Quick answer: To check a car's service history in the UK, start with the free MOT history checker at gov.uk/check-mot-history, then request the physical service book or digital records from the seller. Contact previous garages listed in the service book to verify work, and ask for itemised invoices. For newer cars, manufacturers like Ford, Mercedes, and VW maintain digital service databases accessible through dealers.
Verifying a car's service history properly can save you thousands of pounds and prevent buying a poorly maintained vehicle. This guide shows you exactly where to find service records, how to verify they're legitimate, and what warning signs to look for.
What is a car service history?
It's a complete record of all maintenance, repairs, and services performed throughout the vehicle's life. Unlike an MOT test (a legal safety check), servicing is voluntary preventative maintenance that keeps your car running reliably.
Full Service History (FSH) means every scheduled service has been completed and documented since the car was new.
Full Dealership Service History (FDSH) indicates all services were done at official brand dealerships – valued for prestige cars and warranty compliance.
Part Service History (PSH) means incomplete records with gaps or missing documentation.
A comprehensive service history typically includes oil changes, filter replacements, brake work, and major component services – all documented with dates and mileage.
Why service history matters in today's used car market
The used car market represents approximately 80% of all car sales in the UK, making it the primary way most people acquire vehicles. Research from the University of Leeds analysing over 4 million used car listings reveals that service history and vehicle age significantly impact pricing patterns across different regions and fuel types.
The same research highlights that most buyers purchase 5-10 year old cars, meaning thorough service documentation becomes increasingly valuable as vehicles age. Without clear maintenance records, buyers face uncertainty about whether critical services were performed at the right intervals.
Step 1: Check MOT history first (free)
Start with the UK government's free MOT history checker at www.gov.uk/check-mot-history. You'll need just the vehicle registration number.
This reveals:
- All MOT test dates since 2005 (cars, motorcycles, vans)
- Mileage at each test
- Pass/fail results and advisory items
- Specific failure points
- Potential manufacturer safety recalls
Why this matters: MOT history establishes a timeline to cross-reference against service records. If an MOT shows worn brake pads in 2022 but no brake work appears in the service history for 2023, that's a red flag. Similarly, inconsistent mileage readings (e.g., 45,000 miles in 2023, then 42,000 in 2024) indicate odometer tampering.
Step 2: Where to find car service history
Physical service book
Most cars come with a service book containing garage stamps showing when services occurred, at what mileage, and what type. Check for:
- Regular servicing at recommended intervals (typically annual/12,000 miles)
- Mileage consistency with MOT records
- Clear garage identification
- No suspicious gaps or missing years
Limitation: Stamps confirm a service happened but don't detail what work was done.
Digital service records
Newer vehicles maintain digital databases accessible through dealers. You'll need your V5C, VIN number, and proof of ownership.
Advantage: Harder to fake than stamps.
Limitation: Only shows work at authorised centres, not independent garages.
Itemised invoices and receipts
The most valuable evidence. Look for detailed receipts showing:
- Exact work performed with part numbers
- Date, mileage, and costs
- Evidence of major services (timing belts, etc.)
- Prompt attention to advisory items
Well-organised invoices reveal how the owner approached maintenance – proactive or reactive.
Manufacturer databases
Premium brands maintain centralised records accessible through dealers, confirming warranty work, recalls, and software updates. However, these exclude independent garage services.
Contact previous garages
Call garages listed in the service book to verify work was actually performed on that specific vehicle. Not foolproof, but worth doing for recent major work.
Speak to the seller
Ask how the car was used, where it was stored, why certain work was done early or late, and about any recurring issues. A knowledgeable, transparent seller builds confidence.
How to verify service history is legitimate
Service history fraud is rare but happens. Verify authenticity by:
Cross-referencing - Dates, mileage, and details should match across service books, invoices, and MOT records.
Contacting garages - Call businesses listed to confirm they performed the work.
Checking consistency - Authentic records show natural variation in stamps and formats. Suspiciously uniform documentation may be fabricated.
Using onboard data - Modern cars store service information in their systems, visible through infotainment or diagnostics. Difficult to fake.
Trusting instincts - If something feels wrong or the seller is evasive, walk away.
Dealer vs independent servicing: what matters more?
Main dealer servicing offers brand expertise, digital records, and warranty compliance – essential for newer cars. Independent specialists often provide better value, continuity with the same technician, and detailed customer communication.
For older cars or enthusiast vehicles, a respected independent specialist can be just as valuable as a dealer. What matters most is consistent, competent maintenance – not necessarily who performed it.
Regional variations in the used car market
Analysis of used car listings across UK local authorities shows significant regional differences in vehicle availability, pricing, and age. Some areas, particularly in Northern Ireland and Wales, show limited availability of certain vehicle types in the second-hand market. This geographic variation means that well-documented servicing becomes even more critical when vehicles change regions, as it provides continuity that local knowledge cannot.
What to look for when checking service history
Focus on coherence over perfection:
- Timeline sense? Services at reasonable intervals, no unexplained gaps
- Gaps explained? Storage periods or relocation are legitimate
- Mileage alignment? Should match MOT history and increase logically
- Consistent care? Regular servicing suggests conscientiousness
- Major maintenance? Timing belts and critical items at proper intervals
A car with one missed stamp but clear narrative beats perfect stamps with unexplained inconsistencies.
Should you buy a car without service history?
Generally no – unless the price reflects the risk. Without service history, you can't verify proper maintenance.
If considering it:
- Get a thorough pre-purchase inspection
- Negotiate significantly lower price
- Budget for immediate servicing and repairs
- Start keeping meticulous records immediately
Acceptable for older, inexpensive cars for basic transport. For anything significant, it's substantial risk.
For car owners: building your service history
Building comprehensive service records is straightforward:
- Keep everything - Every invoice, receipt, MOT certificate
- Create digital backups - Scan all documents
- Maintain a log - Record services with dates, mileage, work done
- Photograph regularly - Visual documentation over time
- Document DIY work - Note even minor repairs
Why your car's story matters more than ever
There's a difference between a car and your car.
Most enthusiasts understand this instinctively. It's not just the model or specification – it's where the car's been, what it's been used for, and how it's been looked after. That's what people connect with.
Historically, that story lived in scraps: service stamps, old receipts, photos on a hard drive. If you were lucky, the narrative survived. If not, it quietly disappeared.
What's interesting is that as those old systems fade, the importance of a car's story is increasing. Buyers are more cautious, values are higher, and trust matters more than ever. Provenance is no longer just for collectors – it's becoming normal across the entire market.
This isn't about suspicion. It's about continuity. A car with a clear, coherent history feels real. It feels cared for. Even when it's not rare, it inspires confidence.
Preserve your car's complete story with MotifyMe
Digital tools are now making it easier to consolidate your vehicle's complete history in one place. MotifyMe helps you combine MOT data, service records, photos, and documentation into a single timeline that travels with your car.
Whether you're a current owner building your car's legacy or a buyer seeking complete transparency, having all the information in one accessible place creates the clarity that builds confidence and protects value.
Frequently asked questions
Can I check a car's service history online for free? You can check MOT history for free at gov.uk/check-mot-history, but full service history requires requesting records from the seller, manufacturer, or previous garages.
What's the difference between MOT history and service history? MOT history shows legal safety test results (required by law). Service history shows voluntary maintenance like oil changes, filters, and repairs.
Is full service history essential when buying a used car? While not legally required, it significantly reduces risk and maintains vehicle value. Only consider cars without it if the price reflects this risk.
How do I verify a service book is genuine? Cross-reference stamps with invoices and MOT records. Contact garages to confirm work. Check for natural variation in stamps across years. Modern cars store service data in their systems.
Does independent garage servicing affect car value? Not necessarily. Quality independents can be as valuable as dealers, especially for older cars. Consistent, documented maintenance matters most.
Key takeaways: how to check car service history
Checking service history properly requires multiple steps:
- Start with free MOT history from gov.uk for mileage and timeline baseline
- Request the service book (physical or digital) for regular, consistent servicing
- Ask for itemised invoices showing exactly what work was done
- Verify authenticity by cross-referencing documents and contacting garages
- Speak to the seller to understand context and usage
Service records confirm maintenance occurred. Context confirms actual care. A coherent narrative with minor gaps beats perfect paperwork with unexplained inconsistencies.
Always combine service history checks with MOT verification, professional inspection, and vehicle history check for write-offs or outstanding finance.
Related resources:
- Check MOT History (Free Government Service): https://www.gov.uk/check-mot-history
- RAC Car Service Guide: https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/car-maintenance/service-history-how-to-find-it/
- Carwow Service History Checker: https://www.carwow.co.uk/guides/buying/how-to-check-car-service-history
- University of Leeds Research: UK Used Car Market Analysis (2025): https://eprints.whiterose.ac.uk/id/eprint/229963/1/UTSG_2025_Used_Cars%20v2.pdf