What a road tax check shows
A road tax check tells you whether a vehicle is currently taxed, untaxed or registered as off the road (SORN), and when the current tax expires. You only need the registration number.
How road tax is calculated
A common myth is that road tax was based on engine size until 2017. In fact, cars first registered from 1 March 2001 already paid by CO2 emissions; only cars registered before then are taxed on engine size. In April 2017 the system changed again for new cars, introducing a CO2-based first-year rate and a flat standard rate afterwards (£200 a year from 1 April 2026).
The cleanest older cars in bands A and B pay £20 a year, while the biggest emitters registered between 2001 and 2017 pay up to £790. Since April 2025, electric cars pay vehicle tax as well.
If the car is untaxed
- If it's yours, tax it on GOV.UK, by phone on 0300 123 4321 or at a Post Office that deals with vehicle tax.
- If it's off the road, make sure a SORN is in place.
- If you're buying it, remember tax never transfers: you'll need to tax it in your name before driving it away.
Before you tax
The vehicle needs a valid MOT (if it requires one) when the tax starts, and you need a reference number from a V11 reminder, the V5C logbook in your name, or the green new keeper slip.
Source: GOV.UK vehicle tax rate tables. Rates change each April, so always confirm on GOV.UK before you pay.
Frequently asked questions
What documents do I need to tax a car?
A reference number from a recent V11 reminder, the V5C logbook in your name, or the green new keeper slip if you've just bought the car.
Can I tax a car without an MOT?
No, if the vehicle needs an MOT it must be valid when the tax starts.