Taxing your car online in the UK is straightforward and takes less than 10 minutes. You need your vehicle registration number, valid MOT certificate, and insurance details. The DVLA’s online service is available 24/7 and costs the same as visiting a Post Office.
This guide covers everything you need to know about taxing your car online, from what documents you’ll need to troubleshooting common problems.
What You Need Before Starting
Before you begin the online tax process, gather these essential documents:
Required Documents:
- Vehicle registration certificate (V5C logbook)
- Valid MOT certificate (if your car is over 3 years old)
- Valid car insurance policy
- Payment method (debit card, credit card, or direct debit)
Important: Your insurance must be showing on the Motor Insurance Database (MID). This usually takes 24-48 hours after purchasing a new policy.
How Much Does Car Tax Cost?
Car tax rates depend on several factors:
Current Tax Bands (2024-2025)
| CO2 Emissions (g/km) | First Year Rate | Standard Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | £0 | £0 |
| 1-50 | £10 | £165 |
| 51-75 | £25 | £165 |
| 76-90 | £115 | £165 |
| 91-100 | £140 | £165 |
| 101-110 | £160 | £165 |
| 111-130 | £180 | £165 |
| 131-150 | £220 | £165 |
| 151-170 | £555 | £165 |
| 171-190 | £895 | £165 |
| 191-225 | £1,345 | £165 |
| 226-255 | £1,910 | £165 |
| Over 255 | £2,245 | £165 |
Special rates apply for:
- Electric vehicles (£0)
- Cars over £40,000 (additional £355 annually for 5 years)
- Vans and motorcycles (different rates)
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Tax Your Car Online
Step 1: Visit the Official DVLA Website
Go to gov.uk/vehicle-tax – this is the only official website for taxing your car online.
Warning: Avoid unofficial websites that charge extra fees. These sites often appear in search results but aren’t government services.
Step 2: Enter Your Vehicle Details
You’ll need to provide:
- Vehicle registration number
- Document reference number from your V5C
The document reference number is an 11-digit code found on your V5C logbook.
Step 3: Confirm Your Vehicle Information
The system will display your car’s details:
- Make and model
- Engine size
- Fuel type
- Tax band
Check these details carefully. If anything looks wrong, contact DVLA before proceeding.
Step 4: Choose Your Payment Period
You can pay for:
- 12 months (cheapest option)
- 6 months (5% surcharge)
- Monthly direct debit (5% surcharge plus interest)
Example: If your annual tax is £165:
- 12 months: £165
- 6 months: £90.75 (×2 = £181.50 annually)
- Monthly: £15.94 per month (£191.28 annually)
Step 5: Make Payment
Accepted payment methods:
- Debit card
- Credit card
- Direct debit (for monthly payments)
The system will process your payment immediately and send confirmation by email.
When You Can Tax Your Car Online
Timing Requirements
You can tax your car online:
- Up to one month before your current tax expires
- On the day it expires
- After it expires (but you can’t drive it until taxed)
Available Hours
The service runs 24/7, but maintenance windows occur:
- Sunday 10pm to 6am Monday
- Occasional planned maintenance (announced on gov.uk)
What Happens After You Pay
Immediate Effects
Once payment is processed:
- Your car is immediately legal to drive
- Tax shows on DVLA database within minutes
- Police ANPR cameras recognise your car as taxed
Documentation
You’ll receive:
- Email confirmation immediately
- V11 reminder letter (optional paper disc) within 5 working days
Note: Paper tax discs are no longer required. Police check tax status electronically.
Special Circumstances
New Car Registration
If you’re taxing a brand-new car:
- You must tax it before first use on public roads
- Use the green slip from your dealer
- Have insurance arranged before taxing
Change of Ownership
When buying a used car:
- Previous owner’s tax doesn’t transfer
- You must tax it in your name immediately
- Use the V5C/2 (green slip) if logbook transfer is pending
SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification)
If your car is SORN:
- You must cancel SORN before taxing
- Ensure valid MOT and insurance first
- Tax becomes valid immediately after payment
Common Problems and Solutions
Insurance Not Showing
Problem: System says “insurance not found”
Solutions:
- Wait 24-48 hours after buying insurance
- Contact your insurer to update MID database
- Check policy covers the correct vehicle
MOT Issues
Problem: MOT not recognised
Solutions:
- Allow 2-4 hours after MOT test completion
- Contact MOT centre if still not showing
- Use MOT certificate number if available
Payment Failures
Problem: Payment rejected
Solutions:
- Check card expiry date and security code
- Ensure sufficient funds available
- Try different payment method
- Contact your bank about online restrictions
V5C Problems
Problem: Document reference number not working
Solutions:
- Double-check 11-digit reference number
- Ensure you’re using current V5C
- Contact DVLA if document is damaged
Alternative Ways to Tax Your Car
While online is most convenient, alternatives exist:
Post Office
- Available at most Post Office branches
- Same cost as online
- Requires physical documents
- Limited opening hours
Phone Service
- Call 0300 123 4321
- £2.50 additional fee
- Available 7am-7pm weekdays, 7am-2pm Saturdays
DVLA Local Office
- Limited locations remaining
- Appointment required
- Same cost as online
Money-Saving Tips
Choose Annual Payment
Paying annually saves money compared to 6-monthly or monthly options.
Annual savings:
- 6-monthly: Save £16.50 per year (for £165 tax)
- Monthly: Save £26.28 per year (for £165 tax)
Set Reminders
- Add tax expiry to your calendar
- Sign up for DVLA email reminders
- Avoid late payment penalties
Consider Fuel Type
When buying your next car, consider:
- Electric vehicles (£0 tax)
- Hybrid vehicles (lower rates)
- Cars under £40,000 (avoid luxury surcharge)
Legal Requirements and Penalties
Driving Without Tax
Penalties include:
- £80 fine (reduced to £40 if paid within 28 days)
- Vehicle clamping
- Vehicle removal and disposal
- Court prosecution (up to £1,000 fine)
Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR)
Police cameras automatically check tax status:
- Instant detection of untaxed vehicles
- Immediate enforcement action possible
- No grace period for expired tax
Conclusion
Taxing your car online through the official DVLA website is the quickest and most convenient method. The process takes minutes once you have the required documents ready. Remember to ensure your insurance is on the MID database and your MOT is valid before attempting to tax your vehicle.
The online service operates 24/7 with immediate confirmation, making it superior to other methods. Annual payment offers the best value, whilst monthly direct debit provides flexibility at a small premium.
Keep your documents organised and set reminders for renewal dates. This prevents last-minute stress and potential penalties for driving an untaxed vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I tax my car if the MOT has just expired?
No, you cannot tax a car with an expired MOT. You must get a valid MOT certificate first, then tax the vehicle. The only exception is if you’re driving directly to a pre-booked MOT appointment.
Why isn’t my insurance showing up on the DVLA system?
Insurance details can take 24-48 hours to appear on the Motor Insurance Database (MID) after purchase. Contact your insurer if it’s been longer than this, as they need to update the database.
What happens if I forget to tax my car?
Your car becomes illegal to drive immediately when tax expires. You’ll face an £80 fine (£40 if paid quickly), potential clamping, and your car may be removed. Tax it online as soon as possible to avoid further penalties.
Can I get a refund if I sell my car after taxing it?
Yes, you can claim a refund for complete months remaining on your tax. Apply online through the DVLA website or by post. The refund will be processed automatically when you notify DVLA of the sale.
Do I need to display anything in my car window after taxing online?
No, paper tax discs were abolished in 2014. Police check tax status electronically through ANPR cameras. You don’t need to display any documentation, but keep your confirmation email as proof of payment.