Free Car Tax Check & Road Tax Check

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Instantly Run a Free Car Tax & Road Tax Check Online

Run a free car tax check or road tax check on any UK-registered vehicle with Total Car Check. Instantly verify road tax (Vehicle Excise Duty – VED), expiry dates, CO2 emissions, tax bands, and renewal costs before you buy, sell, or drive. Our service uses verified UK sources to provide accurate, up-to-date information.

What Is a Car Tax Check?

A car tax check lets you instantly verify the road tax status of any UK vehicle. Commonly called road tax, VED is a legal requirement for driving or parking a vehicle on public roads. Total Car Check shows whether a vehicle is currently taxed, when it expires, and how much it costs to renew.

How to Perform a Free Car & Road Tax Check

Enter the vehicle registration number above and instantly receive a report including:
  • Current tax status (taxed or untaxed)
  • Tax expiry date
  • Days left until expiry
  • VED cost for 6 and 12 months

This helps buyers avoid fines and ensures vehicles are legally compliant before purchase. View current VED tables from the DVLA

Current UK Car Tax Rates

Car tax rates depend on several factors:
  • CO2 emissions: Higher emissions generally result in higher tax bands
  • Engine size: Larger engines, especially in cars registered before 2001, usually cost more
  • Date of first registration: Determines which tax rules apply
  • List price for new cars over £40,000: May incur an additional £425/year for years 2–6

Annual updates in April may adjust rates based on government policy and inflation.

Factors That Affect Car Tax Costs

  • Engine size: Larger engines = higher tax for older vehicles
  • CO2 emissions: Cars registered 2001–2017 and first-year tax from 2017; higher emissions = higher band
  • List price over £40,000: Extra £425/year (cars registered from 2017)
  • Fuel type: Diesel and alternative fuels can affect CO2 calculations

Vehicles with Low or Zero Car Tax

  • Electric vehicles (EVs) registered before April 2025 – exempt
  • Classic cars over 40 years old – historic vehicle exemption
  • Mopeds and some tricycles - lower flat rates

2025 Car Tax Changes

  • Zero-emission vehicles pay tax starting April 2025
  • EV first-year VED: £10; from year two: £195/year
  • EVs over £40,000: extra £425/year for 5 years
  • Hybrid and alternative fuel discounts removed

Do I Need to Pay Road Tax if My Vehicle Is Not in Use?

No, but you must declare a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN):
  • No tax payable while declared SORN
  • Vehicle must be kept on private property
  • Can only be driven to a pre-booked MOT

Consequences of Not Paying Car Tax

  • £80 penalty (£40 if paid within 28 days)
  • Backdated tax charges
  • Vehicle may be clamped, impounded, or crushed

How Fast Are Car & Road Tax Check Reports?

Reports are free and generated instantly. You’ll see the complete vehicle tax status within seconds, giving confidence when buying, selling, or renewing a vehicle.

Get a Free Car & Road Tax Summary

Our free summary includes:
  • Current tax status
  • Expiry dates
  • Tax band and CO2 emissions
  • Vehicle registration and keeper data

For more detailed insight, upgrade to a premium service for a range of important additional data and vehicle checks.

FAQs

Q: Can I drive a car without paying road tax?
A: No. You must either pay VED or declare a SORN if the vehicle is off-road.
Q: How do I check my car tax online?
A: Enter the registration above to see full VED details.
Q: Are electric vehicles exempt from car tax?
A: EVs registered before April 2025 are exempt. After this date, new rates apply.
Q: How often do car tax rates change?
A: Tax rates are usually updated annually in April by the UK Government.

Check your car

Start your journey with a free car and road tax check today and avoid fines or surprises.

Run a free car & road tax check now

Why Total Car Check?

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 10 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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What do we check?

50+ checks are performed including:

  • Stolen check (Police & insurance)
  • Written off vehicle check
  • Outstanding Finance check
  • MOT history records
  • All plate changes
View a sample report
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Our Gold Check comes with a £30,000 data guarantee. So, you're in safe hands.

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We've got you covered, every time you check a vehicle.

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