Driving lawfully in the UK entails ensuring that your car meets a few essential conditions. Your vehicle must have valid road tax, a recent MOT, and at least third-party insurance. Without these, you risk receiving fines, penalties, or even having your car pulled off the road.
With our number plate check, you can instantly access DVLA records to see whether your vehicle is taxed and has a valid MOT. Simply input your registration number to discover vital facts such as tax status, MOT expiry date, and even previous MOT history dating back to 2005. This includes mileage readings, advisory notes, and failure causes, allowing you to stay on top of any problems before they become costly repairs.
The amount you pay for car tax depends on your vehicle’s age, type, and emissions.
If you drive an electric car, you won’t have to pay road tax—at least until 1st April 2025, when exemptions will end.
For petrol, diesel, and hybrid cars, tax rates are based on CO2 emissions and the year the vehicle was registered. Alternative fuel cars, such as hybrids and those running on LPG, CNG, or biofuel, often benefit from reduced road tax rates compared to traditional petrol or diesel cars. Newer hybrid cars tend to have lower tax costs, while older diesel vehicles usually fall into higher tax bands.
Want to know exactly how much you have to pay? Enter your registration number to check your car tax instantly!
FAQs About Car Tax Check
How Can I Check When My Tax and MOT Are Due?
Checking your tax and MOT due dates is quick and simple. Simply enter your vehicle registration number into
my car reg check tool to get instant information on your road tax status and MOT expiry date.
You can also browse historical test results from 2005 to get a more complete MOT history, including any advisories or failures. Keep an eye on these dates to prevent driving illegally and being fined.
What Are The Consequences Of Not Taxing My Vehicle?
Driving an untaxed car on public roads in the UK is prohibited unless it is exempt. Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) is a legal requirement for all vehicle owners, and failing to comply can result in significant penalties. If you forget to tax your vehicle, you may face:
- Fines - You may face an £80 penalty, which can escalate if not paid.
- Clamping or impoundment - The DVLA and enforcement officers have the authority to clamp or seize your car.
- Prosecution - Failure to tax your car may result in legal action and higher fines.
Avoid the hassle and always keep your car tax up to date!
Do I Need To Pay Road Tax If My Vehicle Is Registered As Sorn?
No, if your vehicle is declared SORN, you do not need to pay road tax. However, it must be kept off public roads, such as in a garage or on private land.
If you drive a SORN vehicle on public roads, even briefly, you could face fines, penalties, or even prosecution. Always make sure your vehicle’s tax status is correct before taking it out on the road.
What Is the Process for Paying My Road Tax Online?
Simply go to the official GOV.UK website, enter your car information, and follow the instructions. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) is responsible for managing vehicle registration and tax collection in the UK. You’ll need one of the following.
- V11 reminder letter (issued before taxes are due)
- V5C logbook (must be under your name)
- Green ‘new keeper’ slip (if you just purchased the car)
You have the option of paying annually, every six months, or monthly via Direct Debit. Once paid, your tax records are automatically updated, albeit this may take a few days to appear online.
How Frequently Should I Renew My Vehicle Tax?
Road tax must be renewed annually; however, you can pay in smaller instalments:
- Every 12 months (cheaper option)
- Every six months (somewhat more expensive)
- Monthly Direct Debit (with a slight surcharge)
If you've set up Direct Debit, your payments will be automatically renewed unless you cancel or declare the vehicle SORN. If you pay manually, make sure to renew before your current tax expires to prevent fines and penalties.
Why Should You Choose This Service Over GOV.UK's Vehicle Tax Service?
While the GOV.UK car tax service allows you to pay your road tax, our service extends beyond tax payments. A free car tax cost check gives you access to a complete tax and MOT status report, including crucial facts such as emissions, road tax charges and MOT history—all in one spot. Furthermore, you can quickly determine whether a car has any hidden issues, such as pending loans, previous write-offs, or even if it has been stolen; this extra layer of information helps you make smarter decisions, especially when buying a used car.
How Can I Check When My Road Tax Expires?
Checking your road tax expiration date is straightforward. Simply enter your vehicle registration number into our free car tax calculator UK tool, and you'll know when your taxes are due.
If you've misplaced your V11 reminder letter, don't panic; our car tax by reg tool retrieves real-time tax status directly from DVLA records. To prevent fines and penalties, schedule a reminder before your tax deadline.
Can I get a refund for my road tax if I sell my vehicle?
Yes, you can. If you sell your vehicle, the DVLA will automatically reimburse any full month's unused tax. The refund is delivered to the address listed in your V5C logbook, so make sure your information is up to date before selling.
Keep in mind that road tax is not transferred to the new owner; the buyer must tax the car in their own name before driving it. If you've set up a Direct Debit, it'll be instantly terminated, and any overpayments will be reimbursed.
Can I drive a vehicle home without paying road tax?
No, you cannot lawfully drive a freshly purchased vehicle home without paying road tax unless it has been declared SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification) and is being transported on a trailer. Vehicle owners are responsible for ensuring their vehicles are taxed before driving them on public roads. Road tax does not transfer when you purchase a vehicle, so you must tax it in your name before driving it—even if the previous owner had it taxed.
The good news is that the V5C logbook or green ‘new keeper’ slip can be used to promptly tax your car online via the GOV.UK website. If you buy from a dealer, they may also help with taxation before you drive away. Avoid fines, and make sure your taxes are in order before you go!
Bikes
Vans
Motorhomes
