You can check whether any car is taxed, and when the tax runs out, free of charge on GOV.UK. All you need is the registration number. The same check shows whether the car has been declared off the road (SORN).

How do you check if a car is taxed?

Go to the check vehicle tax service on GOV.UK.
Enter the registration number and confirm the make and colour shown are right.
Read the result. It shows whether the car is taxed or SORN, the date the tax is due and the MOT expiry date.

If you have just taxed a car or made a SORN, the record can take up to two working days to update.

How do you find out how much the tax costs?

The rate depends on when the car was first registered and, for many cars, its CO2 emissions. The same GOV.UK service can show the rate for a specific car if you have the 11-digit reference number from its V5C log book. You can also look it up in the vehicle tax rate tables.

Electric cars now pay vehicle tax too. Our guide to road tax on electric cars explains the current rules.

Why does a car you are buying show as untaxed?

Vehicle tax does not pass to the new keeper when a car is sold. The seller gets a refund for any full months left, and the buyer has to tax the car before driving it away. So a used car on a forecourt or a driveway will often show as untaxed or SORN. That is normal.

You can tax it in a few minutes using the green new keeper slip from the log book. Our guide to how to tax your car covers the steps.

What happens if your car is not taxed?

A car kept or driven on a public road must be taxed, even if the rate is nothing to pay. An untaxed car that has not been declared SORN can lead to a penalty, and the car can be clamped. There is no paper tax disc any more, so enforcement works from the DVLA record and number plate cameras.

The DVLA sends a reminder before your tax runs out, but it goes to the address on your log book. Keep that address up to date, and put the due date in your calendar as a back-up.

Common questions

Can you check someone else's car?

Yes. The check works for any registration number, which is useful when you are looking at a used car. It does not show who the keeper is.

Does the check show the MOT as well?

It shows the MOT expiry date. For the full test record, including advisories and recorded mileage, use the separate MOT history check.

Do you get a refund if you sell the car?

Yes. Once you tell the DVLA you have sold it, you automatically get a refund for any full months of tax left.

Buying a used car in Barnsley?

Browse our used cars or call the Sales team at anycolourcar.com on 01226 574410. Ask us for the registration date of any car and you can check its tax rate before you decide.

This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice. Updated October 2026.

How to Check If a Car Is Taxed and When the Tax Runs Out