

A small change at the DVLA, a big win for part buyers

When you put a number plate into our search box, a lot goes on under the bonnet. We send requests to the DVLA's Vehicle Enquiry Service and their MOT History API, check the answers against our own catalogue of 480,000 part fitments, and then fire your query off to the breaker's yards most likely to have the right bit on the shelf. As of April 2026, the whole system is running on the DVLA's new MOT History API v6.

You won't notice any difference in the search bar. The upgrade is invisible. It does, however, make the rest of the process significantly better.

What v6 actually delivers

The DVLA’s v6 system, which was rolled out to everyone in the first quarter of 2026, makes four important changes for anyone buying used parts.

1. Proper engine codes. Older API versions only gave us the engine size and fuel type. V6 provides the manufacturer's specific engine code (that three to five character string stamped on the block itself) for over 92% of vehicles registered in the UK since 2010. That one piece of data is often the difference between getting a quote for a gearbox that fits and one that’s destined for a return pallet.
2. Sub-model clarity. For cars with different drivetrain options, like BMW's xDrive versus sDrive or Audi's quattro versus front-wheel drive, the new system tells them apart automatically. This saves you from having to specify it.
3. Live MOT information. Instead of waiting up to 24 hours for the database to update, v6 gets MOT pass, fail and advisory notices within minutes of the test being finished at the garage.
4. Recall flags from the DVSA. If a manufacturer has an active safety recall on a component, the API now tells us. We can then warn you that the part you're looking for might be available as a free replacement from a main dealer.

Why this stops you getting the wrong part

The single biggest reason for a used part being sent back is that it's the wrong specification. It might be for the right model of car, but it has the wrong engine code, gearbox ratio or trim level fitment. I've seen yards in the Midlands with stacks of gearboxes returned for just that reason. Based on our quote data from the last year, we estimate this v6 data upgrade will cut those kinds of incorrect-spec returns by around 22%.

For you, that means:

* Quotes for engines and gearboxes should land in your inbox with the correct engine code already specified. You won't have to go digging for your V5C logbook. * Someone asking for a set of alloy wheels for a 2018 Golf GTI will get quotes for the right wheels, not the ones from a standard Golf of the same year. * Requests for hybrid and electric vehicle parts are now routed directly to specialist recyclers first time. * You'll see a warning if there's a recall. We'd rather you got a free brand-new part from the manufacturer than paid us for a used one.

So, what do you need to do? Nothing.

This upgrade works with the same simple reg search you've always used. If you've used us before, the only thing you might notice is that quotes arrive a little quicker and the yards ask fewer follow-up questions. It just works.

A brief note on data privacy

The v6 API shares only publicly available DVLA information. This is details like the car's make, model, colour, fuel type, engine code and its MOT history. We don't store your registration number permanently, share it, or sell it. Each search is kept for 30 days so our support team can help with quote histories, then it's deleted. You can read the full, detailed version in our privacy policy.

What comes next

According to their public roadmap, the DVLA is working on a beta for something called 'Connected MOT' for later in 2026. This would allow a garage’s diagnostic kit to report advisory issues straight into the MOT record during the test. We have our name down and are already in the queue to integrate it. So you can probably expect another quiet but useful update before the year is out.

For now, give the new system a try. Pop your reg into the search bar at the top of the page.