How To Tax A Car · VED

How To Tax A Car

Taxing a car takes minutes online. You need a valid MOT, the registration number, and a V5C reference. Here is the complete process, payment options, and what to do if the system won't let you tax.

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The short answer

How To Tax A Car

Tax your car at gov.uk/vehicle-tax with the registration number and an 11-digit reference from your V5C or V11 reminder. A valid MOT must be on DVLA's system for most vehicles. Payment options: annual (cheapest), 6-monthly, or monthly Direct Debit (5% surcharge). Tax is active immediately online.

Ways to tax

Ways to Tax Your Car

Method	What you need	When active
Online at gov.uk/vehicle-tax	Registration + V5C/V11 reference	Immediately
By phone: 0300 123 4321	Registration + V5C/V11 reference + payment card	Immediately
Post Office (selected branches)	V5C, MOT certificate, insurance, payment	Same day (check with branch)

Payment options

Payment Options Compared

Annual (upfront)

Full year rate

Cheapest overall. Single payment. Best for regular drivers.

Six-monthly

55% of annual rate

Slight surcharge vs annual. Useful for seasonal vehicles.

Monthly Direct Debit

Annual rate ÷ 12 + 5%

Most expensive overall but spreads cost. Convenient for budget management.

Process

The Online Taxing Process

Get your reference number

Locate the 11-digit V5C reference or 16-digit V11 reminder reference.

Check MOT is valid

DVLA's system checks for a valid MOT. Ensure yours is current before attempting to tax.

Go to gov.uk/vehicle-tax

Use the official DVLA vehicle tax service online.

Enter registration and reference

Input your registration number and V5C/V11 reference number.

Choose payment method

Pay annually (cheapest), six-monthly, or by monthly Direct Debit (5% surcharge).

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Questions & answers

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I tax my car?

You can tax your car online at gov.uk/vehicle-tax using your vehicle registration number and a reference from your V5C, V5C/2, or DVLA reminder (V11). You can also call the DVLA on 0300 123 4321 or visit a Post Office that handles vehicle tax. Online is the fastest method — tax is active immediately.

What do I need to tax my car?

You need your vehicle registration number and one of: the 11-digit reference from your V5C logbook, the 11-digit reference from the new keeper supplement V5C/2, or the 16-digit reference from a DVLA V11 reminder. For some vehicles, a valid MOT certificate and insurance are also required before DVLA will permit taxing.

Can I tax a car without a valid MOT?

For vehicles that require an MOT, DVLA's system checks whether a valid MOT exists before allowing the vehicle to be taxed. You cannot tax a car online if no current MOT is recorded. There is an exception for vehicles that are MOT-exempt (pre-1960s) or when taxing from new registration.

Does car insurance affect taxing?

DVLA's vehicle tax system is linked to the Motor Insurers' Bureau database. If no current insurance is recorded for the vehicle, DVLA may flag this. In practice, DVLA does not refuse taxing solely on the grounds of no insurance, but you are required by law to have insurance before driving on any public road.

Can I pay road tax monthly?

Yes. Since 2014, you can pay road tax by Direct Debit monthly or in six-monthly instalments. Monthly Direct Debit incurs a 5% surcharge over the annual rate. Six-monthly payment also incurs a small surcharge compared to the full annual rate. Annual upfront payment is the cheapest option.

Can I tax a car for someone else?

Yes, provided you have their vehicle's registration number and a valid reference number from their V5C, V5C/2 or V11 reminder. The tax is registered to the vehicle (not the person paying), so the transaction is straightforward online even if you are not the registered keeper.

Related tools

Vehicle tax is paid via the official DVLA service at gov.uk/vehicle-tax. MotR is not affiliated with DVLA, DVSA or GOV.UK. Last reviewed 13 June 2026.

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Open

How To Tax A Car

How To Tax A Car

Ways to Tax Your Car

Payment Options Compared

The Online Taxing Process

Check Current Tax Status Free

Frequently Asked Questions

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