How to tax a car in the UK (Updated 2025 guide)
Car tax (Vehicle Excise Duty or VED) is a legal must-have for almost every UK vehicle. If your car isn’t taxed—or officially declared as off the road (SORN)—you could face fines, clamping, or even having your vehicle seized. The DVLA enforces car tax through Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras, meaning you can be fined even if you’re not pulled over.
Many drivers also wonder if car insurance is linked to vehicle tax. Although they are separate legal requirements, you cannot tax a car without valid insurance in place. This means that before you tax your vehicle, you must ensure you have an active insurance policy that meets the minimum legal cover in the UK.
This guide explains everything you need to know, including how to check if your car is taxed, the different ways to tax your vehicle, what to do if you’ve lost your logbook, who qualifies for exemptions, and the penalties for failing to pay. It also covers how to cancel car tax and claim a refund if you sell your vehicle or take it off the road. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of the rules and how to stay compliant.
How to check if your car is taxed in the UK
Driving an untaxed car in the UK is illegal, and the DVLA automatically issues fines if your tax has expired—even if your car is parked and not in use. The simplest way to check your car’s tax status is by using the DVLA’s free online tax checker, which takes less than a minute.
Step-by-step guide to checking car tax
- Go to the official DVLA tax checker on the GOV.UK website.
- Enter your vehicle’s registration number and submit the request.
- View your car’s tax status, including the expiry date and renewal details.
If your car is untaxed, act immediately to avoid an automatic £80 fine, which can rise to £1,000 if left unpaid. The DVLA also uses Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras to detect untaxed vehicles on the road, leading to potential clamping or seizure.
You can also confirm your tax status by checking your V5C logbook or V11 tax renewal reminder. If you’re buying a used car, always verify that it is taxed, as road tax does not transfer between owners.
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Get QuotesHow to tax your car (step-by-step guide)
Every car in the UK must be taxed before being driven on public roads. If your tax has expired, you need to act immediately to avoid fines, enforcement action, or even having your vehicle clamped.
Taxing your car is simple and can be done online, by phone, or at a Post Office.
Documents needed to tax your car
Before you begin, you’ll need one of the following:
- V5C logbook – Proof that you are the registered keeper.
- V11 tax renewal reminder – Sent by the DVLA when your tax is due.
- V62 application for a logbook – If you don’t have a V5C.
- MOT certificate – Required for vehicles over three years old.
Where and how to tax your car
1. Taxing your car online (Fastest & easiest option)
The quickest way to tax your car is online. The DVLA system updates instantly, allowing you to drive your car straight away.
How to do it:
- Visit the official GOV.UK vehicle tax service.
- Enter your reference number (found on your V5C logbook or V11 reminder).
- Complete payment using a debit card, credit card, or Direct Debit.
- Your tax is instantly updated, and you’ll receive confirmation via email.
2. Taxing your car by phone
If you don’t have internet access, you can tax your vehicle by calling the DVLA vehicle tax service.
How to do it:
- Call the DVLA tax service.
- Provide your vehicle registration number and reference code.
- Pay via debit or credit card.
- Your tax will be processed, and you’ll receive a confirmation letter.
3. Taxing your car at a Post Office
If your vehicle requires additional verification (e.g., disabled tax exemption), you’ll need to tax it at a Post Office that offers vehicle tax services.
How to do it:
- Visit a Post Office with your V5C logbook or V11 reminder.
- Provide a valid MOT certificate (if applicable).
- Pay using cash, cheque, or card.
- The Post Office will process your tax and update the DVLA system.
What happens after you tax your car?
- Your vehicle is taxed instantly, and you can drive it immediately.
- You do not need to display a tax disc—the tax is registered electronically.
- If you set up a Direct Debit, payments will be deducted automatically to ensure you stay compliant.
Important: If you drive an untaxed vehicle, you risk automatic fines, clamping, or even having your car seized by the DVLA.
How to tax a car without a V5C Logbook
Losing your V5C logbook can be frustrating, but you can still tax your car using alternative methods. The DVLA provides options for owners who don’t have their logbook, allowing you to tax your vehicle online, at a Post Office, or by phone.
What is a V5C Logbook, and do you need it to tax a car?
The V5C logbook (vehicle registration certificate) proves ownership and contains key details about your car. Normally, you need it to tax your vehicle, but if it’s missing, you don’t have to wait for a replacement—you can still tax your car using one of the following methods.
Ways to tax a car without a V5C
1. Taxing Your Car Online (Using a V11 Reminder)
If you’ve received a V11 tax renewal reminder, you can use the 12-digit reference number printed on it to tax your car online at GOV.UK. This is the fastest and easiest method if you don’t have your logbook.
2. Taxing your car at a Post Office (Using a V62 Form)
If you don’t have a V11 reminder, you’ll need to visit a Post Office that handles vehicle tax and complete a V62 application form for a new logbook.
What you’ll need:
- A valid MOT certificate (if required).
- Your vehicle registration number.
- A £25 fee to apply for a new V5C.
The Post Office will process your tax immediately, and the new logbook will be sent to your address within four to six weeks.
3. Taxing your car by phone (If you’re the registered keeper)
If you are the registered keeper and have misplaced your V5C, you can call the DVLA vehicle tax service and provide:
- Your name and address.
- Your vehicle registration number.
- Payment details (debit or credit card).
How long does it take to get a replacement V5C?
A new logbook takes about four to six weeks to arrive after submitting a V62 form. However, you do not have to wait for it—the Post Office can process your tax immediately.
How much does car tax cost in the UK?
Car tax rates depend on your vehicle’s registration date, fuel type, and CO₂ emissions. However, from 1 April 2025, major changes will increase tax for many drivers—especially those with electric and high-emission vehicles.
Here’s what you need to know.
Current car tax rates (Before April 2025)
Cars registered before 1 March 2001 are taxed based on engine size:
- Up to 1,549cc → £200 per year
- Over 1,549cc → £325 per year
Cars registered between 1 March 2001 and 31 March 2017 are taxed based on CO₂ emissions. The first-year tax depends on emissions, followed by a standard rate from year two.
Example tax rates (Until April 2025)
| CO₂ Emissions (g/km) | First-Year Tax | Standard Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 0 (Electric Vehicles) | £0 | £0 |
| 101-150 | £190 | £190 |
| 171-190 | £945 | £190 |
| Over 255 | £2,945 | £190 |
What’s changing from 1 April 2025?
Key updates:
- EVs lose tax exemptions – New electric cars will pay £10 in the first year and £195 annually from year two.
- Higher tax for polluting vehicles – Cars emitting over 255g/km CO₂ will see their first-year tax jump from £2,945 to £5,490.
- Flat £195 tax for all vehicles from year two onwards, regardless of emissions.
- Luxury cars (£40,000+) pay more – A £425 annual surcharge applies for five years, affecting premium electric and petrol cars alike.
New first-year tax rates (From April 2025)
| CO₂ Emissions (g/km) | First-Year Tax |
|---|---|
| 0 (EVs) | £10 |
| 51-100 | £130 |
| 101-150 | £255 |
| 171-190 | £1,105 |
| Over 255 | £5,490 |
What these changes mean for drivers
- EV Owners: No more tax-free electric motoring. Even Teslas and other premium EVs will pay the £425 luxury car supplement.
- High-Emission Vehicle Owners: Big tax hikes—cars with over 255g/km CO₂ emissions will pay nearly double in first-year tax.
- Most Standard Cars: Expect a flat £195 tax from the second year onwards, simplifying long-term costs.
How to tax a car when buying or selling
Car tax does not transfer between owners when a vehicle is sold. If you buy a car, you must tax it before driving—even if the previous owner had already paid tax. If you’re selling, you should notify the DVLA immediately to avoid unnecessary charges.
Buying a car? Here’s how to tax it before driving
1. Buying from a Dealership
Most dealerships do not include road tax when selling a car. Before you drive away, make sure you:
- Get the V5C logbook or the V5C/2 green slip from the dealer.
- Tax the car online using the 12-digit reference number on the V5C/2.
- Ensure the car is insured and has a valid MOT (if required).
2. Buying from a Private Seller
When purchasing a car privately, you must tax it before driving it home.
- The seller will complete the V5C transfer and notify the DVLA.
- Use the V5C/2 slip to tax the car online, by phone, or at a Post Office.
- If the logbook is missing, apply for a V62 form to request a new V5C.
Selling a car? Here’s how to cancel your tax & get a refund
1. Selling to a Private Buyer
Once you sell a car, you must notify the DVLA immediately to avoid being charged tax after the vehicle leaves your ownership.
- Report the sale online via GOV.UK or by post.
- You will receive an automatic refund for any unused months of tax.
- Hand over the V5C logbook to the buyer but retain the seller’s section for your records.
2. Selling to a Dealership
- Most dealerships handle the tax cancellation process, but it’s always best to confirm that the DVLA has been informed.
- You will still receive a refund for any remaining months of tax.
Failure to notify the DVLA could mean you remain liable for tax or fines.
Who doesn’t need to pay car tax?
Not all vehicles are subject to Vehicle Excise Duty (VED). Some are exempt due to their age, emissions, or purpose. However, even if your vehicle qualifies for tax exemption, you must still register it with the DVLA.
1. Classic Cars (Over 40 Years Old)
If your vehicle is more than 40 years old, it qualifies for historic vehicle tax exemption. However:
- Eligibility is based on the first registration date, not the manufacturing year.
- Owners must apply for tax exemption annually through the DVLA.
- The car must not be used commercially (e.g., for business or hire and reward).
2. Electric Vehicles (Exempt Until April 2025)
Currently, fully electric vehicles (EVs) pay £0 road tax. However, from 1 April 2025, all EVs will be taxed.
- New EVs will pay £10 in the first year, then £195 annually from year two.
- Luxury EVs (over £40,000) will also pay a £425 annual surcharge for five years.
3. Disabled Tax Exemption
If you are a driver or passenger with a disability, you may qualify for free vehicle tax if you receive:
- The higher rate of the mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Disability Living Allowance (DLA).
- The War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement.
- The Armed Forces Independence Payment.
To apply, the vehicle must be:
- Registered in the disabled person’s name or used exclusively for their benefit.
- Registered for tax exemption via the DVLA or at a Post Office.
4. Agricultural & Special Vehicles
Some vehicles are exempt from car tax due to their specific use cases, including:
- Mowing machines (used exclusively for grass cutting).
- Agricultural vehicles (tractors, combine harvesters).
- Mobility scooters & powered wheelchairs (for personal mobility).
What happens if you don’t pay car tax?
Driving an untaxed car in the UK is illegal, and the DVLA takes immediate enforcement action against offenders. You could face:
- An automatic £80 fine, increasing to £1,000 if unpaid.
- Clamping, towing, or vehicle destruction.
- Storage fees of £21 per day if your car is impounded.
Fines and penalties for untaxed vehicles
1. Fixed penalty notice (FPN)
If your vehicle is detected as untaxed, the DVLA issues an £80 fine.
- You have 28 days to pay, or the fine increases to £1,000.
- Ignoring this fine could result in court action and additional penalties.
2. Clamping & vehicle seizure
The DVLA regularly clamps and seizes untaxed vehicles parked on public roads.
What happens if your car is clamped?
- Pay a £100 release fee within 24 hours to have the clamp removed.
- You must provide proof that the car has been taxed.
What happens if your car is towed?
- You’ll pay a £200 impound release fee.
- You must provide valid tax and insurance.
- A £21 daily storage fee applies while your vehicle remains impounded.
- If unclaimed within 14 days, your car may be destroyed or auctioned.
3. Continuous Insurance Enforcement (CIE) Fines
If your vehicle is neither taxed nor declared SORN, you could receive an additional £100 fine.
- This fine applies even if your car isn’t being driven.
- Court action could increase the fine to £1,000.
How to Avoid Penalties
- Set up a Direct Debit to ensure your tax renews automatically.
- Declare SORN if your vehicle is off the road to avoid being fined.
- Check your tax status regularly to ensure compliance.
How to cancel car tax & get a refund
If you no longer need to tax your car, you must notify the DVLA to stop payments and receive a refund. Refunds are automatic, but only apply for full months of unused tax—so the sooner you act, the more you save.
When can you cancel car tax?
You can cancel your car tax and get a refund if:
- You sell or transfer ownership – The new owner must tax the vehicle, and you’ll be refunded for unused months.
- You declare the car as SORN – If you take the car off the road, tax payments stop immediately.
- Your car is scrapped – An Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF) will notify the DVLA.
- Your car is exported – You must inform the DVLA before the car leaves the UK.
How to cancel your car tax (step-by-step guide)
1. Notify the DVLA
- Sell or transfer ownership? Report it online or by post.
- SORN your vehicle? Apply at GOV.UK.
- Scrapping or exporting? Inform the DVLA immediately.
2. Refund Process
- You don’t need to apply—refunds are issued automatically.
- You’ll receive a cheque by post within six weeks.
- Refunds only cover full unused months—so don’t delay!
Car tax checklist & final steps
Before driving, make sure your vehicle is taxed to avoid fines, clamping, or legal action. Use this checklist to stay compliant and avoid costly mistakes.
Car tax compliance checklist
- Check your car tax status using the DVLA tax checker.
- Ensure you have the correct documents – V5C logbook or V11 reminder.
- Choose a payment method – Online, phone, or Post Office.
- Set up a Direct Debit to automatically renew tax and prevent lapses.
- Declare SORN if your vehicle is off the road to avoid unnecessary charges.
- Notify the DVLA if you sell, scrap, or export your vehicle to cancel tax & receive a refund.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Driving before taxing a new car – Even if the previous owner paid tax, you must tax it yourself before driving.
- Forgetting to renew your tax – ANPR cameras automatically detect untaxed cars, leading to fines.
- Not setting up a Direct Debit – Missing renewal dates can result in penalties and clamping.
- Assuming SORN means automatic tax cancellation – You must notify the DVLA separately.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, you can still tax your vehicle even if you have unpaid fines. However, if your car has been clamped or impounded, you must pay the fines first before the DVLA will release it.
You may miss tax reminders and fines if you don’t update your address. This can lead to enforcement action if payments are missed. Update your address immediately via GOV.UK.
No, unless your car is MOT-exempt, you must have a valid MOT before you can tax it. The DVLA automatically checks MOT status when processing tax applications. Check your MOT status at GOV.UK.
No, car tax does not transfer between vehicles. If you sell or scrap your car, you must cancel the tax and receive a refund. The new owner must tax the vehicle separately before driving it.
Yes. All vehicles must be taxed unless declared SORN, even if they are only used occasionally. There are no exemptions for infrequent use.
Unpaid tax does not transfer to the new owner. You must tax the vehicle before driving it. However, the DVLA may pursue the previous owner for unpaid tax or fines.
No, the minimum tax period is six months. You can pay monthly via Direct Debit, but a six-month commitment is required.
Yes, but only at a Post Office. You’ll need to complete a V62 form to apply for a replacement logbook and pay a £25 fee at the same time. You cannot tax a car online without a V5C or V11 reminder.