Free · DVLA-grounded
Free UK Car Tax Checker
Driving untaxed risks a £1,000 fine and your car being clamped. Check the official DVLA record in 5 seconds.
Live DVLA + DVSA data · No signup · Free, always
WheelsAI runs a free UK car tax check by registration, sourced live from DVLA. The result shows current tax status (taxed, untaxed or SORN), the next due date, the VED band, CO2 emissions and the estimated annual road-tax cost. The MOT status is shown alongside so you can confirm a car is legal to drive in a single look. The check is free, unlimited and requires no account.
About This Service
Our tax checker uses official data from the UK DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) to provide instant, accurate information about any vehicle's tax status.
This service is completely free and uses real-time government data to help you make informed decisions about vehicles.
- Check if a vehicle is taxed, untaxed, or has a SORN declaration
- See when the vehicle tax is due for renewal
- View complete vehicle details and specifications
- Verify MOT status and expiry date
- Review emissions and environmental impact
- Access technical specifications and compliance information
- Identify vehicles marked for export
Frequently asked questions
Is the car tax check free?
Yes. The WheelsAI tax checker is free and uses live DVLA data. There is no signup required for a basic check.
What does the tax checker show?
You get the vehicle's current tax status (taxed, untaxed, SORN), the next due date, the VED band, CO2 emissions, estimated annual tax cost and the MOT status.
How much road tax does my car cost?
Road tax depends on the vehicle's registration date, fuel type and CO2 emissions. The checker shows the annual VED cost for your specific reg plate based on the band the DVLA holds on file. For cars first registered after April 2017, the standard rate applies after the first year — the checker reflects that automatically.
How do I find a car tax band by registration?
Enter the registration on this page. The result includes the VED band and the matching annual cost. For older cars (pre-2001) the band is shown in cc-based tax classes; for post-2001 cars the band is shown as A–M; for post-2017 cars the standard rate replaces the band system.
How can I check car tax before buying?
Run the registration through the checker before you commit. Confirm the tax is paid, the MOT is valid and the SORN status is clean. An untaxed car can still be bought, but it cannot be driven home until you tax it in your name through gov.uk.
Is this car taxed and MOT'd?
The result shows both tax and MOT status side-by-side. A green status means the vehicle is currently legal to use on UK roads; an amber or red status means tax, MOT or both have lapsed.
How often is the tax data updated?
Tax status is fetched in real time from the DVLA on every check, so results reflect the latest available government record.
What is SORN?
SORN stands for Statutory Off Road Notification. It means the vehicle is declared off the road and is not currently required to be taxed or insured, but it also cannot be driven or parked on a public road.
Can I tax my vehicle through WheelsAI?
No — you tax a vehicle through gov.uk. WheelsAI shows you the status and links you through to the DVLA service.