How to Tax Your Car Online in the UK
Car Owl
Published in English •
Summary
- Tax your car at gov.uk: It is the fastest way. You can pay for 6 or 12 months, or monthly by direct debit.
- You need a valid MOT and insurance: The system checks these automatically before letting you pay.
- No tax disc needed: Paper tax discs were scrapped in 2014. Everything is digital now. See our V5C guide for more.
Car tax (Vehicle Excise Duty) is something every car owner needs to sort. Here is how to do it quickly and easily.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Go to gov.uk/vehicle-tax.
- Enter your vehicle registration number.
- Enter the reference number from your V5C logbook (section 4, 6, or 8) or your V11 reminder letter.
- The system will check your MOT and insurance status.
- Choose how to pay: 12 months, 6 months, or monthly direct debit.
- Pay with a debit or credit card (or set up a direct debit).
- Done. Your tax starts immediately.
How Much Does Car Tax Cost?
The amount depends on your car's CO2 emissions and when it was first registered:
| Vehicle Type | Annual Cost (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Electric vehicles (zero emissions) | £0 |
| Cars registered after April 2017 | £190 standard rate (after first year) |
| Cars costing over £40,000 new | £190 + £410 supplement for 5 years |
| Cars registered before April 2017 | Based on CO2 emissions (varies widely) |
Payment Options
- Annual (12 months): Cheapest option overall.
- 6 months: Slightly more expensive per month than annual.
- Monthly direct debit: Spread the cost, but you pay a small premium.
What If You Do Not Have Your V5C?
If you have lost your V5C, you will need the V11 reminder letter that the DVLA sends before your tax is due.
If you do not have either, you will need to apply for a replacement V5C first. See our replacement V5C guide.
What Happens If You Do Not Tax Your Car?
- ANPR cameras: Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras flag untaxed vehicles.
- Fine of up to £1,000: Or a fixed penalty of £80.
- Car can be clamped or impounded: Even if it is parked on a public road.
If you are not using your car, declare it SORN instead. It is free and saves you tax while the car is off the road.
Final Thoughts
Taxing your car online is quick, easy, and saves a trip to the Post Office. Make sure your MOT and insurance are in place first, and you will be done in minutes.
Check your car's tax status with our free tax check tool.
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