An MOT check is a lookup of a vehicle's MOT status, expiry date and test results using its registration number, drawn from the record that the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) keeps for every MOT test carried out in Great Britain. In a few seconds it tells you whether the vehicle has a valid MOT certificate, the date that certificate runs out, and whether earlier tests were passes, fails or advisories. Enter the reg into the free number plate check to see it.
Part of MOT Status & Due Dates.
Updated October 2026 · Independent information, not legal advice
The result matters to buyers, sellers, keepers and fleet managers alike, because a vehicle that needs an MOT and does not have one usually cannot be taxed or legally driven on the road. What follows explains how to read the answer, what each status means, how the due date is worked out, and where the limits of a free MOT check online lie, including motorbikes, vans, electric vehicles, classics, imports and Northern Ireland.
What Is An MOT Check?
An MOT check is a status lookup against official test data: it reads the vehicle's registration, finds its MOT record and reports the current certificate and past tests. People call the same thing an MOT checker or a mot checker uk tool, and it is how you check car MOT status or check vehicle MOT status from a registration alone.
MOT check versus MOT test
An MOT test is the physical inspection of roadworthiness at an authorised test centre; an MOT check is only a lookup of the record that inspection leaves behind. Checking cannot renew, extend or repair anything.
Who runs the data behind it
The DVSA runs the MOT scheme in Great Britain and publishes the MOT history, while the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) holds the separate vehicle and tax record. A good lookup combines both, which is why you can check tax and MOT together from a single registration.
How Do I Check MOT Status?
You check MOT status by entering the vehicle's registration number into a lookup, then reading the status, expiry date and test list it returns. Drivers who ask "is my car moted" or "is my car motd and taxed" get both answers from one lookup.
- Find the registration exactly as it appears on the number plate or the V5C.
- Enter it without worrying about spaces or capitals.
- Read the MOT status and the expiry date first.
- Scroll to the test history for passes, fails, advisories and mileage.
- Confirm anything important against the official GOV.UK service.
What you need before you start
Only the registration is needed. You do not need the logbook, a certificate number or any login, because MOT results are published as public vehicle data.
What if the reg is not recognised
A "not found" result usually means a typing slip, a vehicle too new to have had a first MOT, a Northern Ireland vehicle, or a registration that has been changed. Re-check each character, especially 0 and O.
Free MOT Check Online
A free MOT check costs nothing: the DVSA publishes the underlying records, and the free lookup reads them in seconds. You are never required to pay to find out whether a vehicle has an MOT.
What a free MOT lookup returns
- Current MOT status (valid, expired or not yet due).
- The MOT expiry date.
- Every recorded test with a pass or fail result.
- Advisories, minor, major and dangerous defects noted by the tester.
- The odometer reading recorded at each test.
What it does not return
It does not show insurance, outstanding finance, write-off or stolen markers, service history or owner details. For those you need other checks, covered further down.
MOT Lookup Status Labels Explained
A status label is the headline answer to "does my car have an MOT?", and each one means something specific for what you can do next.
| Status shown | What it usually means | Typical next step |
|---|---|---|
| Valid | A current MOT certificate exists with a future expiry date | Note the date and set a reminder |
| Expired | The last certificate has run out | Book a test before driving except to a pre-booked test |
| No results found | No MOT test is on record for this reg | Check whether the vehicle is new, exempt or registered elsewhere |
| Not yet due | The vehicle has not reached the age for its first MOT | Check the first-test date from the registration date |
| Exempt | The vehicle is recorded as not needing an MOT | Confirm the exemption on GOV.UK for historic vehicles |
Is My Car MOT'd? How To Tell If A Car Has MOT
Is my car MOT'd is best answered by the record, not by a windscreen sticker: since the paper disc was dropped, the only reliable proof is the digital record or the certificate.
Why there is no disc in the window
Cars carry no MOT sticker or tax disc that proves anything, so how to tell if a car has MOT comes down to the registration lookup or the paper or emailed certificate.
Check before you drive a borrowed car
If you borrow, hire or inherit a vehicle, run the reg first. The keeper's word is not proof, and an expired MOT is easy to miss.
Does My Car Have An MOT?
Does my car have an MOT depends on three facts: the vehicle's age, its type, and the date of its latest pass.
- Under three years from first registration: not normally due yet.
- Three years or older: needs a valid MOT unless exempt.
- Latest test a fail: no valid certificate, even if an older pass is listed.
- Latest pass dated more than a year ago: expired.
Has my car got MOT if the last test was an advisory?
An advisory is a note, not a fail. A pass with advisories is a valid certificate, and the advisories show wear that may need attention soon.
MOT Due Date: How It Is Worked Out
The MOT due date is the expiry date printed on the latest certificate, which is normally 12 months after the test or after the previous expiry if you tested early.
The first MOT
A new vehicle in Great Britain normally needs its first MOT by the third anniversary of its first registration, so the first test date comes from the registration date, not the date you bought it.
Every later MOT
After the first test the certificate usually lasts 12 months. If a vehicle passes more than a month before the old expiry, the new certificate normally runs 12 months from the test date instead.
When Do I Need An MOT On My Car?
You need an MOT on your car every year once it is three years old, and any time you want to tax a vehicle that is due one, unless it is exempt.
Age triggers
The clock starts at first registration, not manufacture. A car built in one year but registered in the next takes its date from the registration.
Other times you might want one
- Before you sell, to reassure a buyer.
- After a failed test and repair, as a retest.
- When assigning a private plate, where the vehicle may need to meet current conditions on GOV.UK.
When Is My MOT Due UK: Finding The Date Without The Reg
If you cannot use the number plate, when is my MOT due UK can still be answered from your paperwork.
The certificate
The expiry date is printed on the pass certificate (the VT20), whether on paper or emailed.
Reminder messages
GOV.UK offers a free MOT reminder service by text or email, and many garages send their own. See when your MOT runs out for the full set of ways to find the date.
When Is MOT Due On My Car If I Bought It Recently?
When is MOT due on my car after a purchase depends on the date on the existing certificate, which stays with the vehicle, not the owner.
Ask for the old certificate
A seller does not have to hand over paper, since the record is online, but the expiry date should match what the lookup shows.
Do not assume a fresh year
A new keeper gets only the remaining MOT, which could be a few days.
Check Tax And MOT Together
When you check tax and MOT side by side you see two different records: the DVSA's test data and the DVLA's tax data.
Why they interact
The DVLA normally checks MOT status when you tax a vehicle that needs a test, so a missing MOT can block road tax. Can you tax a car without an MOT? explains the exceptions.
How to find out if a car is taxed
Here is how to find out if a vehicle is taxed and so know if a car is taxed: use the same registration lookup and read the tax status and due date. For the full detail, see is my car taxed. Tax does not transfer on sale, so a car's tax status can change the day it changes hands.
Is My Car MOT'd And Taxed? Reading Both Answers
A keeper asking when is my tax and MOT due can read both dates from the same result, and the lookup also answers how to know if a car is taxed without any paperwork.
A car can be taxed with no MOT only in limited cases, but it can have a valid MOT with no tax at all, so each status needs its own check.
- Taxed and MOT valid: normal position.
- MOT valid, untaxed: the vehicle may be SORN or newly bought.
- MOT expired, tax shown: tax was bought before the MOT ran out; a new MOT is still needed.
- Neither: the vehicle should not be on the road.
MOT Expiry And The Early-Test Window
MOT expiry is the last day the certificate is valid, and you can usually test up to a month minus a day before it without losing the renewal date.
Keeping the same renewal date
Passing within that window usually keeps the original renewal date for the following year, which is why testing slightly early is common.
Testing too early
Test earlier than a month before expiry and the new certificate normally runs from the test date, so you lose some of the remaining months.
What Happens When An MOT Expires?
When the certificate expires, the vehicle no longer has a valid MOT, and there is no grace period.
Driving on an expired MOT
Driving without a valid MOT is generally an offence and you could be fined, apart from limited exceptions. MOT grace period sets out what applies and what does not.
Driving to a booked test
You may usually drive to a pre-booked MOT, or to a place of repair after a failed test, provided the vehicle is roadworthy and safe.
Has My Car Got MOT When Buying A Used Car?
Before you hand over money, has my car got MOT becomes "has this car got a legitimate, current MOT and a believable history".
Match the seller's claims
Compare the seller's expiry date with the lookup. A mismatch is a reason to pause, not to argue.
Look beyond the date
A fresh MOT does not make a car good. It only says the vehicle met the minimum standard on test day, so also look at the history and think about a wider vehicle inspection check.
MOT Status History
MOT status history is the chronological list of every test: date, result, odometer reading, and the defects and advisories recorded. You may also see it called a car mot history check, an mot status history check or mot history status, and the answer to "can I check my MOT history" is yes, for any vehicle, using its registration.
Reading pass, fail and advisory
- Pass: the vehicle met the standard, possibly with advisories.
- Fail: at least one major or dangerous defect.
- Advisory: something worth watching that did not fail.
- Minor defect: recorded but not a fail on its own.
Where the full history lives
For the long-form read, see MOT history, which covers each field, mileage patterns and what to do when entries look wrong.
Check MOT Status History For Patterns
To check MOT status history well, look for repetition: the same advisory over several years suggests it was ignored, and a run of fails then passes suggests repairs.
Repeated advisories
An advisory on brake pipes or suspension that returns year after year deserves a question to the seller.
Fail then retest
A fail followed by a pass within days is normal; a fail followed by a long gap before the next test is worth understanding.
MOT Mileage And The Odometer Trail
Each MOT records the odometer reading, so the history works as a rough mileage timeline.
- Readings should rise from year to year.
- A drop between tests is a warning sign.
- A very long gap with no readings may mean the vehicle was off the road or SORN.
- Many tests with tiny mileage can mean heavy short-trip use.
Verifying mileage
Mileage check shows how to compare the odometer, the MOT trail and the service book before buying.
MOT Check For A Motorbike
Motorcycles above a certain age need an MOT too, and a MOT check UK lookup works the same way using the bike's registration.
Class 1 and class 2 bikes
Smaller-engined machines are tested in class 1 and larger ones in class 2. The bike's engine size on the record decides which applies.
Rear plate only
Since bikes show only a rear plate, type it carefully; see motorbike number plates for the rules.
MOT Check For A Van
Vans up to a set gross weight are usually tested in class 4, while heavier light goods vehicles fall under class 7.
Commercial use
A van used for work still needs the same annual MOT. Fleet managers can run each reg in turn to track expiry dates.
Weight on the plate
The vehicle's design gross weight decides the class; confirm it on GOV.UK if the van is near a boundary.
MOT Check For HGVs And Buses
Heavy goods vehicles, trailers and large buses are not tested in the ordinary MOT scheme, but go through a separate annual test regime administered by the DVSA.
Why a car-style check may not fit
A hgv mot check is not the same lookup as a car check, so use the official GOV.UK services for heavy vehicles. A plain registration lookup may show no record for them.
MOT Check For Electric Vehicles
Electric cars need an MOT under the same age rules as petrol and diesel cars, so a status check works identically.
No exhaust emissions test
With no exhaust, there is no tailpipe emissions test for a battery-electric vehicle, but brakes, tyres, steering and lights are tested like any other.
Heavier cars, different wear
Electric cars are often heavier, which can wear tyres and brakes in distinct ways; the advisories list may show it.
MOT Check For Hybrids And Diesels
Hybrids and diesels are tested like other cars, with an emissions test for the combustion engine and extra scrutiny of particulate filters on diesels.
Emissions failures
A failed emissions test appears as a major defect in the history, and a repeat issue is worth noting.
Classic And Historic Vehicle MOT Exemption
Many vehicles built or first registered more than 40 years ago and not substantially changed are usually exempt from the MOT, but the rule is rolling and the conditions matter.
What exempt looks like in a lookup
An exempt vehicle may show "no results found" or an exemption status, which is not an error.
Check before you rely on it
Confirm exemption on GOV.UK; and read about classic car tax, because tax exemption and MOT exemption are separate. Many owners test voluntarily.
MOT Check In Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland vehicles are tested by the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA), not the DVSA, so a Great Britain MOT lookup normally will not show them.
Different age rule and booking
The DVA sets its own test age and runs its own booking. See MOT in Northern Ireland and Driver and Vehicle Agency.
Moving between regions
A vehicle brought from Northern Ireland to Great Britain should follow the DVLA and DVSA rules that then apply; check GOV.UK.
MOT Check For Imported Vehicles
An imported vehicle is registered with the DVLA, given a UK registration, and then follows the usual MOT age rules from its first UK registration.
Age counted from where
Check GOV.UK for how first registration and age are treated for imports, because it affects the first test date.
Empty history
A recently imported car may show no MOT history because it never had a UK test; that is not suspicious by itself.
Test Classes At A Glance
Test classes group vehicles by type and weight, which decides the checks and the fee cap.
| Class | Typical vehicles | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | Motorcycles up to a smaller engine size | Two wheels, no sidecar |
| Class 2 | Larger motorcycles | Above the class 1 limit |
| Class 4 | Cars, small vans, many motorhomes | The most common class |
| Class 5 | Larger passenger vehicles | Higher seat count |
| Class 7 | Heavier light goods vehicles | Above the class 4 weight limit |
Which class is mine
The class follows the vehicle type, so the test centre books it from the registration.
Does A Private Plate Change The MOT Record?
A private or cherished plate follows the vehicle's own history only once the DVLA records the change, so a lookup under the new reg should show the same MOT trail.
Before and after a transfer
If you retain a number plate and move it to another vehicle, the MOT history belongs to the vehicle, not the plate.
Old reg lookups
Lookups under the vehicle's earlier registration may return nothing, so try the registration shown on the V5C.
SORN Vehicles And MOT
A vehicle declared off the road under SORN does not need to hold a valid MOT while kept off the road, but it will need one before it can be taxed and used again.
Driving to a test
You may usually drive a SORN vehicle to a pre-booked MOT, and the vehicle must be roadworthy. See SORN my car for the rules.
What A Failed MOT Shows
A fail appears as a failed test on the record, with the failure items listed as major or dangerous defects.
Dangerous defects
A dangerous defect means the vehicle should not be driven until repaired; the history keeps that record.
Retests
A retest after repairs is recorded as its own result; the earlier fail is not erased. What fails an MOT lists the common causes.
The MOT Certificate And VT20
The MOT certificate is the proof of a pass, and the VT20 is the form number commonly used for the pass certificate, with the failure notice known as the VT30.
Replacing a lost certificate
Because the record is digital, you can usually get a copy; see MOT certificate.
MOT Reminders And Not Forgetting
Reminders are the cheapest protection against an expired MOT.
- Free text or email reminders from GOV.UK.
- Calendar alerts set from the lookup date.
- Garage reminder messages.
- A tick in the diary a month before expiry, the start of the early-test window.
Using An MOT Check For A Company Fleet
A fleet manager can check each vehicle by reg and log the expiry date against a service schedule.
A simple routine
- List every registration.
- Record each expiry date.
- Set reminders a month before.
- Recheck after every test.
Responsibility
Keepers are generally responsible for roadworthiness, so keep a written record of test dates for company cars and vans.
Can I Check Someone Else's Vehicle?
Yes: MOT results are published for any vehicle by registration, with no owner details attached.
What the check cannot tell you
It will not name a keeper or reveal an address. Track a number plate explains what can and cannot be found from a plate.
What An MOT Check Does Not Show
An MOT check is narrow by design.
- No insurance status: use askMID or an insurance check.
- No outstanding finance or write-off record.
- No service history; see car service history.
- No number of previous keepers.
Filling the gaps
A full vehicle history check covers the rest.
MOT Versus A Service
An MOT is a minimum safety and emissions inspection; a service is maintenance that keeps the car running well.
Why a pass is not a bill of health
An MOT does not look at the condition of the engine or clutch, and a pass says nothing about future reliability.
What To Do If A Record Looks Wrong
If a date, mileage or result looks wrong, speak to the test centre that carried out the test first, since the centre entered the data.
Escalating
If the test centre cannot fix it, contact the DVSA through GOV.UK. Keep the certificate, the date and the registration to hand.
Common MOT Check Mistakes
- Typing the wrong registration, usually 0 for O.
- Treating a valid MOT as proof the car is safe.
- Assuming the MOT transfers with a personalised plate.
- Forgetting that Northern Ireland uses a separate system.
- Reading an expiry date and ignoring the test mileage.
Myths About MOT Status
"There is a grace period after expiry"
There is no grace period; the certificate stops on the expiry date.
"A new keeper gets a new MOT"
A new keeper inherits the existing certificate until it expires.
"Taxed means MOT'd"
Tax and MOT are separate records and can be out of step.
Booking After You Check
Once a check shows the MOT is due, find a test centre and book your MOT; testing within the early window keeps your renewal date.
What to bring and what to expect
A test centre normally needs only the vehicle and its keys, though bringing the V5C and last certificate can help if the record is unclear.
- A vehicle that is safe to drive to the centre.
- Enough fuel for the test, including any emissions check.
- Readable number plates matching the registration on record.
- The old certificate or advisory list, if you have one.
- Payment arrangements agreed in advance, since each centre sets its own price.
After the test
The result goes onto the record, so run the lookup again a short while later to confirm the new expiry date is correct and keep the certificate for your own files.
- Note the new expiry date in a calendar.
- Keep the advisory list for the next service.
Quick MOT Check Checklist
- Enter the registration carefully.
- Read status and expiry first.
- Read the last three tests and any advisories.
- Compare mileage readings.
- Check tax status too.
- Set a reminder a month before expiry.
Reading An MOT Check Result In Sixty Seconds
A quick, reliable read follows a fixed order, so nothing gets skipped when you are standing on a forecourt with a phone.
- Status first: valid, expired or no record.
- Expiry second: how many weeks remain, not just the date.
- Last result third: a pass, or a fail that was never retested.
- Advisories fourth: anything about brakes, tyres, steering or corrosion.
- Mileage last: whether it climbs steadily.
When the answer is "valid but expiring soon"
A certificate with only days left is still valid, but the buyer will be paying for a test almost straight away. Factor that into the conversation.
Where MOT Data Comes From And How Fast It Updates
The test centre enters each result into the DVSA's MOT testing system at the time of the test, and the record normally appears in lookups very soon afterwards.
Why a brand-new pass may not show instantly
A short delay between the test and the public record is possible, so if a seller says "it passed this morning" and the lookup disagrees, ask for the certificate and check again later.
Why the test centre matters
The tester, not the owner, creates the entry, which is why the record is hard to fake and why errors are normally fixed by the centre.
MOT Check For Taxis, Minibuses And Other Special Vehicles
Taxis and private hire vehicles are often tested more than once a year under licensing rules set by the local authority, so the MOT history of such a vehicle may be unusually long.
- Ex-taxis can show many tests in a short span.
- Minibuses and larger passenger vehicles use higher classes.
- Ambulances and some other specialist vehicles follow their own test rules.
- Motorhomes are commonly tested in class 4 but can fall into another class by weight.
Ex-fleet buying tip
A long test list on a former fleet vehicle is normal, so judge it by the trend of advisories and mileage rather than by the number of entries.
Using The Check To Prepare For Your MOT
A lookup before a test can show what the last tester flagged, giving you a head start on repairs.
- Fix last year's advisories first.
- Check the lights, wipers, washers and tyres yourself.
- Make sure the number plates are legible and the registration is correct.
- Keep the car clean enough for the tester to inspect it.
See the MOT checklist for what the tester looks at.
Official Sources For MOT Status
The official service is the GOV.UK MOT history and MOT status service run by the DVSA, with the Driver and Vehicle Agency covering Northern Ireland. A free lookup draws on the same data, but GOV.UK is the final word. For general information, see the MOT status and due date guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I check MOT status for free?
Enter the registration number into a free MOT lookup. It reads the DVSA's MOT record and returns the current status, the expiry date and the full test history, including advisories and mileage. No account or payment is needed, because MOT results are published public data. Always confirm important decisions against the official GOV.UK service, particularly if the vehicle is from Northern Ireland or an unusual class.
Is my car MOT'd if there is no sticker?
Yes, it could be. Cars do not display an MOT sticker or disc, so a missing sticker proves nothing. The only reliable proof is the digital MOT record, which you can check using the registration, or the pass certificate, which may be paper or emailed. Run a lookup and read the status and expiry date rather than relying on anything in the window.
When is my MOT due on my car?
The due date is the expiry date on the latest certificate. If you do not have it, run the registration through a lookup, which shows the expiry date. For a new vehicle in Great Britain, the first MOT is normally due by the third anniversary of its first registration. You can usually test up to a month minus a day early and keep the same renewal date.
Does a valid MOT mean the car is taxed?
No. The MOT and vehicle tax are separate records held by different agencies. The DVSA holds MOT data and the DVLA holds tax data. A vehicle can have a valid MOT and no tax, for example if it was bought recently or declared SORN. Check both statuses from the same registration, and remember that tax does not transfer to a new keeper.
Can I drive with an expired MOT?
Generally not. There is no grace period after expiry, and driving without a valid MOT is usually an offence for which you could be fined. Limited exceptions include driving to a pre-booked MOT test, or to a place of repair after a failed test, provided the vehicle is roadworthy and safe. Check the current rules on GOV.UK.
Does an MOT check work for motorbikes and vans?
Yes. Motorbikes and vans are tested under the MOT scheme in Great Britain, so a registration lookup returns their status and history in the same way as for cars. Bikes are tested in class 1 or 2 by engine size, and vans normally in class 4 or class 7 by weight. Larger heavy goods vehicles are handled under a separate regime, so use the official GOV.UK services for those.
Do electric cars need an MOT?
Yes, once they reach the age at which an MOT is due. Electric cars follow the same age rules as petrol and diesel cars and are tested on brakes, tyres, steering, lights and other safety items. They have no exhaust, so there is no tailpipe emissions test. A status check works exactly as it does for any other car.
Do classic cars need an MOT?
Many vehicles built or first registered more than 40 years ago, and not substantially changed, are usually exempt from the MOT. The rule is rolling, so the cut-off moves each year, and the conditions matter. A lookup may show "no results" or an exemption for such a vehicle. Confirm on GOV.UK before relying on it, and note that tax exemption is a separate rule.
Does the MOT check cover Northern Ireland?
Not normally. Northern Ireland vehicles are tested by the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA), which runs its own booking, test age and records. A Great Britain MOT lookup, which draws on DVSA data, usually will not show a Northern Ireland test. Use the DVA's official service for Northern Ireland vehicles, and see the guidance on GOV.UK for vehicles moving between regions.
What does "no results found" mean on an MOT check?
It means no MOT test is recorded for that registration. Common reasons are a mistyped reg, a vehicle too new to need its first MOT, an exempt classic, a Northern Ireland vehicle, an imported vehicle never tested in Great Britain, or a heavy vehicle outside the standard scheme. Re-check the characters and then confirm the vehicle's age and type before drawing conclusions.
What is the difference between an MOT check and an MOT test?
An MOT test is the physical inspection of a vehicle's roadworthiness and emissions at an authorised test centre. An MOT check is a lookup of the record that test creates. Checking is free and instant and tells you the status, expiry date and past results. Only a test can produce a new certificate, so a check cannot renew, extend or fix an expired MOT.
How long is an MOT valid for?
An MOT certificate is normally valid for 12 months. If you test within the early window, usually up to a month minus a day before expiry, the new certificate normally keeps the original renewal date. If you test earlier than that, the new certificate usually runs from the test date. The expiry date on the certificate or lookup is what counts.
Can I check MOT history on someone else's car?
Yes. MOT results are public vehicle data published by registration number, so anyone can look up any vehicle. The record shows test dates, results, advisories and mileage, but no owner name or address. Owner details are protected personal data released only to people with a legitimate reason. Checking a vehicle you are thinking of buying is a normal and sensible use.
What does an MOT check not tell me?
It does not show insurance, outstanding finance, write-off or stolen markers, service history or the number of previous keepers, and it never reveals an owner's name or address. A valid MOT also does not prove a car is mechanically sound, only that it met the minimum standard on test day. For the rest, use an insurance check, a full history check and an inspection.
Does a private number plate change the MOT history?
No. The MOT history belongs to the vehicle, not the registration, so it follows the vehicle when the DVLA records a plate change. If a lookup under a new registration returns nothing, try the registration shown on the V5C, and check that the DVLA has finished updating the record. The certificate remains valid until its original expiry date.
What should I do if the MOT record looks wrong?
Start with the test centre that carried out the test, because it entered the result and the odometer reading. If it cannot correct the error, contact the DVSA through GOV.UK, with the registration, test date and certificate to hand. Do not rely on a wrong entry when buying or selling, and ask the other party to explain any mismatch.
Official Sources
Rules, fees and deadlines change. Confirm anything that affects your money or legal position with the official service.