How to Check Car is Taxed in the UK

Why is it Important to Check Your Car’s Tax Status?

Checking whether your car is taxed is essential for several reasons:

1. Legal compliance: Driving an untaxed vehicle on public roads is against the law and can lead to serious consequences.
2. Insurance validity: Many insurance providers require your vehicle to be properly taxed to maintain coverage.
3. Car finance requirements: If you’re financing your car, your lender may stipulate that you keep your vehicle taxed throughout the agreement.
4. Avoiding penalties: Failing to tax your car can result in fines of up to £1,000, and your vehicle may be clamped or impounded.

Car Tax Statistics

Source: Department for Transport, 2021

Get Quotes

How to Check if Your Car is Taxed Online

Checking your car’s tax status is a straightforward process that can be completed online through the government’s official website. Here’s how:

1. Visit the "Check if a vehicle is taxed" page on the gov.uk website.
2. Enter your vehicle’s registration number. You can find this on your V5C registration certificate (logbook), or on your vehicle’s number plate.
3. Click the "Continue" button.
4. The website will display your vehicle’s tax status, including the expiry date of the current tax period.

If your vehicle is untaxed, you’ll need to tax it immediately to avoid penalties. You can do this online using a reference number from your V5C document, a reminder letter from the DVLA, or your vehicle’s logbook. It’s important to note that the online service is available 24/7, and you’ll receive instant confirmation of your vehicle’s tax status.

How to Check Your Vehicle’s MOT and SORN Status

In addition to checking your car’s tax status, you can also use the government’s online tool to check your vehicle’s MOT status and whether it has a Statutory Off-Road Notification (SORN).

To check your MOT status:

1. Visit the "Check the MOT status of a vehicle" page on the gov.uk website.
2. Enter your vehicle’s registration number and click "Continue."
3. The website will display your vehicle’s current MOT status, expiry date, and any outstanding advisories or defects.

To check if your vehicle has a SORN:

1. Visit the Check if a vehicle has a SORN page on the gov.uk website.
2. Enter your vehicle’s registration number and click "Continue."
3. The website will confirm whether your vehicle has a valid SORN in place.

Remember, if you have a SORN, your vehicle must be kept off public roads and cannot be driven legally until it is taxed and insured.

Car Tax and Insurance

Your car’s tax status can have a significant impact on your insurance coverage and premiums. Here’s what you need to know:

Insurance Validity

Most car insurance policies in the UK require your vehicle to be taxed to maintain coverage. If you’re involved in an accident while driving an untaxed vehicle, your insurance provider may refuse to pay out, leaving you liable for any damages or injuries. Always check your vehicle’s tax status before renewing your insurance policy to ensure you’re fully covered.

Insurance Premiums

Insurance companies often consider your car’s tax status when calculating your premiums. Driving an untaxed vehicle may be seen as a higher risk, leading to increased insurance costs. On the other hand, consistently keeping your car taxed can help you secure lower premiums. Some insurers even offer discounts for vehicles with a valid tax status, so it’s worth comparing quotes from different providers.

Van Insurance

If you own a van, it’s equally important to ensure it’s properly taxed. Van insurance policies typically require your vehicle to be taxed, and failure to do so could invalidate your coverage. Some insurers may offer discounts for vans with a valid road tax, so it’s worth checking your tax status before renewing your policy. Keep in mind that the tax rates for vans can differ from those for cars, so make sure you’re paying the correct amount based on your vehicle type and usage.

Get Quotes

Car Tax and Car Finance

If you’re financing your car, it’s crucial to understand the relationship between car taxed and your finance agreement:

Finance Requirements

Most car finance agreements stipulate that you must keep your vehicle taxed throughout the duration of the contract. Failing to do so could be considered a breach of your agreement, potentially leading to penalties or even repossession of your vehicle. Make sure to factor in the cost of road tax when budgeting for your monthly finance payments.

Tax Verification

When applying for car finance, lenders may verify your vehicle’s tax status as part of their approval process. Having a valid road tax can demonstrate responsibility and improve your chances of being approved for finance. Some lenders may even require proof of tax payment before finalising your finance agreement, so it’s important to have your documentation in order.

Combined Payments

Some car finance providers offer the option to combine your car tax and finance payments into a single monthly instalment. This can simplify the process of keeping your vehicle taxed and help you avoid forgetting to renew your road tax. However, make sure to compare the cost of combined payments against paying for your tax separately to ensure you’re getting the best deal.

What information do you need to verify if a car is taxed or not?

To verify if a car is taxed or not, you’ll need the following information:

1. Vehicle Registration Number (Number Plate): This is the unique identifier for your vehicle and is the primary piece of information required to check its tax status. You can find the registration number on your vehicle’s number plate, V5C logbook (registration certificate), or new keeper slip (if you’ve recently purchased the vehicle).
2. Vehicle Make and Model: While not always necessary, having your vehicle’s make and model can help you double-check that you’re entering the correct registration number and accessing the right vehicle’s information.

With the vehicle registration number, you can check the car’s tax status online through the government’s free "Check if a vehicle is taxed" service. Simply enter the registration number, and the system will display the vehicle’s current tax status, including the expiry date of the current tax period.

Key Takeaways

• Checking if your car is taxed is crucial for legal compliance, insurance validity, and car finance requirements
• You can check your car’s tax status online using the government’s free tool
• Driving an untaxed vehicle can result in fines, penalties, and invalidated insurance coverage
• Car insurance premiums can be affected by your vehicle’s tax status
• Car finance agreements typically require you to keep your vehicle taxed throughout the contract
• Always check a used car’s tax status before purchasing to avoid unexpected costs

Get Quotes

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What happens if I forget to tax my car?

If you forget to tax your car, you’ll be driving illegally and could face penalties. The DVLA uses Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras to identify untaxed vehicles, and you could receive a fine of up to £1,000. If you’re caught driving an untaxed vehicle, you could also face points on your licence and have your vehicle clamped or impounded. To avoid these consequences, set up a reminder to tax your vehicle before the current tax period expires.

2. Can I check my car’s tax status by phone?

Yes, you can check your car’s tax status by calling the DVLA’s Vehicle Enquiry line on 0300 790 6802. You’ll need your vehicle’s registration number and the V5C reference number from your logbook. Keep in mind that the phone line is only available during specific hours, so it may be more convenient to check your tax status online.

3. How do I tax my car?

You can tax your car online, by phone, or at a Post Office branch. To tax your vehicle, you’ll need:

• A reference number from your vehicle logbook (V5C), a recent reminder letter (V11), or your new keeper slip (V5C/2)
• A credit or debit card for payment
• Your vehicle’s MOT test number (if applicable)

The process is quick and easy, and you’ll receive instant confirmation of your tax payment.

4. Can I transfer my car tax to a new vehicle?

No, car taxed is non-transferable between vehicles. If you sell your car, you’ll need to notify the DVLA and can claim a refund for any remaining full months of tax. The new owner will be responsible for taxing the vehicle themselves. If you’re buying a new car, make sure to tax it before driving it on public roads to avoid penalties.

5. What should I do if I’m buying a used car?

When purchasing a used car, it’s essential to check its tax status before finalising the sale. You can use the government’s online tool to verify the vehicle’s tax status and avoid any unexpected surprises. Remember, as the new keeper, it’s your responsibility to tax the vehicle once the sale is complete. Make sure to budget for the cost of road tax when considering the overall price of the vehicle.

6. How does my vehicle’s fuel type and engine size affect my car tax?

The amount of vehicle tax you pay depends on several factors, including your car’s fuel type and engine size. Generally, vehicles with larger engines and higher CO2 emissions face higher tax rates. Petrol and diesel cars are taxed differently, with diesel vehicles often facing additional surcharges. Alternatively, electric and low-emission vehicles may qualify for tax exemptions or reduced rates. When checking your car’s tax status, make sure you’re aware of how your vehicle’s specific characteristics impact your tax obligations.

7. Can I check my vehicle’s tax status without the registration number?

No, you’ll need your vehicle’s registration number to check its tax status online. The registration number is the unique identifier for your vehicle and is essential for accessing its tax and MOT history. You can find your registration number on your vehicle’s number plate, V5C logbook, or new keeper slip. If you don’t have your registration number handy, you’ll need to locate one of these documents before you can check your car’s tax status.