vector Smart reports: Free Tax status check

Verify your car’s tax status, track its market value, and choose the best time to sell.

image
image vector vector

Get your smart reports

Verify your tax, ULEZ and MOT status

Smart Scan & Valuation

Get your free vehicle valuation and use our Smart Scan to check your car's performance. Is it time to sell?

List

Now that you’ve got all the details, you’re in a great spot to choose the perfect time to sell.

How to verify my car's Tax status for free?

You can check your car's tax status for free using our tax status check or by visiting the official UK government website, GOV.UK. Simply enter your vehicle’s registration number to view its tax status instantly. Stay safe and avoid driving illegally with helpful status information.

What details are included in your free car Tax check?

Checking your vehicle’s tax status ensures you are legally compliant and avoid penalties. It also provides peace of mind knowing your car is roadworthy and meets UK regulations.

Why is it important to verify my car's Tax status?

Checking your vehicle’s tax status ensures you are legally compliant and avoid penalties. It also provides peace of mind knowing your car is roadworthy and meets UK regulations.

If your car was bought new and cost over £40,000, verifying the tax status is crucial due to additional charges in the first five years

UK legal driving requirements

The tax disc is long gone. Stay on top of your car tax status with free online checks and
alerts. To keep your car roadworthy, routinely check:

Vehicle Insurance

  • Ensure Your Coverage: Verify your insurance policy is always current.
  • Mandatory Requirements: Remember, all vehicles must be both taxed and insured to be legally on the road.

Tax Status

  • Stay Compliant: Keep your vehicle's tax status up-to-date to avoid fines.
  • Plan Ahead: Organize your tax payments in advance to ensure timely renewals.

MOT

  • Safety First: Regular MOT checks confirm your car is in a safe and roadworthy condition.
  • Preventive Maintenance: Catch any issues early to prevent expensive repairs later.

ULEZ & Congestion charge

  • Cost Efficiency: Understanding your car’s emissions rating can help you save on costs.
  • Regulation Compliance: Be aware of emission zones, charging zones and stay within government limits to avoid extra charges.

Service Records

  • Regular servicing ensures your car remains in good condition and helps catch issues early.
  • Follow the manufacturer's service schedule to avoid potential breakdowns.

Registration Details

  • Keep your registration details updated with the DVLA.
  • Ensure any changes in ownership or address are reported promptly.

Monitor your car’s depreciation

Track your car’s current and past value with Carsmarts Smart Scan. Our free tool uses live real-time market data to give you accurate valuations, helping you decide the best time to sell. Age, mileage, service history, and market trends all impact your car’s value, and our Smart Scan keeps you informed of these changes.

Scan the market

Discover your ideal car

Understanding Car Tax Payments and Renewals

  • Starting April 2025, vehicles registered between 2017 and 2025 will be taxed under new rules.
  • Electric vehicles (EVs) will incur a standard renewal fee of £180 plus an additional premium car supplement.
  • To manage your car tax payments, visit the government’s ‘tax your vehicle’ website.
  • Make sure to have your V5C, V11 form, and any relevant SORN notice at hand for a hassle-free process.
  • Detailed guidance is available on the site.
  • Car tax rates vary depending on your vehicle’s emission levels and fuel type.
  • Initial registration rates differ from renewal rates, which apply from the vehicle’s second year onward.
  • It’s essential to be aware of your tax deadline to ensure timely payments.
  • If you think your vehicle might be eligible for tax exemptions, consult our tax exemption guide for more information.

Car Tax: Common
Questions Answered

To check your car tax status, input your reg on Carsmart or visit the DVLA website and use their online vehicle tax checker. Enter your vehicle registration number to view your current tax status and renewal details.

If you receive a tax reminder letter from the DVLA, it means your vehicle tax is due soon. Follow the instructions on the letter to renew your tax online or by post to avoid any lapses in coverage.

Renewing your road tax is straightforward. Go to the DVLA’s online renewal portal, input your vehicle registration and reference number from your reminder notice. Complete the renewal process as directed. Alternatively, you can renew by visiting a post office.

No, you cannot legally drive an untaxed vehicle in the UK. Ensure road tax is paid before driving your new car home. This can be arranged online, at a post office, or often at the dealership where you bought the car.

If your vehicle isn’t appearing in the tax checker, ensure you’re using the correct characters—like '0' (zero) instead of 'O' (letter) and '1' (one) instead of 'I' (letter). If the issue persists, check with the DVLA for assistance.

If you find that the expiry date for your vehicle tax is wrong, contact the DVLA immediately. There may be an error in their records. Updates can take up to two working days, so be sure to follow up if necessary.

Yes, some vehicles are exempt from road tax. These include historic vehicles, vehicles used for agricultural purposes, those used by disabled individuals, and electric vehicles until April 2025. Cars with a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN) are also exempt while off the road.

Driving without a valid road tax is illegal and can result in hefty fines, legal action, and potential vehicle impoundment. Ensure you renew your tax before it expires to avoid these penalties.

Yes, obtaining a full car history check is advisable as it provides comprehensive details about the vehicle’s past, including any previous accidents, repairs, or outstanding issues. This helps you make an informed decision and can be sourced from various databases including DVLA records.

If your vehicle has a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN), you do not need to pay road tax or renew your MOT until you decide to use it on the road again. SORN informs the DVLA that your vehicle will not be driven, and you can also claim a refund for any remaining road tax.

Sell your car guides vector

Sort by:
tag
image

The Environmental Impact of Cars and How to Minimize It.

Read more
image
Name Lastname
24 March, 2024
tag
image

The Best Car Brands for Performance and Realiability.

Read more
image
Name Lastname
24 March, 2024
tag
image

The Car Enthusiast: Exploring the World of Cars and Driving

Read more
image
Name Lastname
24 March, 2024
tag
image

The Environmental Impact of Cars and How to Minimize It.

Read more
image
Name Lastname
24 March, 2024
tag
image

The Best Car Brands for Performance and Realiability.

Read more
image
Name Lastname
24 March, 2024
tag
image

The Car Enthusiast: Exploring the World of Cars and Driving

Read more
image
Name Lastname
24 March, 2024

vector The smart way

to sell your car.

38% of lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consecuteur

image
Added to cart!