Check Road Tax Expiry – Instantly Verify Vehicle Tax Status in the UK

Why You Need to Check a Car's Road Tax Status

Before buying a used car in the UK, checking the road tax status is crucial. A vehicle that is untaxed may have been off the road for a while, and that could indicate potential issues, such as extended repairs, mechanical problems, or registration problems.

With MotorCheck, you can get an instant road tax check to confirm whether the car has current road tax, its expiry date, and is on a SORN that might indicate non-use.

What Does the MotorCheck Road Tax Report Include?

When you purchase a MotorCheck vehicle history report, we provide:

• Current Road Tax Status – Is the vehicle’s tax up-to-date or expired?
• Tax Expiry Date – When does the road tax expire?
• SORN  – Is the vehicle currently declared off the road with the DVLA via a SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification).
• Cost of Road Tax – What will it cost to renew the tax?

MotorCheck gives you all the vital tax information you need to make an informed decision when buying a used car.

Why Is It Important to Check Road Tax History?

1. Expired Road Tax – If the car has expired tax, MotorCheck will tell you how long it has been untaxed.
2. Non-Use Periods – A SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification) is a declaration made to the DVLA that the vehicle is not being used on the road and means the owner is not liable to pay road tax for that period. The existence of a SORN suggests the car is not currently being used on the road, which could indicate it was out of use due to repairs, being off the market, or other reasons.
3. Cost of Road Tax – The cost of road tax varies based on the car’s age, engine size, and emissions. Knowing the expiry date helps you plan for the cost of renewal.

MotorCheck Helps You Verify Road Tax Status

When you run a MotorCheck report, you can check:

• Is the tax current? – Verify if the car has valid road tax.
• When will the tax expire? – Know when the tax runs out.
• How much will it cost? – Understand the potential cost of renewing the tax.
• Is there a SORN in place? – A SORN in the road tax data indicates to a period of non-use, which could affect the car’s overall condition.

What to Do If Road Tax Has Expired

If you find that the road tax has expired, consider the following:

1. Check for a Valid Reason – Has the car been off the road for repairs, or is it a seasonal vehicle?
2. Verify with the Seller – Ask the seller why the tax has expired and if the car has been out of use for a long period.
3. Assess the Vehicle’s Condition – If the car has been off the road for an extended period, it could indicate mechanical or electrical issues that may need addressing.

FAQs – Road Tax Check and Vehicle Tax Status

1. How can I check if a vehicle has road tax?
   You can perform a MotorCheck road tax check to verify the car’s current tax status, expiry date, and any gaps in the tax history.
2. Why is it important to check the road tax status of a car?
   A car that is not taxed could indicate that it has been off the road for a long period. Expired road tax or a SORN might point to unresolved issues with the car or a period of non-use, which could impact the vehicle’s value or condition.
3. What happens if the road tax is expired?
   If the road tax is expired, it is illegal to drive the car on public roads until it is taxed again. As the new owner, you are not liable to pay unpaid tax but you must tax the vehicle at the point of sale before you can legally drive the vehicle on the road. The vehicle will also need a valid MOT (if required) before it can be taxed. If you have just purchased a used vehicle, you’ll need the 12-digit reference number on your new keeper supplement (V5C/2) in order to tax the vehicle with the DVLA.
4. How can I check the cost of road tax for a used vehicle?
   MotorCheck provides the road tax cost for the vehicle based on its age, engine size, and CO2 emissions. This helps you plan for any future expenses related to the car’s tax.
5. Can a car be sold if the road tax has expired?
   Yes, but the car cannot legally be driven on public roads without valid tax. You must ensure the car is taxed before you drive it, or you will face penalties. MotorCheck can help you assess the car’s tax history to avoid legal issues.
6. Does MotorCheck guarantee that all road tax data is available?
   MotorCheck has access to a vast database of vehicle information, but we can only provide road tax details if the data is available. For vehicles with missing or outdated tax records, we recommend contacting the DVLA for further information.
7. How often is road tax data updated?
   MotorCheck’s road tax data is updated regularly from trusted UK sources, including the DVLA, to ensure you get the most current information available.