Key takeaway:
Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), commonly called “car tax,” is due on the anniversary of your last tax payment and must be renewed before it expires. You will normally receive a DVLA reminder about three weeks beforehand, but you can check and renew online up to two months early to avoid missing the deadline.
Car Tax (VED)
VED is an annual charge levied on most vehicles used or kept on UK public roads. The amount depends on:
- Date of first registration
- Fuel type and CO₂ emissions (or engine size for pre-March 2001 vehicles)
- Whether you pay annually, six-monthly, or monthly via Direct Debit (surcharges apply for instalments)
- Historic vehicles (built or first registered before 1 January 1984) and vehicles declared off-road (SORN) still require a tax record—even if they’re exempt from paying.
How to Know Your Tax Due Date
DVLA Reminder Letter (V11):
The DVLA sends a V11 reminder about three weeks before your tax runs out. It shows your current expiry date and the reference number needed to renew online or by post.
V5C Logbook:
Your vehicle logbook (V5C) shows the date you last taxed the vehicle. Tax always runs in whole-month periods from the renewal date; the new expiry falls on the last day of the corresponding month.
Online Check:
Use the GOV.UK “Check if a vehicle is taxed” service by entering your registration and V5C reference to see the exact expiry date.
When You Can Renew
Up to 2 months early:
You may renew your tax online or at the Post Office up to two months before it expires, ensuring you never let valid tax lapse.
Direct Debit:
If you set up a Direct Debit, your tax renews automatically on the due date. DVLA will email or post confirmation—no V11 reminder is sent.
How to Renew Your Car Tax
You must have at least one of these in your name:
- V11 reminder letter
- V5C logbook reference
- V5C/2 new-keeper slip (for recently purchased vehicles)
Renew via:
- Online: gov.uk/vehicle-tax – enter your vehicle details and pay by debit/credit card or set up a Direct Debit.
- Post Office: Bring your V11, V5C, or V5C/2 to a branch that handles vehicle tax, plus valid MOT evidence if required.
- Phone: Call DVLA’s 24-hour line on 0300 123 4321 with your reference number and payment details.
Payment Options and Surcharges
| Payment Frequency | Surcharge |
|---|---|
| Annual | £0 |
| Six-monthly | Approx. 4% extra |
| Monthly | Approx. 5% extra |
Direct Debit instalments carry a small surcharge but spread the cost over the year.
Consequences of Late or Missed Tax
Driving or keeping an untaxed vehicle on public roads without SORN is illegal and may incur:
- An £80 penalty (reduced to £40 if paid within 28 days)
- Vehicle clamping, seizure, and disposal
- Court prosecution with unlimited fines and possible disqualification
Tips to Stay Compliant
- Set calendar alerts 4 weeks before expiry.
- Check online at least two months ahead and renew early if needed.
- Use Direct Debit for automatic renewal.
- Ensure MOT & insurance are valid at renewal to avoid refusal by DVLA.
By tracking your V11 reminder, checking online, and renewing promptly—ideally using Direct Debit—you’ll keep your vehicle legally taxed and avoid fines or enforcement action.
