How to tax your car in the UK
You can tax your car online in minutes — but you need insurance and a valid MOT first, and tax doesn’t transfer when you buy a used car. Here’s the how-to.
Taxing a car takes a couple of minutes online — the things that catch people out are the requirements around it. Here’s the clean version.
Before you can tax it
How to tax it
- 1Get your reference numberFrom your V5C logbook, a V11 tax reminder, or the green new-keeper slip if you’ve just bought the car.
- 2Tax online at GOV.UKEnter the reference; the system checks insurance and MOT automatically. You can also use the phone line or a Post Office.
- 3Choose how to payAnnually, six-monthly, or monthly by Direct Debit (monthly costs a little more overall).
Buying a used car? Tax it fresh
If the car is going to stay off the road, you can declare a SORN instead.
In short
Tax your car online with a reference from your V5C, V11 reminder or new-keeper slip — after you’ve got insurance and a valid MOT. Remember tax doesn’t transfer when you buy used, so tax it before driving, and choose yearly, six-monthly or monthly payment.
Frequently asked questions
What do I need to tax my car?
A reference number (from your V5C logbook, a V11 tax reminder, or the new-keeper slip if you’ve just bought it), plus valid insurance and — where required — a current MOT. You can then tax it online, by phone or at a Post Office.
Does car tax transfer when I buy a used car?
No. Since the paper tax disc was abolished, vehicle tax doesn’t transfer between owners. When you buy a used car you must tax it in your name before driving it away — the seller gets a refund for full remaining months.
Can I pay car tax monthly?
Yes. You can pay annually, every six months, or by monthly Direct Debit. Spreading it monthly costs a little more overall than paying for the year up front.
Sources & last checked
- Tax your vehicle — GOV.UK
- Check if a vehicle is taxed — GOV.UK
Last checked against official sources: 9 July 2026.