How to Renew Car Tax | Saga Car Insurance

Renewing your car tax is an essential responsibility for all vehicle owners. This guide will walk you through the process, ensuring you understand the requirements and deadlines to avoid any penalties. We’ll cover everything from checking your renewal date to the different payment options available. Let’s get started.

What is car tax renewal?

Car tax renewal means paying to extend the validity of your vehicle’s tax, keeping your car legally on the road. Like with car insurance, you usually do this once a year, and you can choose to pay monthly, bi-annually or annually. You can renew online, by phone, or in person.

It’s important to renew on time to avoid fines and ensure your car is covered for road use. The price of your tax depends on the type of car you drive, as they fall into different tax bands.

How do I renew my car tax?

There are three ways to renew your car tax:

Renew car tax online

The easiest way to renew your car tax is online on the government website. You’ll need a reference number from your vehicle tax reminder (V11), V5C logbook, or the green ‘new keeper’ slip if you have a new car.

Just go to the website, click ‘start now,’ enter your details, and pay with a debit or credit card. You can also set up a Direct Debit.

Renew car tax by phone

You can tax your car by calling the DVLA on 0300 123 4321. This service is available 24/7, so you can call anytime. Have your V5C logbook or V11 reminder letter and your card details ready.

Renew car tax at the Post Office

You can also renew your car tax at the Post Office. This is a good option if you’re not comfortable using the internet. Just bring your vehicle tax reminder (V11) or your V5C logbook, and proof of your MOT. You’ll need to pay with cash or card, and you can set up a Direct Debit if you use your card.

Note: Not all Post Offices handle vehicle tax, so check if yours does before you go.

When should I renew my car tax?

It’s essential to renew your car tax before it expires, as driving without valid car tax is illegal. You can renew your car tax up to two months in advance, which can be particularly helpful if you anticipate being unable to make the payment around the renewal time, such as when you’re on holiday.

You can check when your car tax is due for renewal online if you aren’t sure of the exact date.

Will I get a reminder for car tax renewal?

You will receive a vehicle tax reminder letter (V11) notifying you that your car tax is due for renewal. This letter typically arrives after the 5th day of the month before your renewal date.

However, if you pay by Direct Debit, you will not receive a V11. Instead, your car tax will automatically renew upon expiration.

Is there a grace period for renewing car tax?

There’s no longer a grace period for renewing car tax. This used to exist to allow time for mailing paper tax discs, which you had to display in your car. Since 2014, everything has been managed online, so the grace period was removed.

What happens if I forgot to renew my road tax?

If you forget to renew your road tax, you’ll get a late licensing penalty (LLP) and face a fine of £80. This fine is reduced to £40 if you pay within 33 days. If you don’t pay, your car could be clamped or even crushed.

How long can you drive after tax expires?

You can’t drive your car if the tax has expired. Make sure to renew it before it runs out or get a SORN if you’re not using the car and keeping it off the road. The only exception is if you’re taking a car with a SORN for a pre-booked MOT.

Does the DVLA send emails about car tax?

You will only receive a reminder by post, unless you you have signed up for vehicle tax reminders by text or email through your driver and vehicles account with the DVLA. You can't get text or email reminders if you pay your road tax by Direct Debit.

There are scams when texts and emails are send requesting payment details or personal information, so never send these by email and complete your tax renewal online.

How long can I drive my car on the day the tax expires?

Your car tax expires the second the date changes. If you check your car tax expiry it will tell you when your car tax is due. So if your car tax is due on 1 October, you have until 23:59:59 on 30 September before it runs out. But to be on the safe side, renew it in plenty of time!