Table of Content

What's Included in Our Free Tax Check

Our free vehicle check covers over 20 key features of any UK-registered vehicle, including:

  • DVLA Registration Check
  • Vehicle Make & Model
  • Fuel Type
  • Vehicle Colour
  • Engine Size
  • Year of Manufacture
  • DVLA Tax & MOT Check Expiry
  • Vehicle Type
  • Emissions Data
  • Road Tax Costs
  • MOT History

Get free instant access to important details about your vehicle.


How do I Tax My Car?

The official GOV.UK website is where you can pay your vehicle tax online. One of the following reference numbers is what you need to finish the process:

  • V11 Reminder Document
  • V5C Logbook
  • Green ‘New Keeper’ Slip (if you have recently purchased the vehicle) Direct Debit online or at a Post Office are both ways to pay your road tax.

You have the option to:

  • Make a single payment at a lower rate for the whole year.
  • Pay in installments every six months or every month (plus a 5% fee).


Car Tax Exemptions

Vehicles made before January 1, 1984, will not have to pay vehicle tax after April 1, 2024. Owners must register for taxes even without paying.

If the vehicle's build date is unknown, but it was initially registered before January 8, 1984, it may be exempt.

This exemption does not apply if the car is used for business, like as a taxi for paid customers or as part of an enterprise.
To confirm your eligibility, call the DVLA.

Get a Free Car Check to Help You Stay Legal in The UK

For UK driving, a vehicle must satisfy these requirements:

  • Valid Vehicle Tax: The tax on your car needs to be up to date.
  • Valid MOT Certificate: Cars and trucks older than three years old need to pass a test to make sure they are safe to drive.
  • Minimum Third-Party Car Insurance: Your car needs to have insurance to cover any possible fines.

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) lets you instant car details check for free. You can check at least two of these important requirements, vehicle tax, and MOT check status, by entering your vehicle's registration number. This makes sure you are following UK law.


How Much Is My Car Tax?

How much road tax you have to pay is based on how old you are, what kind of car you have, and how much CO2 it emits.

  • Electric Vehicles (EVs): These vehicles do not have to pay road tax because they don't emit any CO2. But this option will no longer be valid after April 1, 2025.
  • Petrol, Diesel, and Hybrid Vehicles: The registration date and CO2 pollution decide the road tax rate:
  • Registered on or after April 1 2017: the tax you pay is based on your CO2 emissions for the first year. From the second year on, the tax is a regular rate.
  • Registered between March 1 2001, and March 31 2017: Pay a fixed annual tax based on their fuel type and emission pollution.
  • Registered before March 2001: Your road tax will be based on the size of the engine.

Visit GOV.UK to get the most correct and up-to-date information on how much road tax your car needs.


FAQs About Car Tax Check

How Can I Check When My Tax and MOT Are Due?

Enter your car registration number for a number plate check to verify tax and MOT check expiration. Our free car details check gives you essential data like make, model, colour, and more to keep you informed.


What Are The Consequences Of Not Taxing My Vehicle?

The DVLA examines all UK-registered vehicles monthly.

  • Untaxed vehicles without a Statutory Off-Road Notification (SORN) will receive an automatic £80 fine to the registered keeper.
  • Failure to pay may result in penalties up to £1,000, and the DVLA may hold the vehicle until the outstanding tax is paid.

Only during pre-booked MOT tests may you drive an untaxed car. If stopped by police, you may need appointment documents.


Do I Need To Pay Road Tax If My Vehicle Is Registered As Sorn?

If your car is SORN, you do not have to pay road tax. In a garage or on private property, the car must be off public highways.


What’s The Process For Paying My Road Tax Online?

Online road tax payment is easy with GOV.UK Vehicle Tax Service.

The payment requires one of the following:
  • V11 Reminder Letter
  • V5C Registration Document (Logbook)
  • New Keeper Slip (prior owner supplied)

You cannot pay road tax online without one of these papers.


How Much Does It Cost To Tax A Vehicle In The UK?

UK vehicle taxes vary on age, model, and CO2 emissions. Taxes on electric vehicles applied from April 1, 2025. Petrol, diesel, and hybrid vehicles registered after April 1 2017, pay a first-year CO2 tax, then a normal rate. Registered vehicles between March 1, 2001, and March 31, 2017, pay a yearly tax depending on emissions and fuel type, whereas those before March 2001 pay based on engine capacity. You can check GOV.UK for updated pricing.


How Frequently Do I Need To Renew My Vehicle Tax?

You must renew your vehicle tax every 6 or 12 months, depending on your payment plan. Unless cancelled, Direct Debit payments renew automatically.


Why Choose This Service Over the GOV.UK Vehicle Tax Service?

Our free car check is more detailed than GOV.UK vehicle tax. Besides tax information, you may see performance specs, fuel efficiency, and other car statistics not accessible on GOV.UK. After making an account, you may check for stolen vehicles for free.


How Can I Check When My Road Tax Expires?

A month before your vehicle tax is due, the DVLA will issue a reminder letter. The tax is usually payable one year after your last payment. An online car tax checker lets you verify your renewal date anytime.

Can I Get A Refund On My Road Tax If I Sell My Vehicle?

You will get a refund for any full months of unused vehicle tax coverage when you cancel. It takes 10 business days to process your cancellation and give the refund.

If I Purchase A Vehicle, Can I Drive It Home Without Road Tax?

Taxing a vehicle is a must before driving it. You must apply for road tax individually when buying a used car. Dealers usually handle tax registration and include it in the price.

Are There Any Exemptions For Vehicles From Road Tax?

Applications for tax registration without payment are still necessary if your vehicle is tax-exempt. Eligible vehicles for exemption include:
  • Fully electric vehicles (exempt until April 1, 2025).
  • Disabled passenger vehicles.
  • Classic cars over 40 years old.
  • Cars registered between March 1, 2001, and April 1, 2017, with CO2 emissions of 100 g/km or less.
  • Vehicles having a SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification).
  • Specialist vehicles, such as mowing machines, steam-powered vehicles, and those used in agriculture, horticulture, or forestry.

Moreover, disabled drivers may get a 50% discount, and those receiving disability compensation may be excluded.

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Tony Gastro

A dynamic automotive industry expert with 15+ years of experience in design, engineering, and market strategy. Specialises in cutting-edge innovation, sustainability, and performance, leading transformative growth across global automotive markets.