MOT & Tax

How do I check my car tax expiry date?

Q: How do I check my car tax expiry date?

You can check your car tax expiry date by entering your registration plate on MOTReminder or the DVLA's official vehicle enquiry service at gov.uk. The check is free, instant, and requires no login. You can also check via the DVLA's automated phone line.

Checking your car tax expiry date takes about five seconds. All you need is your registration plate — no account, no login required.

Three ways to check your tax expiry date

⚡ Fastest — recommended

Check online by reg plate

Enter your reg on MOTReminder or the DVLA's official vehicle enquiry service at gov.uk/check-vehicle-tax. You'll instantly see your tax expiry date alongside your MOT status — completely free.

Option 2

Check your vehicle logbook (V5C)

Your V5C doesn't show your tax expiry date — but if you've kept confirmation emails from DVLA when you last taxed the car, these will show the renewal date. Online is still faster.

Option 3

Call the DVLA

The DVLA has an automated vehicle enquiry line at 0300 790 6802. Have your reg ready. This is useful if you don't have internet access.

What does the DVLA vehicle check show?

When you check a vehicle using your reg plate, you'll see your current tax status (taxed or untaxed), the date your tax expires, and whether the vehicle is SORNed. You'll also see your MOT expiry date in the same check, which is handy to confirm both at once.

What if my tax has already expired?

If your tax has lapsed, you need to renew it before driving. You can renew online at gov.uk, by phone, or at a Post Office. Before renewing, make sure your MOT is also valid — the DVLA won't issue tax without a current MOT on record.

ANPR cameras check tax in real time: Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras used by police and local authorities will flag an untaxed vehicle instantly. There's no grace period — if your tax has lapsed, you're at risk of a penalty the moment you drive on a public road.

Note: Physical tax discs were abolished in 2014. There's no paper disc to check — the only reliable way to confirm your tax status is online or by phone.

Check your tax and MOT status now

Free and instant — just enter your reg below.

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