Run a free car tax check on any UK-registered vehicle with Total Car Check and instantly see whether a vehicle is taxed, when the tax expires, and the car tax cost. Our tool also provides a full road tax check with verified DVLA data, including CO2 emissions, VED rates and renewal costs, giving you accurate, up-to-date information before you buy, sell or drive.
This information is essential for confirming that a vehicle is road-legal, insured, MOT'd and correctly taxed.
Because our results update in real time, you get the most accurate snapshot of a vehicle's taxation status available.
Total Car Check's initial check displays a comprehensive breakdown of a vehicle's official records.
Instant confirmation of whether a vehicle is taxed or untaxed.
Clear visibility of when car tax is due to expire, helping car owners and buyers avoid penalties or enforcement action.
Check whether the vehicle has been declared off the road and cannot be driven.
Easily verify MOT validity to ensure the vehicle is roadworthy.
Basic vehicle attributes such as make, model, colour, fuel type, engine size and year of registration.
Helping you to research the vehicle you've checked. Total Car Check provide the most comprehensive free vehicle data check in the UK.
Total Car Check provides one of the most comprehensive free vehicle data checks in the UK—helping you confirm that the vehicle details match the seller's description.
Many drivers use the terms car tax, road tax and vehicle tax interchangeably. In practical terms, they all refer to the same DVLA system of taxation, officially called Vehicle Excise Duty.
Once you have checked a vehicle's tax status, the next step for any keeper or new owner is taxing the vehicle correctly. The DVLA provides several convenient ways to tax a car, whether you are renewing tax or taxing a newly purchased vehicle.
Taxing online is available 24/7 and updates the DVLA database instantly, meaning the vehicle can be driven right away (as long as it is insured and MOT'd).
Drivers can tax a vehicle using the DVLA's 24-hour automated phone service. You will need the same reference numbers listed above. Payment is made using a debit or credit card. This option is helpful if you don't have internet access at the time.
The Post Office will process your application and tax the vehicle instantly.
Tax does not transfer during private sales — new keepers must tax the vehicle immediately.
If paying by Direct Debit, car tax will renew automatically each year unless cancelled.
If any of these apply, resolve them first before attempting to tax the vehicle.
Car tax checks take seconds and help ensure you remain compliant.
A simple car tax check helps avoid costly issues.
Understanding how car tax is calculated helps drivers understand why tax rates differ between vehicles. A simple car tax check can reveal the relevant details quickly. Our car tax check will tell you how much is owed for the car you're checking. See the Government's car tax tables for more information on how VED works.
This improves compliance and reduces the risk of accidental non-payment.
Whether you're checking car tax or vehicle tax more broadly, the tool delivers consistent DVLA results.
Car tax records usually update in real time, but very recent changes can cause short delays.
For complete peace of mind, combine a car tax check with a full Total Car Check report, which includes outstanding finance checks, mileage records, and write-off history.
Use the lookup tool in the banner at the top of this page. Enter the registration number to see the car tax and road tax status instantly.
Yes. Both terms refer to the DVLA's vehicle taxation system and show identical results.
Car tax information is intentionally transparent to promote road safety and compliance.
No, the DVLA checks the Motor Insurance Bureau's Navigate database first and will not register a car for tax unless at least a third party insurance policy is in place.
No, the car must pass it's MOT first before it can be taxed.
No. Car tax does not transfer between owners. You must tax the vehicle before driving it, even if you purchased it the same day.
Even exempt vehicles must be “taxed” at a zero rate. Checking the car tax status confirms this registration has been completed correctly.
Yes, as long as the vehicle is registered with the DVLA.
You may receive fines, enforcement action or penalties issued via ANPR cameras.
Check before buying or selling a vehicle, ahead of driving after a long break, or if you're unsure of your expiry date.
No. A car tax check is passive and does not alter the vehicle's record.
Yes, but only if you pay by direct debit. If you pay using any other method you should receive a reminder letter near the end of the 6 or 12 month registration period. You will need to complete the return and make a payment.
Ready to confirm a vehicle's tax status? Enter the registration number at the top of this page to run your free car tax check or road tax check now and get instant DVLA-verified results.
Total Car Check was the first vehicle history check provider in the UK to provide a free stolen car check. Our mission is to protect car buyers and therefore we aim to include as much data as we can in our free initial check. We have been operating for over 15 years and our checks have won multiple awards for their accuracy and value.
So, what are you waiting for? Get your free car check and see what you find...
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