Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA)
Holds driver and vehicle records in Great Britain: driving licences, vehicle tax, SORN and the V5C log book.
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Vehicle tax
Tax your vehicle before using it on the road, even if it costs nothing.
Official links
| Official source | Applies to |
|---|---|
| GOV.UK: tax your vehicle www.gov.uk/vehicle-tax | Whole UK |
Who handles it
Step by step
- Find a reference number: from a recent DVLA tax reminder, your log book (V5C) in your name, or the green 'new keeper' slip if you just bought the vehicle.
- Tax the vehicle online on GOV.UK and choose how to pay (Direct Debit or card).
- If you have none of those documents, apply for a new log book first. You can tax the vehicle at the same time.
What you need
- DVLA reminder letter, log book (V5C) or green 'new keeper' slip
- Debit or credit card, or bank details for Direct Debit
Common mistakes
- Thinking the tax passes to you when you buy a used vehicle. It does not: you must tax it before driving it.
- Not taxing a vehicle that is exempt. You still have to tax it even if you pay nothing.
- Trying to tax a vehicle whose MOT has expired. Get the MOT first.
More in Driving and vehicles
- Drive on a foreign licence or exchange it
- Apply for a provisional driving licence
- Change the address on your driving licence
- Check MOT history
- Vehicle log book (V5C) and registering a vehicle
- Take a vehicle off the road (SORN)
- View or share your driving licence information
- Book the theory test and the practical driving test
- Renew your licence at 70 or a medical licence
- Pay the Dart Charge and London driving charges