Vehicle tax Direct Debit payments
If a Direct Debit payment fails
The Direct Debit account holder will get an email from DVLA if a payment fails because there is not enough money in the account.
DVLA will try to take the payment again within 4 working days. If that also fails, you’ll get an email telling you that:
- the Direct Debit has failed twice and has been permanently cancelled
- your vehicle is no longer taxed
What to do if your Direct Debit is cancelled
You’ll have to tax your vehicle using your vehicle log book (V5C). You’ll need to either:
- make sure there’s enough money in your account and set up a new Direct Debit
- use a new payment method, for example, a debit card or Direct Debit from another account with enough money in it
It’s illegal to drive your vehicle until you’ve taxed it.
If you do not do anything
You’ll be fined £80 if you do not tax your vehicle or tell DVLA that it’s off the road. You’ll also have to pay for the time it was not taxed.
If you do not pay your fine on time your vehicle could be clamped or crushed, or your details passed to a debt collection agency.