How to check your car tax online in the UK?
It is legally mandatory to pay vehicle tax in the UK. If you drive without paying the tax, you could face a hefty fine. The fine can be up to £1,000 and your vehicle could even be seized or clamped.
Fortunately, it is very easy to check your car tax status online. This way you can ensure that your vehicle is completely legal to drive on the road and avoid unnecessary penalties. In this detailed guide, we will tell you how you can find out your car tax information online in the UK, how to renew it on time, and what mistakes to avoid.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Legal Requirement | All vehicles driven or kept on public roads in the UK must be taxed. |
| Penalty for Non-Compliance | Fines up to £1,000, vehicle clamping, or impoundment. |
| Online Tax Check Service | Available through the GOV.UK website. |
| Required Information | Vehicle registration number (number plate). |
| Additional Services | Sign up for free tax renewal reminders via text or email through the DVLA Driver and Vehicles account. |
| Official Resources | GOV.UK – Vehicle Tax |
Why is car tax important?
Vehicle tax, also known as VED or Vehicle Excise Duty, is imposed on most vehicles in the UK that are on the road or parked in public places. The government uses the money from this tax to maintain the country’s roads and highways.
If you fail to pay vehicle tax, it can have serious consequences:
- Penalty – A hefty fine of up to £1,000 can be imposed.
- Vehicle clamping – Your car can be seized if you don’t pay the tax.
- Vehicle impounding – If you don’t pay the tax on time, the vehicle can be completely seized.
So, it is essential that you pay your car tax on time to stay legally safe.
How to check your car tax online in the UK?
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) offers a simple online service that lets you check your vehicle tax status for free.
Step-by-step process:
- Visit the official website – Visit the “Vehicle Tax Check” page of GOV.UK.
- Enter vehicle registration number – Enter your car’s number plate (registration number).
- Check Tax Status – This service will give you information on the validity and expiry date of your car tax.
This service is available 24/7 and provides you with real-time data.
What information will you get?
- Tax Expiry Date – When is your car tax expiring.
- Vehicle Brand and Model – To check that the information is correct.
- MOT Status – Whether your vehicle is fit for the road or not.
How to pay your car tax online?
If you find out that your car tax has expired or is about to expire soon, you can renew it through DVLA’s online service.
What do you need for this?
- V11 Reminder Letter – This is sent by DVLA when your tax is about to expire.
- V5C Registration Certificate (Logbook) – If you don’t have a V11.
- Payment method – Debit/Credit card or bank details for direct debit.
Process to pay car tax online:
- Visit GOV.UK’s “Vehicle Tax” service.
- Enter registration number – Enter the 16-digit number from the V11 letter or the 11-digit number from the V5C logbook.
- Choose the payment method – You can pay by annual, half-yearly or monthly direct debit.
- Confirm the information and pay – Complete the payment after checking all the information.
Once the process is completed, you can drive the vehicle legally immediately.
How to set a car tax renewal reminder?
Many times people forget to renew car tax due to which they have to pay a fine. To avoid this, you can use DVLA’s free reminder service.
To set a reminder:
- Go to the DVLA website and create an account.
- Enter your contact details – add a mobile number or email address.
- Activate reminders – choose whether you want to receive notifications by email or SMS.
This way you will receive periodic reminders and you can avoid fines by paying your tax on time.
Common mistakes to avoid:
- Forgetting to renew tax – This is the most common mistake that can cost you a hefty fine.
- Entering incorrect registration details – Always fill in the number plate details correctly.
- Driving without tax – Even if it is for a day, it is illegal.
- Not registering SORN – If your car is not running on the road, you must register it under “Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN)”.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Is it illegal to drive without paying vehicle tax?
Yes, it is illegal to drive without paying tax and you could face a fine of up to £1,000, vehicle clamping or seizure.
Can I check the tax status of someone else’s car?
Yes, you can check the tax status of any vehicle using GOV.UK’s vehicle tax check service.
What if I’m no longer using my car?
If you’re not driving your vehicle, register a SORN so you don’t have to pay tax.
Can I drive immediately after paying tax?
Yes, once you’ve paid tax online you can drive immediately.
What if I forget to pay tax?
You could have to pay a fine. Make sure you renew it on time by using the DVLA’s reminder system.