How to Tax Your Car in the UK: A Step-by-Step Guide

Summary

• Three ways to tax: You can tax your car online at gov.uk, at a Post Office, or by phone. Online is quickest.
• You need a reference number: This comes from your V5C logbook, a V11 reminder letter, or a V62 form.
• No tax = big fines: Driving without road tax can lead to a £1,000 fine. Check your car tax status to stay legal.

Every car on UK roads must be taxed. It's called Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), but most people just call it road tax.

Taxing your car is quick and easy. You can do it from your sofa in about five minutes.

Here's everything you need to know.

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What You Need to Tax Your Car

Before you start, make sure you have one of these:

• V5C logbook: This is the main document for your car. It has an 11-digit reference number on it. Learn how to read your V5C logbook.
• V11 reminder letter: The DVLA sends this when your tax is about to expire. It has a 16-digit reference number.
• V62 form: If you don't have a V5C, you can use this to apply for one and tax at the same time.

You also need:

• A valid MOT (if your car needs one).
• Valid car insurance.
• A way to pay (debit card, direct debit, or cash at the Post Office).

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Option 1: Tax Your Car Online

This is the quickest way. It takes about five minutes.

1. Go to gov.uk/vehicle-tax.
2. Enter your V5C or V11 reference number.
3. Choose to pay for 6 months or 12 months, or set up a monthly direct debit.
4. Pay by debit or credit card, or direct debit.
5. Done! Your car is taxed straight away.

Good to know: The DVLA checks your MOT and insurance automatically. If they're not valid, you won't be able to tax online.

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Option 2: Tax at a Post Office

You can tax your car at most Post Office branches. Not all branches do this, so check first.

What to bring

• Your V5C logbook or V11 reminder letter.
• A valid MOT certificate (if your car needs one).
• Valid insurance cover note or certificate.
• Payment by cash, cheque, debit card, or credit card.

The Post Office is useful if you don't have internet access or prefer to do things in person.

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Option 3: Tax by Phone

Call the DVLA on 0300 123 4321. Lines are open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm, and Saturday 8am to 2pm.

You'll need your V5C or V11 reference number and a debit or credit card to pay.

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How Much Does Road Tax Cost?

The cost depends on your car's CO2 emissions and when it was first registered.

Cars registered after 1 April 2017

You pay a higher rate in the first year based on emissions. After that, it's a flat rate of £190 per year for most petrol and diesel cars.

Electric cars currently pay £0, but this changes from April 2025 when they start paying the standard rate.

Cars registered before 1 April 2017

The cost is based on CO2 emissions. Lower-emission cars pay less. The cheapest band is £0 (for cars under 100 g/km). The most expensive is over £600 a year.

Read our full guide to car tax bands explained for a detailed breakdown.

Payment options

Payment Method	How It Works	Extra Cost?
12 months upfront	Pay for the full year in one go	No extra cost
6 months upfront	Pay for half the year	About 10% more overall
Monthly direct debit	Pay each month automatically	About 5% more overall

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What Happens If You Don't Tax Your Car

Driving without tax is illegal. Here's what can happen:

• £80 late licensing penalty: This drops to £40 if you pay within 28 days.
• Up to £1,000 fine: If taken to court.
• Your car could be clamped or crushed: The DVLA uses automatic number plate cameras to catch untaxed cars.
• Wheel clamp release fee: If your car gets clamped, you'll pay a release fee plus the tax owed.

If you're not driving the car, you must declare a SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification). Our guide on SORN rules explains how.

Important: Tax doesn't transfer when you buy a used car. You must tax it in your name before you drive it away. Use CarOwl's car tax checker to check any car's tax status.

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When to Tax Your Car

You need to tax your car:

• Before you drive it on any public road.
• When you buy a used car: The previous owner's tax doesn't carry over. Tax it before you drive away.
• Before your current tax expires: The DVLA sends a V11 reminder about 6 weeks before.
• After a SORN: If you've taken your car off the road and want to drive it again.

Not sure when your tax runs out? You can check if your car is taxed online for free.

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Can You Get a Tax Refund?

Yes! You can get a refund for any complete months left on your tax if you:

• Sell or transfer the car.
• Declare a SORN.
• Scrap or export the car.
• The car is stolen (and you tell the police and DVLA).

The refund is automatic when you tell the DVLA. It goes back to the person who paid the tax.

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Taxing your car is one of the easiest parts of car ownership. Do it online, and it takes just five minutes. Just make sure you have a valid MOT and insurance first.

Need to check your car's details? Use CarOwl's free car check to see MOT, tax, and more in seconds.

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