DVLA issues tax and MOT update to millions of drivers | Personal Finance | Finance
Millions of motorists are being urged to check their vehicle tax and MOT status as the DVLA steps up its push for drivers to go digital.
It is encouraging motorists to set up a free online “Driver and vehicles account” via GOV.UK, allowing them to track key details including when their MOT expires and whether their car tax is up to date.
The move comes as drivers face fines for failing to tax a vehicle or keep a valid MOT certificate in place – penalties that can quickly mount up for those who forget key dates.
One account to track tax, MOT and penalty points
Through the GOV.UK account, drivers can:
- View their driving record, including which vehicles they are entitled to drive
- Check penalty points or disqualifications
- Add and view details of their vehicles – including MOT expiry dates
- Check tax rates and manage vehicle tax reminders
- Renew a photocard driving licence
- Replace a lost, stolen or damaged licence
- Change the address on a driving licence
- View a photo of their driving licence
- Renew a licence at age 70 or over
- Exchange a paper licence for a photocard
- Create a licence “check code” to share driving records, for example with a car hire firm
- View Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) and tachograph details, where applicable
Who can sign up
To use the service, motorists must have either:
- A driving licence issued in England, Scotland or Wales, or
- A vehicle log book (V5C) in their name
Drivers will need to sign in or create login details. In some cases, they may be asked to prove their identity using photo ID such as a passport or driving licence.
The DVLA says this is designed to keep personal data secure. A confirmation email is sent once an account has been created. However, drivers who pay their vehicle tax by direct debit cannot set up vehicle tax reminders through the account.
Check tax and MOT without an account
Motorists who prefer not to create an account can still check their vehicle’s status online here.
The GOV.UK “Check vehicle tax” service allows drivers to see whether a vehicle is taxed or registered as off the road (SORN).
Similarly, the “Check MOT status” tool – found here – lets drivers confirm whether a vehicle has a valid MOT certificate and when it expires. Both services are free to use.
Drivers who pay vehicle tax every six or 12 months may still receive a V11 reminder letter by post. Those who switch to digital reminders can opt out of paper notifications.
Why it matters
Driving without valid tax or an MOT can result in fines and enforcement action. With millions of vehicles on UK roads, even a small oversight can prove costly.
By centralising records in one digital account, the DVLA hopes drivers will be better able to stay on top of renewal dates – and avoid unnecessary penalties.
For motorists unsure of their current status, officials say it takes just minutes to check online.
