Car tax checks explained
Our road tax checker tool will tell you if a vehicle has up-to-date tax or if it’s registered as off the road (SORN). If the vehicle has valid tax, our checker will tell you when it expires. Footnote [1]
In the UK, you must pay Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), known as car tax or road tax, on all vehicles driven or kept on a public road. It’s illegal to drive a vehicle that doesn’t have valid road tax unless it's exempt.
For more information see the FAQs below.
Is my car taxed?
Tax checker tool
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government licence v3.0
Car tax checker frequently asked questions
What happens if I don’t tax my vehicle? Show more Show less
In the UK, it’s against the law to drive a vehicle on a public road without road tax.
If a vehicle is flagged as being untaxed and not declared Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN), a late licensing penalty (LLP) letter is issued automatically with a fine of £80 reduced to £40 if paid within 33 days and is sent to the address of the registered owner.
If you do not tax your vehicle, you may receive a penalty and your vehicle could be clamped or removed. Please check the Enforcement Policy page Footnote [2], where you’ll find clearer, more detailed information about the fines that may apply.
Do I need to tax my vehicle if it’s registered as SORN? Show more Show less
SORN stands for Statutory Off Road Notification. If you don’t drive your car and it’s not kept on a public road, for example if it’s kept on your drive, you can declare it SORN. This means you won’t need to tax it.
If you don’t drive your car but it’s kept on a public road you must tax it.
How much does it cost to tax my vehicle? Show more Show less
For vehicles registered before 1 March 2001, how much road tax you pay is based on engine size. For vehicles registered after this date, the amount of tax you pay is based on CO2 emissions and fuel type. See the full tax rates Footnote [2] for more details.
How often do I need to renew my road tax? Show more Show less
You must renew your road tax every year, and you can pay yearly or monthly, with a six monthly option offered where applicable.
How will I know when my road tax expires? Show more Show less
Usually, the DVLA will send you a reminder when your road tax is about to expire. Or you can use our car tax checker tool to see when your road tax expires.
Will I get a refund on my road tax if I sell my vehicle? Show more Show less
Yes, you will.
If you sell your vehicle, cancel your road tax and you’ll automatically receive a refund for any full months remaining. Your existing road tax can’t be transferred to the new owner.
If I buy a vehicle, can I drive it home without road tax? Show more Show less
No, you’re not allowed to drive a vehicle if it doesn’t have road tax, unless it’s exempt.
If you’re buying a new vehicle and collecting it from the garage or buying a used vehicle and collecting it from its current owner, you must make sure you’ve taxed it before driving on a public road.
Are there any vehicles that don’t need road tax? Show more Show less
Some types of vehicle are free to tax. However, even if you don’t have to pay, you must still tax them.
You may be exempt from paying for tax if:
- the vehicle is used by a person with a disability.
- the vehicle was made more than 40 years ago.
- the vehicle is used for agriculture, horticulture, and forestry.
You can find a full list of exempt vehicles on the Government's road tax advice page Footnote [2].
How do I pay my road tax? Show more Show less
Usually you'll receive a road tax reminder letter in the post a month before it's due to be paid. It will explain how much you need to pay and the ways you can pay it. This will either be online, over the phone, or at the post office. If you haven't got a letter then you'll need your V5C log book to complete your payment.
Manage your policies with MyAviva
Log in to your MyAviva account to get secure access to your insurance, savings, and investments. Update your details, start a claim, view your policies, view your discounts, and more.
Learn about motoring
From everyday essentials to the finer details, our straightforward guides help make motor-related topics easier to understand.
Driving
Driving in bad weather
Top tips for tackling the dangers of driving in rain, snow, ice, wind and fog.
-
-
Car insurance
Unsure whether your car is insured?
Learn how to check your insurance status quickly and easily.
-
Driving
When did I pass my driving test?
How to find out the exact date you passed, and why you might need to know.
You might be interested in
We offer Aviva Signature motor insurance to suit a wide variety of needs, including Comprehensive and Third Party, Fire and Theft options, discounted Multi Car cover, and van cover for both personal and business use.
Aviva Signature car insurance
Get a quote for Aviva car insurance in minutes!
Aviva Signature multi car insurance
Insure two or more vehicles, registered at the same address, and save 10%. Discount doesn’t apply to optional extras. This discount only applies to Aviva Signature products purchased. You can insure up to five vehicles registered at the same address under one policy. Discount not available on top of any existing multi-product discount.
Aviva Signature van insurance
Call our UK helpline after an accident, and we'll arrange help for you. We'll also start your claim moving.