Open Menu

    Why can’t I tax my car online?

    Taxing your car online is usually a pretty easy process. Gone are the days of posting forms to the DVLA – nowadays, we can press a few buttons and have our cars legal and roadworthy in a matter of minutes. 

    But what happens when the online car tax application isn’t playing ball? Regardless of whether it’s down to technical difficulties, expired documents, or changes in vehicle details -– when technology isn’t going your way, it’s incredibly frustrating. 

    Understanding these issues and the reasons why you might be running into them is key to getting them resolved quickly.

    Understanding the essentials for online car tax

    To tax your car online you need to make sure you have your V5C logbook or a new keeper slip.

    Valid documentation requirements: V5C or new keeper slip

    To tax your car online, you’ll need one of the following:

    • V5C (vehicle logbook): This document confirms your vehicle’s registration and contains essential details required for tax purposes.
    • New keeper slip (V5C/2): If you’ve recently purchased the vehicle, this slip serves as temporary documentation until you receive the full V5C logbook.

    Direct debit setup: The prerequisite for automatic renewal

    If you want your car tax to renew automatically, you need to have a direct debit set up with the DVLA.You’ll need the following:

    • Bank account details: Account number and sort code
    • Authorisation: If you’re not paying the direct debit yourself, you need permission from the account holder

    Once set up, your vehicle tax will renew automatically, helping you avoid missed payments and fines.

    Common reasons why you can’t tax your car

    Have you tried to tax your car online, but the process failed?

    Incomplete or outdated vehicle information

    If the information on your V5C logbook is incomplete or outdated, you’re probably going to face difficulties taxing your car online. Errors in your address, name, or vehicle details affect the processing of your tax application. 

    Make sure all of your information, including your vehicle’s information, is correct. If you need to make changes – that’s fine 0 but they must be done through the DVLA and you must wait for a new V5C before attempting to tax your vehicle online.

    Lack of valid insurance coverage

    You need to have valid insurance before you can tax your vehicle. If your policy has lapsed or isn’t registered correctly in the Motor Insurance Database (MID), you won’t be able to complete the online tax process. 

    Always double-check your insurance policy and confirm it’s active and recorded in the MID. Renew or update your insurance as needed before proceeding.

    Pending SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification) status adjustment

    If your vehicle is currently registered under a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN), you won’t be able to tax it online until this status is updated. 

    To resolve this, you need to let the DVLA know that your vehicle will be back on the road. You’ll need to cancel your vehicle’s SORN status online or via post. Once the SORN is lifted, you can proceed with taxing your vehicle online.

    How to pay your car tax online

    The step-by-step guide to paying your car tax online.

    1. Visit the DVLA website

    2. Select ‘tax your vehicle’

    3. Enter your vehicle details

    4. Verify vehicle information

    5. Choose Payment Method

    6. Provide payment information

    7. Confirm and submit

    8. Receive confirmation email

    Common online payment issues

    🙅 Incorrect information:

    • Double-check that all details entered, especially the vehicle registration number and V5C reference number, are accurate.

    ⛔ Payment declined

    • Ensure your payment method has sufficient funds. Contact your bank if the issue persists.

    💻 Website issues

    • If the DVLA website is down or experiencing problems, try clearing your browser cache, using a different browser, or accessing the site at a later time.

    📃 Expired documents

    • Ensure your V5C logbook or new keeper slip is up-to-date. If expired, request a new document from the DVLA before attempting to tax your vehicle online.

    🚘 Insurance verification

    • Make sure your insurance details are correctly recorded in the Motor Insurance Database. If there are discrepancies, contact your insurer to resolve them.

    Alternative ways to tax your car

    Over the phone 

    Taxing your car via telephone is a straightforward process. 

    1. Have all your documents to hand including your V5C logbook or new keeper slip (V5C/2) and your payment details (credit/debit card or bank account details for Direct Debit). 

    2. Dial the DVLA Vehicle Tax Service at 0300 123 4321 and follow the instructions. 

    3. When prompted, provide your vehicle registration number and the reference number from your V5C or V5C/2.

    4. Verify that the details provided by the automated system match your vehicle’s information. 

    5. Choose your payment method, either Direct Debit or one-time payment via card, and enter your payment details when prompted. 

    6. When done, you will receive a confirmation number which you should note down for your records.

    At a Post Office 

    Taxing your vehicle at a Post Office requires you to gather a few key documents. You will need:

    • Your V5C logbook or new keeper slip (V5C/2)
    • A valid MOT certificate (if applicable)
    • Proof of insurance
    • Your preferred payment method (cash, cheque, or debit/credit card). 

    Visit a participating Post Office that handles vehicle tax transactions. Once there, hand your documents over to the person behind the till. They will verify your details and make sure everything is in order. 

    Choose your payment method and complete the transaction. The clerk will process your payment and provide you with a receipt and confirmation of your vehicle tax. Retain this documentation for your records to avoid any future discrepancies.

    FAQs

    Can I tax my car online with just the registration number?

    No, you cannot tax your car online with just the registration number. You need the V5C logbook reference number or the new keeper slip (V5C/2) reference number, in addition to the vehicle registration number, to complete the process.

    Why do I not pay tax on my car?

    You might not pay tax on your car if it qualifies for exemption. This could be due to the vehicle being electric, over 40 years old, or registered as a mobility vehicle. Verify your eligibility for vehicle tax exemption through the DVLA.

    How long can you go without car tax?

    You cannot legally drive or keep your car on public roads without paying vehicle tax. If your car tax lapses, you must declare a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN) immediately. Failing to do so can result in fines and penalties from the DVLA.

    Need to sell your car?

    Need to sell your car, or want to understand more about documentation or maintenance?Check out more of our guides here, covering everything from the paperwork you need when buying and selling, to various notices you may need to file with the UK’s driver and vehicle licensing agency. 

    Sell your car the Motorway way

    Find your best offer from 7,500+ dealers