Car tax, also called Vehicle Excise Duty or road tax, must be paid before you drive on UK roads. Here's how to pay it quickly and easily.
To pay your car tax, you'll need:
Your vehicle registration number (number plate)
Your V5C reference number (from your log book)
A valid MOT certificate (if your car is over 3 years old)
Valid car insurance
A debit or credit card for payment
You can pay car tax online at GOV.UK. This is the easiest and fastest way. The website is open 24 hours a day.
You can also pay:
At the Post Office (you'll need your V5C reminder letter)
By phone on 0300 123 4321
The cost depends on:
Your car's CO2 emissions
When your car was registered
The type of fuel it uses
Most petrol and diesel cars cost between £20 and £600 per year, since April 1st 2025 EV’s are also subject to tax, having previously been exempt.
You must tax your car before you drive it. If you buy a new car, the tax doesn't transfer from the previous owner. You must tax it straight away.
You can choose to pay:
Once a year (cheapest option)
Every six months
Monthly by Direct Debit
Remember, you cannot tax your car without valid insurance. If you're looking for cover, you should always compare car insurance quotes from leading providers to find competitive rates.
Driving without car tax is illegal. You could get a £80 fine. The DVLA also clamps or removes untaxed vehicles, it may even destroy them so it is very important to have valid road tax.
You can check if your car tax is up to date on the GOV.UK website. Just enter your number plate.
Need to sort your insurance before taxing your car? Compare quotes and get covered today.
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