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Car Tax Check |
Check Car Tax in the UK
Buying or driving a vehicle with unpaid tax can lead to hefty fines, penalties, and even vehicle clamping or impounding. Use our free and simple car tax checker tool to instantly verify whether a vehicle is taxed or not in just a few clicks.
What Is Car Tax in the UK, and Why Is It So Important?
Car tax, also known as Vehicle Excise Duty, is a mandatory fee that must be paid by vehicle owners to the government in order to legally operate a vehicle on public roads. The tax rate is based on several factors, including the vehicle’s CO2 emissions, fuel type, and engine size.
A vehicle that isn’t taxed often comes with fines and penalties and is not considered roadworthy. A car tax check is the easiest way to confirm that a vehicle is compliant and tax-paid before driving or buying (for used car buyers).
How to Check if a Car is Taxed
To check the current tax status of a vehicle, all you need to do is follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Enter the Registration Number
Enter the vehicle registration number in the search bar or search by VIN.
Step 2: Click “Search” Button
Click on the “Search” button to initiate the search.
Step 3: Get Result
Our tool will provide everything you need to know about the vehicle’s tax status, including the SORN status, tax expiry date, and more.
Checking the tax status of a vehicle is free with Smart Car Check, but for more information on the specific tax data of the vehicle, you will need to make a payment.
What Information Does Our Vehicle Tax Check Provide?
Our car check provides the following information:
- Current tax status – This will indicate whether the vehicle is currently taxed or not.
- Tax rate – This is determined by several factors, such as the vehicle’s CO2 release and fuel type.
- Payment due date – This will show when the vehicle’s tax is due for renewal.
- Outstanding payments – This will indicate if there are any outstanding payments owed for the vehicle’s tax.
- SORN status – This will show if the vehicle has been declared as off the road and is not being used.
- Vehicle details – This will provide information about the vehicle, such as the make, model, and registration number.
- Standard and Premium VED Rates for Six Months and Twelve Months – This will provide the applicable road tax rates for both six-month and twelve-month periods based on the vehicle’s emissions.
But that’s not all! You can get more than a tax check with our registration number check tool. Here’s what you can find in a report:
Outstanding finance
Written-off records
Stolen records
High-risk records
Vehicle specifications
Scrapped records
Auction history
Plate/colour change
Ownership records
Imported records
Exported records
Log book history
MOT history
Road tax
VIC Inspected Records
VIN Number Check
Taxed vs. Untaxed Vehicle
Taxed Vehicle
- Legal to drive on UK roads
- No penalties or fines if up-to-date
- No impoundment risk
- No penalty points
- Not flagged by the DVLA
Untaxed Vehicle
- Illegal to drive without valid tax
- Risk of an £80 FPN, rising to £1,000
- Can be clamped, impounded, or destroyed
- Risk of penalty points on your licence
- May be flagged by the DVLA
Why Do You Need a Car Tax Check?
Simply put, it is illegal to drive in the UK without road tax, and it could lead to various fines. These are reasons to check your vehicle’s taxation status:
Avoid Legal Issues
In the UK, it is illegal to drive a car without a road tax. By checking your car's tax status, you ensure you comply with road laws.
Prevent Fines & Penalties
If your car is not taxed, you may receive a fine of up to £1,000 from the DVLA. To prevent such fines, it’s important to regularly check your car’s tax status and renew it on time.
Keep Track of Expiry Dates
Car tax must be renewed annually. By checking your vehicle’s tax expiry date, you can ensure you don’t miss the renewal deadline, avoiding unnecessary stress or legal trouble.
Avoid Losing Your Vehicle
If your car gets impounded because it’s not taxed, it can be more than just a fine. Retrieving your car could cost you time, money, and frustration.
Transferring Ownership
When buying or selling a car, transferring ownership requires both parties to ensure that the road tax remains valid. Unpaid tax can complicate the transfer process.
Returning a Vehicle to the Road
If your car has been declared off-road (SORN), you must re-tax it before driving it again, even if the tax was previously paid.
What Happens If I Am Caught Driving Without Road Tax?
Driving without a valid road tax is illegal and can result in penalties. If caught, you may receive an £80 Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN), which can increase to £1,000 if unpaid within 28 days.
Your vehicle could also be clamped, impounded, or even destroyed, and you may receive penalty points on your license. To avoid legal issues and fines, ensure your vehicle is taxed, especially if buying a car.
If you’re unsure about your car’s tax status, you can perform a quick check using the vehicle’s registration number or V5C logbook.
DID YOU KNOW???
The DVLA still sends the V11 as a DVLA reminder letter to car keepers on the 5th day of the month before their tax expires.
Check Smart Car Check Sample Reports
How Do I Tax My Car Online?
If your vehicle tax is expired or due, you will typically receive a reminder from the DVLA. When you get this reminder, it is important that you make the necessary payment as soon as possible to avoid being fined or going against the law.
You can use any of the following payment methods to renew your vehicle’s tax:
- Pay online through the DVLA website.
- Set up a direct debit for monthly or annual payments.
- Pay in person at a Post Office using cash, debit, or credit cards.
- Call the DVLA’s automated service for quick access to tax your vehicle.
One recommendation is to set reminders and renew your taxes at least two months before expiry. Also, check for exemptions to see if you qualify for any.
Can I Get a SORN Check?
Yes, you can get a SORN check with our easy-to-use tool. To determine if a vehicle is SORNed, you can check by entering your vehicle registration number above.
A SORN vehicle is one that has been officially declared as off the road and not in use. This means the vehicle is exempt from road tax, and it cannot be driven on public roads. However, it can still be parked on private property.
If you’re unsure whether a vehicle is SORNed, our tool provides a quick and simple way to verify its status.
A Tax Check is Quick and Free – Why Wait?
Checking your car tax status is completely free and takes just a few seconds. Don’t risk driving without knowing whether your tax is up to date. It’s too easy to do — check it before it’s too late!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a car tax check by reg?
A car tax check by reg is a simple process of finding out the tax status of a vehicle using the registration number and a vehicle check tool.
Why do I need to check my road tax online?
By checking your road tax online, you can be sure your vehicle meets the requirements to be on the road and avoid fines or penalties. According to UK law, untaxed vehicles are not legally allowed to be on the road and they could even get impounded if left untaxed for a long period.
How can I check my car's road tax expiry date?
You can check your car’s road tax expiry date with our road tax check tool. All you need to do is enter the VIN or licence plate number into the form on this page and submit it. You can check with the number plate or just with the VIN/chassis number.
How can I check the cost of road tax by reg?
You can check the cost of road tax by using our online vehicle tax checking service, which provides information on the tax costs for different types of vehicles based on their plate numbers.
Can I check my road tax status for free?
Yes, you can check your vehicle’s road tax status for free using our tool. You can also view the tax due date for free.
What is Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN)?
SORN stands for Statutory Off Road Notification. It is a declaration made to the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) when a vehicle is taken off the road and not used or kept on public highways.
For example, you need to make a SORN to keep the vehicle in a garage, on a driveway, or on private land without using it on public roads. By making a SORN, vehicle owners can stop paying road tax and avoid the legal requirement for insurance while the vehicle is off the road.
How do I renew my road tax?
You can renew your road tax online, by phone, or at a post office. To renew online, you need to visit the DVLA’s website (gov.uk) and follow the instructions. You will need your vehicle’s registration number, MOT test number (if applicable), and a valid insurance policy.
Is road tax the same as car insurance?
No, road tax and car insurance are two separate things. Road tax is a tax that you pay to use your vehicle in the UK, while car insurance is a policy that protects you financially if you are involved in an accident or your car is stolen. Both are legal requirements for using a vehicle on public roads in the UK.
Do you pay road tax on electric cars?
Currently, electric cars in the UK are exempt from road tax. However, from April 2025, they will be subject to Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), with most paying £195 annually and those over £40,000 paying more.
How much is car tax in the UK?
The cost of car tax varies depending on factors like the vehicle’s CO2 emissions, fuel type, and engine size. To get an accurate figure, you can use our online tool to check the specific tax rate for any vehicle.
Can I tax a car without a V5C logbook?
No, you typically need the V5C logbook (also known as the vehicle registration certificate) to tax a car. If you don’t have it, you may need to apply for a replacement logbook before you can tax the vehicle.
Can I get a car tax refund if I'm selling my car?
Yes, if you sell your car before the tax expires, you can get a refund for the remaining tax period. The refund will be sent to the registered keeper’s address.
What are the payment options for road tax?
You can pay your road tax online through the DVLA website, set up a direct debit for monthly or annual payments, or pay in person at a Post Office using cash, debit, or credit cards.
Can I check whether my car's taxed by VIN number?
Yes, you can run a VIN check to view the current tax status of your vehicle. Simply select search by VIN and enter the VIN into the form. You will immediately see the tax status of your vehicle.
