Car Tax Check

Check the car tax status of your car by entering your reg below

What does our car tax check include?

Tax Status

We show the current tax status of the vehicle, including whether it's taxed, SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification), or untaxed.

Tax Expiry Date

We provide the exact expiry date of the vehicle's tax, so you never miss an important renewal deadline.

Road Tax Band

Find out which tax band the vehicle falls into based on its CO2 emissions and engine size, helping you understand its tax rate.

Outstanding Tax

If there is any outstanding tax owed on the vehicle, we highlight it, so you're aware of any liabilities before purchasing.

Tax History

We provide a full history of the vehicle's tax payments, showing when it was taxed or SORN, and any changes made.

V5C (Logbook) Details

We include details from the V5C logbook to verify the vehicle's tax and registration status.

Browse Tax Costs by Car Brand

Select a manufacturer to view road tax details for all their models.

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How does our car tax check work?

Checking your car's tax status with VehicleScore is simple. Enter the vehicle's registration number and we'll instantly show you the current tax status, expiry date, and tax band information directly from DVLA records.

Why check your car's tax status?

Driving without valid road tax can result in fines up to £1,000, wheel clamping, or your vehicle being impounded. Our free tax checker helps you stay road legal and avoid penalties.

Understanding tax bands

Vehicle tax rates depend on CO2 emissions, fuel type, and when the car was registered. Use our tool to find your tax band and understand your annual costs. Visit the GOV.UK tax rate tables for full details.

Checking Car Tax Status for Free on VehicleScore

Buying a used car can be daunting, especially when it comes to understanding the tax status and history. VehicleScore makes it easy to check a car's tax status for free, helping you make an informed purchase decision.

After entering the vehicle details, VehicleScore generates a detailed report about the car tax status, including expiry dates, tax band, and whether there are any outstanding payments.

What You'll Learn

Current tax status (taxed, SORN, or untaxed)
Tax expiry date
Vehicle tax band and annual cost
Historical tax payments
V5C logbook verification

Step-by-Step Guide

Go to the VehicleScore homepage
Enter the vehicle's registration number
Click "Check Tax Status"
Review the car tax details displayed
Save or print the report for future reference

Why Tax Checks Matter When Buying

Understanding a vehicle's tax status helps you budget for ownership costs and ensures the car is road legal. Our check also reveals the tax band, which indicates annual running costs based on CO2 emissions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check the status of my car tax with VehicleScore?

To check the status of your car tax with VehicleScore, simply enter your vehicle's registration number into our car tax checker.

We'll instantly pull up your vehicle's tax status, expiry date, and any important details from the DVLA so you can make sure everything is up to date.

How is car tax calculated?

Car tax is mainly calculated based on CO2 emissions, engine size, and fuel type. For vehicles registered before March 2001, it's based on engine size.

The goal is to encourage environmentally-friendly driving. The less CO2 your car emits, the less tax you'll pay!

How often do you need to renew your car tax?

Car tax needs to be renewed annually. However, you can choose to pay in monthly or six-monthly installments if that's easier for you.

The DVLA sends you a reminder, but you can always check the tax expiry date with our car tax checker to avoid any surprises.

Can you get a refund on your car tax when you sell it?

Yes! If you sell your car, you can cancel your car tax and get a refund for any full months left on it.

However, the new owner will need to pay for their own car tax. Your refund doesn't transfer to them.

Can you drive a car without car tax?

No, you can't drive a car on public roads without paying car tax, unless it's exempt. Driving an untaxed vehicle can lead to fines or even the vehicle being impounded.

Make sure your car is taxed before driving it on the road. You can check your car's tax status with VehicleScore.

How do I pay my car tax?

You can pay your car tax online through the DVLA website. Simply visit the GOV.UK Vehicle Tax Page and enter your vehicle's details.

You can pay your tax annually, or you can choose to make monthly or six-monthly payments if you prefer.

Do you need to tax a car if it's registered as a SORN?

No, if your car is registered as SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification), you don't need to tax it, as long as it's kept off public roads.

However, if you plan to drive the car on public roads, you'll need to tax it again, even if it was previously SORN.

Are there any vehicles that are exempt from road tax?

Yes, there are some vehicles that are exempt from road tax. This includes electric vehicles, cars used by people with disabilities, and vehicles over 40 years old.

There are also exemptions for vehicles used for agriculture, horticulture, or forestry. Make sure to check if your vehicle qualifies for exemption.