Tax doesn't come with the car
Since the tax disc was abolished, vehicle tax no longer transfers with a car. When the seller tells DVLA they've sold it, their tax is cancelled. You must tax it yourself, using the green new keeper slip, before you drive it away.
What to check
- Tax status: is it taxed, untaxed or SORN? A SORN car can't be driven to you on the road; it would need to be taxed first.
- First registration date: tells you which tax system applies.
- CO2 or engine size: needed to estimate the rate for older cars.
- List price: cars registered from April 2017 with a list price over £40,000 pay an extra £440 a year for 5 years from the second tax payment.
Estimate the cost
For most cars registered from 1 April 2017, expect the £200 a year standard rate. A car registered between 2001 and 2017 could cost anything from £20 to £790 a year depending on its band. Since April 2025 electric cars pay too. See car tax price check for the tables.
Also check the MOT
You can't tax a car that needs an MOT unless it has a valid one, so check MOT status alongside tax.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive a car home after buying it using the seller's tax?
No. Tax doesn't transfer. You must tax it in your name before driving it.
What do I need to tax a car I've just bought?
The green new keeper slip from the V5C logbook.