Car tax rules

Every vehicle registered in the United Kingdom (UK) must be taxed if used or kept on a public road. If the vehicle is kept off-road it must either be taxed or have a SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification) in force. If not it could be wheel clamped or removed.

Tax your vehicle

To tax your vehicle you'll need:

• a completed V11 reminder or V10 Vehicle licence application
• your registration certificate (V5C) or New Keeper supplement, if using a V10
• a completed V62 Application for a Vehicle Registration Certificate V5C, if you don't have a registration certificate
• an MOT test certificate (if your car or motorcycle is over three years old)
• insurance that covers you against third party claims for death or injury and damage to property caused by using the vehicle
• the payment for vehicle tax (not needed if your vehicle is exempt from paying vehicle tax)

A Northern Ireland registered vehicle can't be taxed in England, Scotland or Wales.

• How to tax your vehicle

Display your tax disc

Display a tax disc on the passenger side (kerb side) of the vehicle's windscreen. If there's no windscreen or you have a motorcycle or sidecar, display the tax disc on the kerb side of the vehicle.

The tax disc can't be transferred between vehicles.

Make a SORN

Make a SORN if you dont use or keep your vehicle on a public road.

• How to make a SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification)

If you don't tax or SORN your vehicle

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) carries out a computer check each month, as well as roadside checks to identify those vehicles without a valid tax disc. You could face an automatic penalty of £80 as well as a minimum fine of £1000. Your vehicle could be clamped, impounded or even crushed.

• What if you don't tax or make a SORN

Keep your documents up to date

Up to date documents will help you tax or SORN your vehicle on time and avoid a penalty.

Tell DVLA when you change your name, address or vehicle details so that they can send your V11 reminder on time.

• Changing the name and address on your Registration Certificate

Make sure your MOT and insurance certificates are valid on the date you want your tax disc to start. Make a note of any renewal dates to remind you.

• Insurance and MOT needed to tax your vehicle

Continuous registration

Tell DVLA if you sell, transfer, scrap or export your vehicle, otherwise you'll continue to be responsible for taxing it even though you no longer have it. Complete the appropriate section of your registration certificate and send to DVLA, Swansea SA99 1BA. You should receive an acknowledgement letter within four weeks, which you should keep as proof that DVLA records have been updated. Contact DVLA customer enquires if you don't receive it.

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