---
title: Vehicle Tax
---

# Vehicle Tax

## Paying Your Vehicle Tax

You can pay your vehicle tax online at **[www.gov.uk](http://www.gov.uk/)**[,](http://www.gov.uk/) by calling the DVLA’s automated service on **0300 123 4321**, or at selected **Post Office** branches.

When you buy a vehicle, **the tax does not transfer** with it. You must tax the vehicle yourself **before using it**. You can do this online, by phone, or at the Post Office using the **New Keeper Supplement (VSC/2)** from the vehicle registration certificate (VSC).

The DVLA will send you a **renewal reminder** by post when your current vehicle tax is due to expire.

When you sell your vehicle, you should **notify the DVLA**. They will automatically issue a refund for any **full remaining months** of paid vehicle tax.

## Keeping DVLA Informed

The registered keeper must tell the DVLA if the vehicle is:

- **Off the road (SORN)**
- **Sold, transferred, scrapped, or exported**

If you fail to do this, you’ll remain legally responsible for taxing the vehicle. Once DVLA has been informed, they will send an **acknowledgement**, which should be kept as proof that their records have been updated.

## If You Do Not Re-Tax Your Vehicle

If you don’t renew your vehicle tax or make a **Statutory Off-Road Notification (SORN)**, you’ll face an **automatic penalty**. The DVLA carries out monthly computer checks to identify untaxed vehicles.

It’s no longer necessary for a vehicle to be seen on a public road before a penalty is issued, although **on-road enforcement** will still take place.

## Statutory Off-Road Notification (SORN)

If you’re not using or keeping your vehicle on a public road, you can declare a **SORN**, which means you won’t have to pay vehicle tax. A SORN remains valid until the vehicle is taxed, sold, or scrapped.

You can make a SORN by:

- Applying online at **[www.gov.uk](http://www.gov.uk/)**
- <http://www.gov.uk/>Calling the DVLA on **0300 123 4321** or **minicom 0300 790 6201**
- Completing form **V890** and sending it to DVLA (available at licence-issuing Post Office branches or from **[www.gov.uk](http://www.gov.uk/)**[)](http://www.gov.uk/)
- Using the relevant section of your renewal reminder form **V11** and taking it to a licence-issuing Post Office
- Completing form **V14** (Application for a refund of vehicle tax) if you’re also requesting a refund and keeping the vehicle

 

## Important Reminder

To keep a vehicle untaxed and off the road, the **registered keeper must make a SORN**.  
Failure to do so, or ignoring reminders, can result in:

- A **fixed penalty of £100**
- **Court prosecution** and a fine of up to **£1,000**
- The vehicle being **clamped, seized, or destroyed**

 

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