Why check a vehicle's tax?
Paper tax discs were scrapped in 2014, so you can no longer tell from the windscreen whether a car is taxed. DVLA holds the record against the registration number instead, which means a quick number plate check is the only reliable way to confirm a vehicle is taxed, untaxed or declared off the road (SORN).
- Your own car: confirm the date your tax runs out so you never drive untaxed by accident.
- Buying used: vehicle tax does not pass to the new keeper. You must tax a car before you drive it away, so check its status and expected rate before you buy.
- After a change: if you have just taxed a vehicle or made a SORN, GOV.UK says records can take up to 2 working days to update.
How car tax is worked out
What you pay depends mainly on when the vehicle was first registered:
- Before 1 March 2001: based on engine size (£230 or £375 a year).
- 1 March 2001 to 31 March 2017: based on CO2 emissions, in bands A to M (£20 to £790 a year).
- From 1 April 2017: a first-year rate based on CO2, then a flat standard rate of £200 a year, plus £440 a year for 5 years on cars with a high list price.
Since 1 April 2025, electric cars pay vehicle tax too. Read how much is my car tax for the full tables, or our complete guide to car tax.
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Frequently asked questions
Is checking a car's tax status free?
Yes. Checking whether a vehicle is taxed only needs its registration number, and you can check any vehicle, not just your own.
Do I still need a tax disc?
No. Paper tax discs were abolished in 2014. DVLA keeps the tax record electronically against the number plate.
Do electric cars pay car tax?
Yes. From 1 April 2025 electric cars, vans and motorcycles have to pay vehicle tax.
Does tax transfer when I buy a used car?
No. Vehicle tax does not transfer to a new keeper, so you must tax the car yourself before driving it.