How to check if a car is taxed in the UK
You can check whether any UK-registered vehicle is taxed for free using the DVLA's vehicle enquiry service. All you need is the registration number. The check is instant and available to anyone, not just the owner - which makes it useful whether you are checking your own car, a vehicle you are about to buy, or one parked near you.
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How to check a car's tax status
The DVLA provides a free, public vehicle enquiry service at GOV.UK. To check a vehicle:
- Go to the vehicle enquiry tool on GOV.UK (search "check car tax DVLA" to find it).
- Enter the vehicle's registration number.
- The result shows: current tax status (taxed, not taxed or SORN), the date the tax expires if taxed, MOT expiry date, and engine size and colour.
The check is free and does not require you to create an account or provide any personal information. It is designed to be used by anyone.