Check whether a car is taxed or declared SORN using its registration number. Before buying, confirm the status on the official service and make your own tax arrangements before using the car on the road.
Check car tax on the official service
The DVLA service shows whether a vehicle is taxed or recorded as off the road. Our own registration lookup is not live yet.
How to check if a car is taxed
- Get the registration number from the vehicle or seller.
- Open the official vehicle tax checker.
- Confirm the vehicle details match the car you are checking.
- Read the tax or SORN status and any dates shown.
- If you have recently applied, allow for the official record to update.
DVLA says an approved tax or SORN application can take up to two working days to appear. If the result does not match a recent application, check your confirmation and follow the official service guidance.
What does the result mean?
| Result | What to do next |
|---|---|
| Taxed | Note the date shown. If you are buying the car, do not assume the seller’s tax covers you. |
| Untaxed | Resolve the tax position before road use. Check the current official instructions for your circumstances. |
| SORN | The vehicle is recorded as off the road. Ask where it has been kept, how it will be moved and what needs arranging before road use. |
| Details do not match | Recheck the registration. If the mismatch remains, investigate the identity and documents before proceeding. |
Buying a used car: tax it yourself
Vehicle tax does not pass to the buyer with the car. A “taxed” result on the seller’s vehicle record is therefore not permission for you to drive it home. Follow the official buying-a-vehicle steps, including insurance and tax.
The online tax service accepts the green new keeper slip when you have just bought a vehicle. Our guide to taxing a car you have just bought explains what to have ready.
Car tax and MOT are separate checks
A tax result does not replace a check of the MOT record or an inspection. Use our MOT history guide to review the tests, mileage and advisories, then compare the paperwork with the car.
For a wider view, our car history guide covers the difference between public records and checks for finance or damage.
Checking a SORN car before buying
Ask why the car has been off the road, how long it has been stored and whether it can be inspected safely. A SORN status alone does not explain its mechanical condition. Check battery, tyre and servicing evidence rather than assuming storage has preserved everything.
Plan collection before committing. Do not assume you can take a SORN car on an ordinary road test. Read our SORN guide and the current official rules for your situation.
Can I check how much car tax will cost?
The tax amount depends on the vehicle and applicable rules. Use the official information for the exact car rather than copying an amount from an old advert. The DVLA status service also explains how to check current rates using the V5C reference.
For the payment itself, use GOV.UK’s tax-your-vehicle service. You must still complete the tax process for a vehicle that qualifies for a zero payment.
Related status checks
Need both records? Use our tax and MOT check. To look up an off-road declaration, use the SORN check guide.
Car tax check questions
Can I check car tax for free?
Yes. The official DVLA status check is free and uses the registration number.
Can I check someone else’s car?
You can use a registration to look up the publicly available vehicle status. That does not reveal the keeper’s personal details.
Why does my car still show as untaxed?
An approved application can take up to two working days to appear. Check your application confirmation and the current official guidance if it remains incorrect.
Is road tax the same as vehicle tax?
“Road tax” and “car tax” are commonly used terms for vehicle tax. The official service uses vehicle tax terminology.
Put the checks together
Use our car check guide, registration guide and used-car buying checklist before paying a deposit.
Official references: check vehicle tax, tax your vehicle and buy a vehicle. Reviewed 30 October 2026. Check My Vehicle is independent of DVLA.