How to check if your car is taxed
Webuyanycar’s free car tax check tool retrieves DVLA car tax data to reveal key information about a vehicle, including its tax status and renewal date.
Here’s how it works:
- Enter the vehicle’s reg number into the free road tax check tool above.
- Our tool will retrieve the relevant tax and vehicle information from the DVLA’s records.
- Using this data, our car tax check tool will compile a report containing key details on the vehicle’s tax status, MOT and mileage history, CO2 emissions, and more.
Please note: According to the GOV.UK website, after renewing road tax, it can take up to two working days for the DVLA’s database to update.
There is also an official tool for checking car tax by registration on the GOV.UK website.
How do I tax my car?
The easiest way to tax your car is by utilising the DVLA’s online service.
You can also retrieve this information using the DVLA’s MOT history check tool.
However, you can also renew your car tax by telephone or at a participating Post Office branch.
To tax your car, you’ll need the 11-digit reference number from your V5C logbook, V11 reminder, or the ‘new keeper’ slip from a V5C logbook (if you have just bought the car).
If you don’t have this reference number, you’ll need to request a replacement V5C logbook via the DVLA website or by submitting a V62 form.
Visit our guide on how to tax your car for a full breakdown of the process, including payment options.
What does our free car tax check report include?
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Free road tax check
Confirms whether your car is taxed - and the date your current car tax cover expires.
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Road tax CO2 emissions band
Our CO2 emissions chart will show your vehicle’s car tax band (A-M). This band will determine the annual car tax rate for some vehicles.
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ULEZ compliance check
Confirms whether your vehicle meets the minimum standard from London’s Ultra Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ).
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Vehicle identity
Registration number, make, and model. Registered exterior paint colour. Import status (whether the car was imported to the UK). Insurance group.
Why should I check my vehicle’s tax status?
- In the UK, it is illegal to drive or even park on a public road without car tax.
- Even if your car qualifies for classic car tax exemption, it still needs to be registered for tax.
- You must tax your car before the current cover expires, or you can’t legally drive the vehicle.
- If you cancel your vehicle tax, the DVLA will refund you for any full months’ outstanding cover. Our tool will show you when your current cover expires, making it easy to calculate your refund.
- There is no grace period for road tax, and it is your responsibility to ensure your vehicle is always taxed.
- If your car tax expires, this could also invalidate your insurance policy, meaning you won’t be covered in the event of an accident.
What happens if I am caught driving without road tax?
Depending on the nature of the offence, if you are caught driving without road tax, you could receive a fine ranging from £30 (plus 1.5x the outstanding vehicle tax), up to £2,500 or more.
Additionally, your vehicle could be clamped and impounded. If you fail to claim your vehicle, it could be auctioned or even destroyed.
Car tax frequently asked questions
Yes, there is no limit to how many vehicles you can check with our free car tax check tool.
You can work out your annual road tax bill using our car tax bands guide. This contains comprehensive information on all the UK car tax bands.
Please note: If you are eligible for road tax exemption, there is no charge, but you’ll still have to apply for exemption then renew your road tax annually.
As of September 2025, the cars with the cheapest annual road tax are EVs and cars emitting no more than 100 g/km of CO2 that were first registered between 1st March 2001 and 31st March 2017.
The 2025/26 rate for these vehicles is just £20.
It is expected that the new car tax rates for the 2026/27 tax year will come into effect on April 1st 2026.
- Since EVs lost their tax-exempt status in April 2025, there are no longer any modern car models that are free to tax.
- Many cars that are over 40 years old are eligible for classic car tax exemption, but this is not automatic - you’ll still need to apply for exemption.
- You may also be eligible for car tax exemption if you’re a driver with a disability. Visit the DVLA website to learn more.
Car tax is calculated based on factors such as engine size, CO₂ emissions, and fuel type, with the specific tax bands applying depending on when the vehicle was first registered.
To check when your road tax runs out, simply enter your registration number into our free road tax check tool. It will display your tax due date, and your current cover will end at midnight on that day.
- You can pay by credit or debit card - or by Direct Debit.
- If you choose to pay by Direct Debit, your vehicle tax will automatically be renewed when it is due. (You should also receive an email or letter notifying you when payment will be taken.)
- You can choose to pay annually, on a 6-monthly or monthly basis. (A 5% surcharge will be applied if you have chosen to pay on a 6-monthly or monthly basis.)
There is no grace period with road tax. Once your current cover expires, your car cannot legally be driven until you re-tax it.
No, you cannot check your car’s tax status with the VIN number. You’ll need the registration number.
Yes, if you sell your car and notify the DVLA, they will refund you for any full months’ outstanding car tax cover.
Road tax must be renewed every year, regardless of whether your vehicle is tax exempt.
