Tax your vehicle

Tax your car, motorcycle or other vehicle using a reference number from:

  • a recent vehicle tax reminder or ‘last chance’ warning letter from DVLA
  • your vehicle log book (V5C) - it must be in your name
  • the green ‘new keeper’ slip from a log book if you’ve just bought it

If you do not have any of these documents, you’ll need to apply for a new log book. You can tax your vehicle at the same time.

You can pay by debit or credit card, or Direct Debit.

You must tax your vehicle even if you do not have to pay anything, for example if you’re exempt because you’re disabled.

You’ll need to meet all the legal obligations for drivers before you can drive.

This service is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).

Start now

Other ways to apply

Apply by phone

DVLA vehicle tax service
Telephone: 0300 123 4321
24-hour service
Find out about call charges

You cannot pay by Direct Debit over the phone.

At a Post Office

Go to a Post Office that deals with vehicle tax. You need to take either: 

You will not need these payment details if your vehicle is exempt from tax.

You also need to take one of the following:

  • your vehicle log book (V5C) (it must be in your name)
  • the green ‘new keeper’ slip from a log book if you’ve just bought it

You might also need to show evidence of an MOT (it must be valid when the tax starts). For example, a screenshot of your vehicle’s MOT history or your MOT certificate, if you have one.

It can take up to 2 days for MOT information to be updated, so you might not be able to tax your vehicle immediately after it passes its test.

If you live in Northern Ireland

To tax your vehicle at a Post Office in Northern Ireland, you’ll also need both:

You can provide evidence of your TEC with a screenshot of your vehicle’s MOT history. If you cannot do this, you can show an expired MOT certificate.

You do not need to apply for a new MOT certificate.

If the vehicle is off the road

Register that your vehicle is off the road, for example you’re keeping it in a garage. You do not need to tax your vehicle.

Change your car’s tax class to or from ‘disabled’

You may need to change your vehicle’s tax class, for example if either:

  • your car was previously used by a disabled person
  • you’re disabled and taxing your car for the first time

You can only apply at a Post Office.

  1. Step 1 Check the vehicle before you buy it

    You'll need the vehicle's registration number, make, model and MOT test number. You also need to see the V5C vehicle registration certificate (log book).

    1. Check the details you've been given match DVLA's information
    2. Check the vehicle's MOT history
    3. Check if the vehicle has been recalled because of a safety issue
    4. Check the log book is not for a stolen vehicle
  2. Step 2 Buy and register the vehicle

    Once you've bought the vehicle, you have to register it. How you register it depends on whether it has a V5C registration certificate (log book).

    1. Find out how to register your vehicle
    2. Get a vehicle log book if you do not have it £25
  3. and Register for MOT reminders

    You must get an MOT for your vehicle every year once it's 3 years old.

    1. Get a reminder when your MOT is due
  4. Step 3 Insure the vehicle

    You must have insurance before you can use your vehicle on the road.

    1. Check if your vehicle is insured on the Motor Insurance Database
    2. Read about vehicle insurance
  5. Step 4 Tax the vehicle