Car Tax Check

    Easily check if your vehicle is taxed in the UK with our online tool

    Use our road tax checker tool to quickly verify the tax status of any vehicle in the UK. Simply enter the registration number and we'll tell you if the car is taxed and when the tax expires, if applicable. Our tool also indicates if a vehicle is registered as off the road (SORN). Don't get caught driving an untaxed car - use our tool to ensure you're in compliance with UK law.

    In the UK, all vehicles driven or kept on a public road must pay Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), also known as car tax or road tax. It's illegal to drive a vehicle without valid road tax, unless it's exempt. Our tax checker makes it easy to confirm the tax status of any car.

    Car tax rates in the UK vary based on factors such as carbon dioxide emissions (CO2), fuel type, and age of the vehicle. Use our tool to find out how much tax you'll need to pay for your car. Stay up to date and avoid penalties by ensuring your vehicle is properly taxed.

    Paying Road Tax

    A reference number is all you need to tax any type of road-legal vehicle in the UK, including cars, motorbikes, and scooters. You can find this reference number on a recent DVLA reminder (V11) or warning letter, or in your vehicle's logbook (V5C). If you recently purchased the vehicle, the logbook should be in your name or accompanied by a green 'new keeper' slip.

    Want to verify if road tax has already been paid for a specific vehicle? Our free tax check tool allows you to view the tax class and check the tax status of any UK vehicle. Simply enter the registration number to get started.

    Need to pay road tax for your vehicle? You can do so online at Pay Tax.

    What Does Our Car Tax Check Include?

    Our free car check includes over 20 fields of data about the vehicle. If you're considering purchasing a car, it's important to verify the history and ensure the vehicle meets the requirements for driving on UK roads.

    Our report includes the following important information:

    How much is my road tax 2023?

    The amount you will pay for road tax (also known as Vehicle Excise Duty or VED) in 2023 depends on the age and original price of your car, as well as the CO2 emissions it produces. Electric car owners will be required to pay road tax for the first time in 2025, with rates ranging from £20 per year for older EVs to up to £520 per year for electric cars with a list price of £40,000 or more. Petrol and diesel car owners may also see an increase in road tax, with some previously tax-exempt vehicles now being charged £20 per year for VED. The standard rate of road tax for cars registered after 2017 has also increased by 6% to £165 per year. First-year road tax rates for high-polluting cars have also been adjusted, with rates ranging from £120 to £585. Low-polluting cars may pay no tax or up to £25. Premium car tax, which applies to cars with a list price of £40,000 or more, has increased from £390 to £355 for the first five years after registration.

    When is my tax and MOT due?

    To find out when your tax and MOT are due, you can use our online tool to check the expiration dates for a specific vehicle. Simply enter the vehicle's registration number to see this information, as well as other details such as the make, model, and colour of the car. Our tool offers a convenient and easy way to stay on top of your vehicle's maintenance and compliance needs.

    Why is the information about my vehicle incorrect when I check it?

    It's possible that the information displayed in our tool may not match the most recent data on the DVLA database. This can occur if there have been recent changes to the vehicle's information, such as road tax or MOT expiration dates. It can take up to 5 days for these changes to be reflected on the database. If the information displayed in our tool is incorrect, we recommend checking back in a few days to see if the data has been updated.

    What happens if I don't tax my vehicle in the UK?

    Failing to tax your vehicle in the UK is a violation of the law. The DVLA regularly checks all vehicles registered in the UK to ensure that they are properly taxed. If a vehicle is found to be untaxed and not registered as off the road (SORN), the registered owner will receive an automated fine of £80. If this fine is not paid, it may increase to £1,000. The DVLA may also clamp the vehicle until the tax is paid. It's important to ensure that your vehicle is properly taxed to avoid these consequences.

    Will I receive a refund on my road tax if I sell my vehicle?

    Yes, you will receive a refund on your road tax if you sell your vehicle and cancel the tax. When you cancel the tax, you will automatically receive a refund for any full months of tax that are remaining. It is not possible to transfer your existing road tax to the new owner of the vehicle.

    Can I drive a newly-purchased vehicle home without road tax?

    No, it is not legal to drive a vehicle on a public road without road tax unless it is exempt from this requirement. If you are buying a new vehicle from a garage or a used vehicle from its current owner, it is your responsibility to ensure that the vehicle is properly taxed before driving it on a public road. Failing to do so could result in fines or other penalties.

    Are There Any Vehicles That Don't Need Road Tax?

    Some types of vehicles may be exempt from paying road tax, but they must still be registered and taxed. Exemptions may apply to the following types of vehicles:

    • Vehicles used by people with disabilities
    • Vehicles made before 1980
    • Electric vehicles powered by external sources or storage batteries
    • Vehicles used for agriculture, horticulture, or forestry

    A full list of exempt vehicles can be found on the UK government's road tax advice page. It's important to note that even if you are not required to pay for road tax, you must still register and tax your vehicle to comply with the law.

    What is the cheapest car to run and tax?

    When choosing a new car, it's important to consider not only the initial purchase price, but also the ongoing costs of insurance, road tax, and other expenses. One way to reduce the cost of car tax is to choose a zero-emission or electric vehicle, which are currently exempt from road tax in the UK until 2025. However, it's worth noting that electric cars may have higher upfront purchase prices and it may take time for the savings on road tax and other expenses to offset the initial cost.

    Other factors that can affect the cost of car tax include the vehicle's fuel type, engine size, and CO2 emissions. Some models that are known for having relatively low car tax costs include:

    • Toyota Prius
    • BMW 3 Series
    • Volkswagen Up
    • Vauxhall Astra
    • Citroen C4 Cactus
    • Lexus IS
    • Mercedes C-Class
    • Fiat Panda
    • Ford Fiesta
    • Skoda Superb