When buying a used car or completing paperwork, you’ll need to verify the vehicle’s tax status. This guide explains what it means for a car to be taxed, why it matters, and how to easily check if a car is currently taxed using DVLA’s online tools.
What Does it Mean for a Car to be Taxed?
All cars driven or parked on public roads in the UK must be taxed. This road tax must be paid for any vehicle that is not formally declared SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification).
Taxing a car involves:
- Paying the appropriate Vehicle Excise Duty (road tax)
- Obtaining a vehicle tax license
- Displaying a valid tax disc certificate
Taxed cars have undergone tests to certify them as roadworthy, hold minimum required insurance, and can legally be driven by the registered owner. Tax status must be renewed annually.
Why Is Checking Tax Status Important?
Confirming whether a car is currently taxed is critical for several reasons:
Buying a Used Car
When purchasing a used car, you want to ensure it is legally taxed and ready for the road under your ownership.
Insuring a Car
Insurers need to know a car’s tax status before providing coverage. Policies differ for taxed versus SORN or untaxed vehicles.
Storing a Car
If storing a car long-term, you must SORN declare it to stop paying road tax. But it’s illegal to just stop taxing a car still being used.
Registering a Car
To put a car in your name, it must be taxed and insured. A taxed car proves its roadworthiness.
Driving a Car
It is illegal to drive an untaxed vehicle on public roads. Doing so risks fines, penalties, seized vehicles, and voided insurance.
How to Check if a Car is Taxed?
Checking tax status only requires the car’s registration (license plate) details. Here are two easy methods.
Method 1: Use the DVLA Car Tax Checker
The DVLA provides an online Car Tax Checker that quickly verifies tax status using the license plate.
To use it:
- Go to the DVLA Car Tax Check page and enter the registration number.
- Hit “Continue” to see the car’s tax status, with the text clearly stating:
- “Taxed” if currently paid and valid
- “Untaxed” if the tax is expired
- Or “Vehicle type not found” if invalid registration entered
This tool instantly checks the latest tax database in seconds for free without any login needed.
Method 2: Call the DVLA Tax Status Line
You can also check car tax status by calling DVLA’s automated phone line at 0300 123 4321.
When prompted:
- Enter the 11 digit registration number
- Confirm the make of the car
- Listen to the automated response advising if the car is currently taxed or untaxed
This hotline is available 24 hours a day and provides audio confirmation of tax status.
What to Do Based on Tax Status Results
Once you check the tax status, take the appropriate next steps:
Taxed Car
A taxed car is ready to drive once registered under the new owner and insured. Tax will need to be renewed upon expiry.
Untaxed Car
An untaxed car cannot legally be driven until tax is paid for and a new license issued under the correct owner’s name. Additional steps may be needed to confirm roadworthiness.
Vehicle Not Found
This typically means the registration number entered was incorrect. Double check and re-enter it carefully to get accurate results.
Tax Expiring Soon
If the tax is expiring in the next 2 months, it will need to be renewed soon by the current owner to remain valid.
Confirming whether tax is current provides useful insight into a car’s status during any transfer of ownership.
5 Common Questions on Checking Car Tax Status
1. How can I check car tax for free?
Use DVLA’s Car Tax Checker at www.gov.uk/check-vehicle-tax which provides free tax status results by entering the license plate details.
2. Can I check if a car is taxed by registration?
Yes, just enter the registration plate into DVLA’s online tool or call the tax status line to instantly check if a car is currently taxed or untaxed.
3. Where do I find a car’s tax license number?
The tax license number is printed on the vehicle tax disc displayed on the front windshield. You can provide this number to DVLA for added confirmation.
4. What if I lost my car tax disc certificate?
Log into your DVLA account to download a duplicate tax license or call 0300 123 4321 for help with replacements. You can still tax and drive a car without the paper disc.
5. Is it illegal to drive an untaxed car?
Yes, it is against the law to drive an untaxed vehicle on public roads in the UK. Doing so risks penalties including fines, seized cars, and six penalty points.
Conclusion
Checking current car tax status is quick and straightforward using DVLA’s online and phone checker tools. This provides valuable insight into a car’s legality to drive during purchase or ownership changes. Following up based on tax results ensures you operate legally.