Free Vehicle Check Tool
Free Car Tax Check
Check if any UK vehicle is taxed using official DVLA data. View tax status, expiry date, and vehicle details - completely free.
What a Car Tax Check Reveals
Tax Status
Whether the vehicle is currently taxed or untaxed. An untaxed car cannot legally be driven on public roads.
Tax Expiry Date
When the current tax period ends. You must renew before this date to keep driving legally.
CO2 Emissions
The vehicle's CO2 output in g/km. This affects first-year tax rates and helps you understand environmental impact.
Fuel Type & Engine
Petrol, diesel, electric, or hybrid - plus engine size. Useful for verifying the car matches its listing.
Current UK Car Tax Rates (2024/25)
For cars registered after April 2017
Electric
£0/year
Until April 2025, then £190/year
Hybrid
£180/year
Standard rate for alternative fuel
Petrol/Diesel
£190/year
Standard rate after first year
Expensive Car Supplement
Cars with a list price over £40,000 pay an additional £410/year for the first 5 years. This applies even to electric and hybrid vehicles.
Why Check Car Tax Before Buying?
You Can't Drive an Untaxed Car Home
Unlike in the past, tax no longer transfers with the car. If you buy an untaxed vehicle, you must tax it before driving on public roads - even to get it home. Plan ahead or arrange transport.
Verify Vehicle Details
The tax check shows make, model, colour, and engine size. Compare this to the listing and physical car - mismatches could indicate problems.
Budget for Running Costs
Knowing the CO2 emissions and fuel type helps you calculate annual tax costs. High-emission vehicles or expensive cars cost significantly more to tax each year.
Complete Your Vehicle Checks
Tax status is just one part of checking a used car
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this car tax check really free?
Is this car tax check really free?
Yes, completely free. Vehicle tax data is provided by the DVLA and is publicly available. You can check any UK vehicle tax status without paying anything.
What information does a car tax check show?
What information does a car tax check show?
A car tax check reveals: current tax status (taxed or untaxed), tax expiry date, vehicle make and model, fuel type, CO2 emissions, engine size, and colour. This is official DVLA data.
Can I drive a car without tax?
Can I drive a car without tax?
No. It is illegal to drive or keep a vehicle on public roads without valid tax, unless it has a SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification). You can be fined up to £1,000 and the vehicle can be clamped or impounded.
How much does car tax cost?
How much does car tax cost?
Car tax (VED) rates depend on the vehicle. For cars registered after April 2017, the first year is based on CO2 emissions (£0-£2,745), then a flat rate of £190/year for petrol/diesel or £180 for hybrids. Cars over £40,000 pay an extra £410/year for 5 years.
Do electric cars pay road tax?
Do electric cars pay road tax?
Currently, electric vehicles pay £0 road tax. However, from April 2025, EVs will start paying the standard rate (£190/year), though they will still be exempt from the expensive car supplement.
What should I do if a car I want to buy has no tax?
What should I do if a car I want to buy has no tax?
You cannot drive an untaxed car, even to take it home. You must tax the vehicle before driving it on public roads. You can tax a car online at gov.uk using the V5C reference number or the green new keeper slip.
Check Car Tax Now
While we build our tool, check any vehicle's tax status for free using the official government service.
Check Tax at gov.uk