1. Check the tax status
Enter the registration number in the box above. Spaces don't matter. You can check any vehicle, not only your own.
2. Tax your vehicle online
Use the official GOV.UK "Tax your vehicle" service with a reference number from one of these:
- a recent V11 reminder or "last chance" warning letter
- your V5C logbook (it must be in your name)
- the green new keeper slip if you've just bought the vehicle
You can pay by Direct Debit, debit card or credit card. There's also a 24-hour phone line (0300 123 4321, no Direct Debit by phone) and Post Offices that deal with vehicle tax.
3. Allow time for the record to update
After taxing or making a SORN, GOV.UK says it can take up to 2 working days for the record to show the change. You can still drive a newly taxed vehicle during that time.
Paying online by Direct Debit
If you pay by Direct Debit, monthly and 6-monthly payments carry a 5% surcharge; paying yearly has no surcharge. DVLA takes payments on the first working day of the month, and the Direct Debit renews automatically when the tax runs out.
Your first Direct Debit payment won't be taken until the tax has started, which can take up to 10 days. If you pay by Direct Debit, you won't receive a V11 reminder; don't tax the vehicle again or you'll be charged twice.
Frequently asked questions
Can I tax a car online without the logbook?
Yes, if you have a recent V11 reminder or the green new keeper slip. Otherwise you'll need to apply for a new V5C logbook.
How long does online car tax take to show?
GOV.UK says up to 2 working days for records to update.