What you need
- A reference number: the 11-digit document reference on the V5C logbook, the 16-digit reference on a V11 tax reminder, or the 12-digit reference on the green "new keeper" slip if you have just bought the car.
- A valid MOT if the car is over three years old. DVLA checks the MOT record automatically.
- Insurance from the date the tax starts. In Northern Ireland you also need the insurance certificate details.
- A bank card or bank details for Direct Debit.
How to pay
| Option | Cost |
|---|---|
| 12 months in one go (card) | The full annual rate |
| 6 months (card) | 55% of the annual rate |
| 12 monthly Direct Debits | 5% more than the annual rate, spread over a year |
| 6-monthly or yearly Direct Debit | Same as paying by card for that period |
For most cars registered since April 2017, the annual rate is £200, so monthly Direct Debit costs £17.50 a month (£210 a year). Expensive cars pay more. Use the car tax calculator to work out the exact rate for your car.
Buying a used car
Since October 2014, vehicle tax is not transferred when a car changes hands. The seller gets a refund for full months left, and the buyer must tax the car before it is driven, even for the journey home. You can do this immediately online using the 12-digit reference on the new keeper slip. Our used car checklist covers the other steps.
Checking whether a car is taxed
Use the free GOV.UK vehicle enquiry service with the registration number. It shows the tax status and expiry date, along with the MOT expiry date.
Tax rates in brief
- Cars registered from 1 April 2017: a first-year rate based on CO2, then £200 a year, or £640 for five years if the list price was over £40,000 (£50,000 for electric cars registered from April 2026).
- Cars registered March 2001 to March 2017: CO2 bands A to M, from £20 to £790 a year.
- Cars registered before March 2001: £230 or £375 a year depending on engine size.
- Electric cars: have paid vehicle tax since April 2025.
Sources
Checked against official sources on 15 October 2026. Rules and prices change, so confirm anything important on GOV.UK. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.