Car Tax Checker UK: How to Check If a Car Is Taxed and What It Costs in 2026
Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) - commonly called car tax or road tax - is a legal requirement for any vehicle used on public roads. Here's how to check if a car is taxed, how much you'll pay, and how to renew it.
Quick check: You can check any vehicle's tax status instantly and for free at vehicleenquiry.service.gov.uk - no registration needed.
How to Check if a Car is Taxed
Go to the DVLA's free Vehicle Enquiry Service and enter the registration number. You'll see:
- Whether the vehicle is taxed or has a SORN
- The tax renewal date
- MOT status and expiry date
- Make, colour and year of manufacture
This service is completely free and works 24/7. Note that it doesn't show the registered keeper's name or address.
Car Tax Rates 2026 (VED)
Car tax rates changed significantly in April 2025 when the government extended VED to electric vehicles. Rates are now based on CO2 emissions for the first year, then a flat rate for subsequent years.
| Vehicle type | First year rate | Standard rate (yr 2+) |
|---|---|---|
| Zero emissions (EV) | £10 | £195 |
| 1–50g/km CO2 | £10 | £195 |
| 51–75g/km CO2 | £30 | £195 |
| 76–90g/km CO2 | £135 | £195 |
| 91–100g/km CO2 | £175 | £195 |
| Over 255g/km CO2 | £2,745 | £195 |
Expensive Car Supplement: Cars with a list price over £40,000 (including most EVs) pay an additional £425/year for years 2–6. This applies regardless of emissions.
How to Renew Your Car Tax
Car tax can be renewed online at gov.uk/vehicle-tax. You'll need your V5C reference number or the 11-digit reference from your tax renewal reminder (V11). You can pay annually, every six months (10% surcharge) or monthly by direct debit (5% surcharge).
What Is SORN?
A Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN) is a declaration that your vehicle is not being used on public roads. A SORN vehicle doesn't need to be taxed or have an MOT, but cannot legally be driven or parked on a public road. You can declare a SORN online at GOV.UK - it's free and takes effect immediately.
Penalties for Driving Without Tax
| Penalty | Detail |
|---|---|
| Fixed penalty | £80 (reduced to £40 if paid within 33 days) |
| Court fine | Up to £1,000 if it goes to court |
| Vehicle clamped | DVLA can clamp and tow untaxed vehicles |
| Release fee | £100 + back-tax to release a clamped vehicle |
Never forget to renew your car tax
MotifyMe® tracks your car tax renewal date and sends you reminders before it expires - alongside your MOT, insurance and service dates.