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You can tax your vehicle online or by phone if you:

• are the registered keeper of the vehicle and your name, address and any vehicle changes are updated at the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency
• have a ‘Vehicle Licence Application/Statutory Off Road Notification’ (V11 reminder) or Registration Certificate (V5C)
• have valid insurance covering the use of the vehicle on the day the tax disc comes into force
• have a valid MOT, Goods Vehicle or Passenger Service Vehicle (PSV) test (if needed) which is valid when the tax disc comes into force
• have a debit or credit card - a £2.50 service charge applies when using a credit card, there’s no charge for using a debit card
• have a valid DLA404 if you’re entitled to disability exemption

You can renew your tax any day from the fifth day of the month.

If you prefer to tax in the last few days of the month, there is now an exemption from the offence of not displaying a tax disc. This exemption covers the first five working days of the month and allows time for the new disc to arrive in the post.

The exemption applies if applications are made before the current tax disc or SORN expires.

What you need to know

Insurance, MOT and entitlement to disability exemption are checked electronically during the application. A tax disc and receipt for payment is posted to you within five working days.

Valid insurance on the date you want the tax disc to come into force (or the date you apply, if this is later) is checked on the Motor Insurance Database (MID) run by the Motor Insurers Bureau. If your vehicle tax and insurance are due at the same time or if you’ve recently changed your insurance company, there may be problems checking insurance while waiting for the MID to update.

Before you tax, you can make an online check to see if the MID has updated. The result will apply only to the day you make your check.

• Check the Motor Insurance Database Opens new window

When you’re ready

Be sure to have the following to hand:

• the 16 digit reference number printed in the yellow box on the front of your V11 reminder or
• the 11 digit reference number shown on the front of your Registration Certificate and your vehicle registration number
• your DLA404 if you claim disability exemption
• your debit or credit card

Apply online here

• Apply for a tax disc online Opens new window

Apply by phone

Apply by phone on 0870 850 4444. Text phone/minicom 0870 850 4445.

Unable to use the service?

You'll need to tax your vehicle in the usual way.

• More about how to tax your vehicle

More useful links

• Check an MOT record Opens new window