Car Tax Check – Quick and Easy Guide

Whether you’re a new driver or a seasoned motorist, understanding car tax is crucial. Non-compliance with car tax laws can result in fines and unexpected expenses.

This guide offers clear instructions on how to check your car tax status, the tools available and the potential penalties for not having valid road tax. Read on to ensure your vehicle is properly taxed and avoid costly fines.

What is car tax?

Car tax, also known as Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), is a payment made to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). When you buy a car (new or used), you must register for car tax, with the option to pay either monthly, every six months or annually.

It’s essential to have valid car tax if your vehicle is on public roads, even if it’s just parked.

The revenue from car tax is allocated to government spending on road improvements and maintenance, as well as various other initiatives in health and education.

How to check your car tax status

To easily check your car’s tax status, use the UK Government’s official car tax checker. Once there, follow these simple steps:

1. Enter your vehicle’s registration number.
2. Confirm your vehicle’s make and colour. If the details are incorrect, click ‘search again’.
3. Check that your vehicle has valid road tax (and the expiry date) or if it’s registered as SORN  (off-road).

When is my car tax due?

You’ll find out when your car tax is due when you run a status check on the Government website. After entering your registration number, you’ll see the exact due date for your car tax as well as the expiration date for your MOT. It’s worth making a note of when your tax is due so you can set yourself a reminder.

The DVLA may send you a V11 reminder to notify you that your car tax is due for renewal. These reminders are typically sent a month before your road tax expires and include an 11-digit reference number. You can use this number to renew your road tax or apply for a SORN. If you don’t receive a V11 you can still tax your car without the 11-digit reference number.

To legally drive on public roads, it’s crucial to have up-to-date car tax, car insurance and a valid MOT certificate.

Understanding car tax status

There are three car tax statuses you may find when running a car tax check. These are:

• Taxed: Your road tax is paid and currently valid.
• Untaxed: You haven’t paid for road tax and haven’t declared a SORN, which could lead to a fine.
• SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification): You haven’t paid for road tax but have officially declared your vehicle as off the road.

Road tax price check

The price of your road tax depends on the type of vehicle you drive. Your car will fall into a specific car tax band  based on its registration date, with sub-bands within each based on engine size or environmental impact (CO2 emissions). There are three main tax bands:

1. Vehicles registered before 1st March 2001
2. Vehicles registered between 1st March 2001 and 31st March 2017
3. Vehicles registered from 1st April 2017

Generally, new cars, including hybrids, are more environmentally friendly and have lower road tax rates. On the other hand, older cars or diesel vehicles tend to cost more.

Are any cars exempt from paying car tax?

Certain vehicles are exempt from paying car tax:

• Zero-emission vehicles: Note that from April 2025, electric vehicles will be subject to car tax just like petrol and diesel vehicles.
• Vehicles used by a disabled person: The vehicle must be registered in their name or a nominated driver’s name.
• Classic cars: All vehicles over 40 years old are considered classic.

Although these exemptions mean you don’t have to pay road tax, you still need to apply for it – it will simply be free of charge.