Check Car Tax UK
Free DVLA Tax Status Check
Instantly check whether any UK vehicle is taxed, SORN'd or due for renewal. Free results from official DVLA records — enter any registration number.
What Our Tax Check Includes
Everything you need to know about a vehicle's tax status
Real-time DVLA data
See up-to-the-minute tax status pulled directly from DVLA records. Know whether a vehicle is taxed, untaxed or declared SORN before you buy or drive it.
Tax expiry tracking
Find out exactly when vehicle tax expires. Combined with a CarFile subscription, get automated reminders before renewal is due so you avoid the £80 late licensing penalty.
SORN status check
Verify whether a vehicle has been declared SORN. This is essential when buying a used car — a SORN vehicle cannot be driven on public roads until it is taxed and insured.
Free Tax Check + Automated Reminders from £7/month or £69/year
Free instant tax check
Check any UK vehicle's tax status, SORN declaration and expiry date for free using our DVLA Check tool. No account required — just enter a registration number and get instant results from official government records.
Never miss a tax renewal
Subscribe to CarFile for automated tax renewal reminders alongside MOT alerts, expense tracking, fuel logging and digital document storage. Manage every aspect of your vehicle ownership in one place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about UK vehicle tax
How do I check if a car is taxed in the UK?
Enter the vehicle's registration number on our free DVLA Check page. You will instantly see whether the vehicle is currently taxed, when the tax expires, and whether it has been declared SORN. All data comes directly from official DVLA records.
What is SORN and when do I need one?
SORN stands for Statutory Off Road Notification. You must declare SORN if your vehicle is kept off the public road and you do not want to tax it. A SORN means you cannot drive or park the vehicle on any public road. It remains in effect until you tax the vehicle again or sell it.
What is the penalty for driving without car tax?
Driving an untaxed vehicle in the UK can result in a fine of up to £1,000. The DVLA may also clamp or impound your vehicle, and you will need to pay release fees plus any outstanding tax. Penalties are issued automatically using ANPR camera data.
How much does car tax cost in the UK?
Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) rates vary depending on your vehicle's CO2 emissions, fuel type and date of first registration. Most cars registered after April 2017 pay a flat standard rate of £190 per year after the first year. Electric vehicles currently pay £0, though this changes from April 2025.
Can I check the tax status of any UK vehicle?
Yes. You can check the tax status of any vehicle registered in the UK using its registration number. Our free DVLA Check shows current tax status, expiry date, SORN status and whether the vehicle is currently taxed, untaxed or off the road.
When does my car tax expire?
You can find your car tax expiry date on our free DVLA Check page by entering your registration number. Tax is typically renewed annually or every six months. CarFile subscribers receive automated reminders before the expiry date so you never miss a renewal.
What happens if my car tax lapses?
If your car tax expires and you have not renewed or declared SORN, the DVLA will send you a late licensing penalty of £80. If you still do not act, this can increase and the DVLA may issue a court summons. Your vehicle can also be clamped or impounded if parked on a public road.
How UK Vehicle Tax Works
Understanding Vehicle Excise Duty (VED)
Vehicle Excise Duty, commonly known as road tax or car tax, is a tax you must pay to keep your vehicle on UK public roads. The amount you pay depends on your vehicle's CO2 emissions, fuel type and the date it was first registered. Since April 2017, most new cars pay a first-year rate based on emissions followed by a flat standard rate of £190 per year for petrol and diesel vehicles.
You can pay your vehicle tax annually, every six months or monthly by direct debit. Six-monthly and monthly payments include a small surcharge. Vehicle tax is no longer transferable when you sell a car — the new owner must tax it in their own name before driving it, and the seller receives an automatic refund for any full remaining months.
Zero-emission vehicles are currently exempt from VED, though the government has announced that electric vehicles will begin paying road tax from April 2025. Hybrid vehicles pay based on their CO2 emissions rating, and some alternatively fuelled vehicles receive a small annual discount.
What happens when your tax expires
If your vehicle tax expires, you have two options: renew immediately or declare SORN. If you do neither, the DVLA will send you a late licensing penalty of £80. If this goes unpaid, they can increase the penalty, issue a court summons, or clamp and impound your vehicle if it is parked on a public road.
DVLA uses Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras across the UK to detect untaxed vehicles. These cameras operate continuously on major roads, car parks and high streets. If flagged, you may receive a penalty notice by post even if you were not stopped by police. Persistent non-payment can result in your vehicle being crushed.
CarFile helps you stay on top of your tax renewal by tracking your expiry date and sending proactive reminders before it lapses. Combined with MOT tracking, expense logging and service history management, CarFile is the simplest way to keep your vehicle legal and well-maintained throughout the year.
Check Your Car Tax Status Now
Enter any UK registration to see tax status, SORN and expiry date — completely free.