Car Tax Check
Enter a UK registration number to check road tax status, see whether a vehicle appears SORN, and review useful vehicle details in seconds.
- £10,000 data guarantee
- DVLA-linked tax status
- Road tax and SORN check
What is a car tax check?
A car tax check lets you see whether a UK vehicle currently appears taxed, when that tax is due to end, and whether it appears to be registered off the road. Many drivers also refer to this as a road tax check.
Our free lookup can also help you review MOT status and key vehicle details, giving you a useful starting point before moving on to a more detailed car history check.
How this check works
Enter the registration number and review the current tax status, SORN position and related vehicle details returned by the lookup.
Review the result
See whether the vehicle appears taxed, when tax is due, and whether it may be off the road.
Go further if needed
If you are researching a used car, you can then upgrade to a full vehicle history report for finance, write-off, stolen and salvage records.
What this check shows
The free lookup gives you a quick, practical view of a vehicle’s current road tax position.
Road tax status
Check whether the vehicle currently appears taxed.
SORN status
See whether the vehicle appears to be registered off the road rather than taxed for normal use.
Tax due date
Review when the current vehicle tax period is due to end.
MOT and vehicle details
Review MOT status and key vehicle details linked to the registration number.
What if a vehicle is untaxed or SORN?
If a vehicle appears untaxed, it may not be legal to use it on public roads until it has been taxed again.
If a vehicle appears SORN, it is generally treated as off the road rather than taxed for normal road use. That is why a car tax check is useful before driving or buying a vehicle.
What this check does not show on its own
A car tax check is a useful first step, but it does not give the full picture when you are buying a used car.
Insurance status
A road tax check does not confirm whether the vehicle is currently insured.
Outstanding finance
It does not tell you whether money is still owed on the vehicle.
Write-off or salvage history
You will need a full vehicle history check to look into previous damage or insurance loss records.
Stolen markers and risk records
A basic tax lookup does not replace a full provenance and risk check before purchase.
If you are buying a used vehicle, a number plate check is worth getting before making a decision, as it includes all of the checks above and helps you review the vehicle’s full history.
Customer reviews
Trusted by UK drivers for quick vehicle checks and clear, useful results.
Detailed check
"It is a very comprehensive and useful report, and excellent value for money. It saved me from buying a car with significant damage, thanks to the crash photos."
Simply great
"The car check report was thorough and detailed, providing me with important information about the car's mileage, written off status, and damage photos. It gave me peace of mind knowing that I was making an informed decision about purchasing a used car."
Quick and informative
"Very quick, useful and informative service. No hassle. Would recommend."
Drivers use our checks to confirm vehicle tax status, review MOT details and decide whether a deeper history report is needed.
Before you buy or drive a vehicle
A car tax check is a useful first step, but tax, MOT and insurance all need to be considered separately.
If you are researching a used car, it is also worth checking MOT history, vehicle identity, finance, write-off records and stolen markers before making a decision.
Car tax rates
Car tax rates vary depending on the vehicle. The amount can be affected by factors such as CO₂ emissions, fuel type, list price and when the vehicle was first registered.
For the latest official figures, see the vehicle tax rate tables on GOV.UK.
Frequently asked questions
How can you check if a car is taxed?
Enter the registration number into the search box above. The result will show whether the vehicle currently appears taxed and when the present tax period is due to end.
What is a road tax check?
A road tax check is another way of describing a car tax check. It is used to check whether a vehicle appears taxed and when tax is due.
Can you check if a vehicle is SORN?
Yes. A car tax check can also help show whether a vehicle appears to be registered off the road rather than taxed for normal use.
Does vehicle tax transfer to a new owner?
No. When a vehicle is sold, the existing tax does not transfer with it. The new keeper must tax the vehicle again before using it on the road.
How do you check when car tax is due?
Run the lookup using the number plate and review the due date shown in the result.
What information does a car tax check show?
A basic check can show current tax status, when tax is due, whether the vehicle appears to be off the road, MOT status and key vehicle details linked to the registration number.
How much does car tax cost?
Car tax costs vary depending on the vehicle. Factors such as CO₂ emissions, fuel type, list price and registration date can affect the amount you pay.