Car tax check
Find out whether a car is taxed, when the tax runs out and how much it costs to tax, not just yes or no.
How car tax is worked out
The rate depends on when the car was first registered:
- From 1 April 2017: first-year rate by CO2, then a flat standard rate, plus the expensive car supplement if applicable.
- 1 March 2001 to 31 March 2017: 13 bands (A–M) based on CO2 emissions.
- Before 1 March 2001: two rates based on engine size (above or below 1549cc).
- 40+ years old: usually exempt as a historic vehicle, but you still need to apply.
Use our car tax calculator to compare costs before you buy.
Last reviewed 28 October 2026.
Frequently asked questions
›Does car tax transfer when I buy a car?
No. Tax doesn't pass to the new keeper. You must tax a car before you drive it away, even if the seller's tax had time left on it.
›What happens if I drive an untaxed car?
You can be fined, and DVLA can clamp or impound the car. More than 150,000 untaxed vehicles were clamped in 2025. Tax it online at GOV.UK as soon as you can.
›How much is car tax in 2026/27?
Most cars registered from April 2017 pay a standard rate of £200 a year, plus £440 a year for five years if the list price was over £40,000 (£50,000 for electric cars). Older cars are taxed by CO2 band or engine size.
›Do electric cars pay road tax?
Yes. Since April 2025 electric cars pay road tax: £10 in the first year for new cars, then the standard rate of £200.