The quickest and most reliable way to check if a car is taxed in the UK is to use the official government's online vehicle tax check service. You only need the vehicle's registration number (license plate). An untaxed car is illegal to drive or keep on a public road, and the owner faces hefty fines and penalties.
How to Check Your Vehicle's Tax Status
- Online Check: Go to the official GOV.UK website and use the "Check vehicle tax" service. Enter the vehicle's registration number, and the service will instantly tell you if the tax is current, the expiry date, and the 12-month tax rate.
- Visual Check (Less Reliable): Since the paper tax disc was abolished in 2014, you can no longer check by looking at the windshield. However, you might see an expired disc, which is a clear sign the car hasn't been taxed for a long time.
It is the owner's legal responsibility to tax the vehicle. Even if you aren't driving it, if it's parked on a public road, it must be taxed or officially declared SORN (Statutory Off-Road Notification). If the vehicle is SORN, it must be kept on private land like a driveway or garage.
| Tax Band (Representative Examples) | 12-Month Rate (Petrol/Diesel) | 12-Month Rate (Alternative Fuel) | Key Factor |
|---|
| Up to 100g/km CO2 | £0 | £0 | CO2 Emissions |
| 101-110g/km CO2 | £20 | £10 | CO2 Emissions |
| 111-120g/km CO2 | £30 | £20 | CO2 Emissions |
| 121-130g/km CO2 | £135 | £125 | CO2 Emissions |
| 131-140g/km CO2 | £165 | £155 | CO2 Emissions |
| Over 255g/km CO2 | £735 | £725 | CO2 Emissions |
| List Price over £40,000 (new) | Standard Rate + £410 surcharge | Standard Rate + £410 surcharge | Vehicle Value |
| Electric Vehicle (EV) | £0 (until 2025) | N/A | Fuel Type |
If you're buying a used car, always check the tax status online before handing over any money. The tax does not transfer with the vehicle; the new owner must tax it immediately upon purchase.
