Vehicle Tax Checker
Check any UK vehicle's tax status

1.How the vehicle tax checker works

This tool connects directly to the DVLA vehicle database, which holds the official records for every vehicle registered in the UK. Simply enter a vehicle's registration number (number plate) and the tool will instantly display the tax status and key vehicle details.

You can use this service to check any UK-registered vehicle. The data shown includes:

• current tax status and expiry date
• annual tax rate and payment options (6/12 months)
• CO2 emissions (for vehicles registered after March 2001)
• fuel type, engine capacity, and year of manufacture
• whether the vehicle has a valid SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification)

The service is operated by DVLA and is completely free to use. No account or sign-in is required.

How to use this checker

Enter the vehicle registration number (number plate) in the search box at the top of this page and click "Check Tax". The registration should be entered without spaces, for example AB12CDE, although spaces are accepted.

2.Understanding vehicle tax bands

Vehicle tax rates depend on when the vehicle was first registered and its CO2 emissions or engine size. The system automatically determines the correct tax band based on official DVLA data.

Key factors that determine tax rate:

• Vehicles registered after 1 April 2017 (first-year rate): Based on CO2 emissions for the first 12 months, then a standard rate applies (currently £190 for petrol/diesel).
• Vehicles registered March 2001 to March 2017: Band A to M based on CO2, ranging from £0 to over £700 per year.
• Vehicles registered before March 2001: Two bands based on engine size (up to 1549cc and over 1549cc).
• Alternative fuel vehicles: Diesel, electric, and hybrid vehicles may attract different rates.

Zero emission vehicles (pure electric) currently pay £0 vehicle tax, but this is scheduled to change from April 2025 when EVs will become liable for VED.

Resources

open_in_new View current vehicle tax rates on GOV.UK

3.Tax exemptions

Some vehicles are exempt from vehicle tax. The most common categories include:

• vehicles used by a disabled person (subject to specific criteria)
• historic vehicles manufactured more than 40 years before the current date (rolling exemption)
• electric vehicles (currently zero-rated, changing April 2025)
• agricultural vehicles and certain limited-use vehicles

Even if a vehicle's tax rate is £0, the registered keeper must still complete the tax process with DVLA annually or at the point of sale. The vehicle must be "taxed" even if no payment is due.

Resources

open_in_new Check vehicle tax exemptions on GOV.UK

4.What is a SORN?

SORN stands for Statutory Off Road Notification. If you own a vehicle and do not intend to use or keep it on a public road, you can make a SORN with DVLA. This means you do not need to pay vehicle tax or insure the vehicle.

Key SORN rules:

• you must keep the vehicle on private land (e.g., a driveway or garage)
• you cannot drive the vehicle on any public road
• the SORN remains in effect until you tax the vehicle again
• if you buy a vehicle with a SORN, the SORN does not transfer — you must make a new one

If a vehicle has a SORN, this checker will display the SORN status along with the vehicle details.

5.Tax when buying a used vehicle

Vehicle tax is non-transferable between owners. When you buy a used vehicle, the previous keeper's tax is automatically cancelled and refunded. You must tax the vehicle in your name before driving it.

Use this tax checker to:

• confirm the current tax status before purchase
• verify the vehicle's CO2 band and estimated annual tax cost
• check engine size and fuel type — critical for pre-2001 vehicles
• ensure there is no SORN that needs resolving

The checker also gives you the exact DVLA-recorded vehicle details, which should match the seller's description and the V5C logbook.

Resources

open_in_new Tax a vehicle online on GOV.UK

6.Tax enforcement & penalties

DVLA operates a comprehensive enforcement system to identify untaxed vehicles. Methods include:

• Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras on roads and in enforcement vehicles
• regular database cross-checks between DVLA and the Motor Insurance Database
• wheel clamping and impounding of untaxed vehicles

Penalties for not taxing your vehicle:

• an automatic late licensing penalty (LLP) of £80, reduced to £40 if paid within 28 days
• potential court action with a fine of up to £1,000 (or £2,500 for heavy goods vehicles)
• your vehicle may be clamped, impounded, and eventually crushed

7.Other vehicle checks

DVLA and DVSA provide a range of other free online vehicle services. Use the links below to access official records for any UK-registered vehicle.

open_in_new Check MOT history and expiry date

open_in_new Mileage Records Check