How to check if your car is taxed
The easiest way to find out whether your vehicle is taxed is by entering its registration number into the car tax check tool above. (After you have paid your road tax, it may take up to five working days for the online tax records for your vehicle to update.)
You should also receive a V11 reminder form on the 5th day of the month before your road tax renewal is due. You can find your road tax expiry date in Section 1 of this document.
How do I tax my car?
You can tax your vehicle online via the gov.uk website. To do this, you will need the reference number from your V11 reminder document, V5C logbook - or the green ‘new keeper’ slip (if you have recently purchased the car).
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You can pay for your road tax by setting up a Direct Debit online or at a Post Office.
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You can cover the full annual cost in one payment at a cheaper rate.
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You can also choose to pay in 6-monthly or monthly instalments. (A 5% surcharge will be applied.)
What does our free car tax check report include?
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Free road tax check
Confirms whether your car is taxed - and the date your current car tax cover expires.
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Road tax CO2 emissions band
Our CO2 emissions chart will show your vehicle’s car tax band (A-M). This band will determine the annual car tax rate for some vehicles.
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ULEZ compliance check
Confirms whether your vehicle meets the minimum standard from London’s Ultra Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ).
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Vehicle identity
Registration number, make, and model. Registered exterior paint colour. Import status (whether the car was imported to the UK). Insurance group.
Why should I check my vehicle’s tax status?
- In the UK, it is illegal to drive or even park on a public road without car tax.
- Even if your car qualifies for classic car tax exemption, it still needs to be registered for tax.
- You must tax your car before the current cover expires, or you can’t legally drive the vehicle.
- If you cancel your vehicle tax, the DVLA will refund you for any full months’ outstanding cover. Our tool will show you when your current cover expires, making it easy to calculate your refund.
- There is no grace period for road tax, and it is your responsibility to ensure your vehicle is always taxed.
- If your car tax expires, this could also invalidate your insurance policy, meaning you won’t be covered in the event of an accident.
What happens if I am caught driving without road tax?
Depending on the nature of the offence, if you are caught driving without road tax, you could receive a fine ranging from £30 (plus 1.5x the outstanding vehicle tax), up to £2,500 or more.
Additionally, your vehicle could be clamped and impounded. If you fail to claim your vehicle, it could be auctioned or even destroyed.
Car tax frequently asked questions
Yes, there is no limit to how many vehicles you can check with our free car tax check tool.
You can work out your annual road tax bill using our car tax bands guide. This contains comprehensive information on all the UK car tax bands.
Please note: If you are eligible for road tax exemption, there is no charge, but you’ll still have to apply for exemption then renew your road tax annually.
As of September 2025, the cars with the cheapest annual road tax are EVs and cars emitting no more than 100 g/km of CO2 that were first registered between 1st March 2001 and 31st March 2017.
The 2025/26 rate for these vehicles is just £20.
It is expected that the new car tax rates for the 2026/27 tax year will come into effect on April 1st 2026.
- Since EVs lost their tax-exempt status in April 2025, there are no longer any modern car models that are free to tax.
- Many cars that are over 40 years old are eligible for classic car tax exemption, but this is not automatic - you’ll still need to apply for exemption.
- You may also be eligible for car tax exemption if you’re a driver with a disability. Visit the DVLA website to learn more.
Car tax is calculated based on factors such as engine size, CO₂ emissions, and fuel type, with the specific tax bands applying depending on when the vehicle was first registered.
To check when your road tax runs out, simply enter your registration number into our free road tax check tool. It will display your tax due date, and your current cover will end at midnight on that day.
Yes, if you pay your road tax every 6-12 months, the DVLA should send you a V11 reminder document by post.
You can also receive your tax reminder by email and SMS - and opt out of receiving reminders by post. To do this, you’ll need to sign up for a Driver and Vehicles account via the DVLA website.
Please note: You cannot set up vehicle tax reminders if you pay by direct debit.
There is no grace period with road tax. Once your current cover expires, your car cannot legally be driven until you re-tax it.
No, you cannot check your car’s tax status with the VIN number. You’ll need the registration number.
Yes, if you sell your car and notify the DVLA, they will refund you for any full months’ outstanding car tax cover.
Road tax must be renewed every year, regardless of whether your vehicle is tax exempt.
