Tax Check UK
A vehicle tax check confirms whether a car is currently taxed for road use or has been declared SORN with the DVLA. It is illegal to drive or keep an untaxed vehicle on a public road in the UK. Tax status data comes directly from DVLA records and is updated in real time.
What is a vehicle tax check?
A UK vehicle tax check helps you confirm whether a car is currently taxed or untaxed, and whether it is marked as SORN. It’s a quick way to verify key DVLA-backed information before you buy or drive a vehicle.
How to check road tax status
A quick DVLA-style tax status check in 3 steps.
Tax check FAQs
Common questions about UK road tax status and SORN.
Yes. Enter the UK registration (number plate) to check road tax status and related DVLA-backed signals where available.
SORN means Statutory Off Road Notification. It can indicate a vehicle is declared off the road and not taxed for driving on public roads.
It’s a useful quick check, but it’s best combined with MOT history, finance, theft markers and write-off records for safer buying.
Tax status information is based on UK vehicle data signals where available. For a deeper check, consider a full vehicle history report.
No. Driving an untaxed vehicle on public roads in the UK is illegal. You could face a fine of up to £1,000, and the DVLA can clamp or impound your vehicle. The only exception is driving to a pre-booked MOT test.
No. Since 2014, vehicle tax does not transfer with the vehicle when it's sold. The new owner must tax the car in their name before driving it. The previous owner receives an automatic refund for any full remaining months.
You can tax a vehicle online at GOV.UK, at a Post Office, or by phone. You'll need the V5C logbook (or the green 'new keeper' slip) and a valid MOT certificate if the car is over three years old.
A taxed vehicle is legal to drive on public roads. An untaxed vehicle has no valid tax — driving it is illegal. A SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification) means the owner has officially declared the car is kept off public roads and does not need to be taxed.