The facts
Car tax (VED)
How to check whether a car is taxed, what a SORN is, and why tax no longer transfers when you buy.
- How do I know if a car is taxed?
- Enter the registration into a free car tax check and it returns the current tax status and when it runs out, straight from the DVLA. There is nothing to install and no charge for the tax status itself. We walk through what each result means in our guide, how do I know if a car is taxed.
- Does car tax transfer when I buy a car?
- No. Since October 2014 road tax does not transfer with the vehicle. The seller's tax is cancelled when they notify the DVLA of the sale, and you must tax the car in your own name before you drive it away. Confirm the current status first with a car tax check.
- Can I drive a car I have just bought before taxing it?
- No. The car must be taxed in your name before you drive it, even for the journey home. You can tax it immediately online using the new-keeper number from the V5C logbook, so there is no need to wait. Driving untaxed risks a fine and having the car clamped.
- What is a SORN?
- A SORN, or Statutory Off Road Notification, tells the DVLA a vehicle is being kept off the road and will not be taxed or insured. A SORN car cannot legally be driven or parked on a public road. If a car you are viewing is on SORN, ask why, and check its status with a car tax check.
- How much is my car tax?
- It depends on when the car was first registered and its CO2 emissions. Cars registered from April 2017 pay a flat standard rate after the first year, with a surcharge for cars that cost over £40,000 new; older cars are taxed on emission bands. The exact band shows against the vehicle's own record.
Ready to check a specific vehicle?
Car tax check