The DVLA is making it easier to tax your car - without a desperate search for documents

How the DVLA is making it easier to tax your car…

Paul JonesOctober 5, 20240 Comment0

TRYING to renew your car tax can prove tricky when you’ve misplaced the reminder letter and/or your V5 log book – and avoid a potential fine of up to £2,500.

But now, those desperate searches could become a thing of the past, thanks to changes made by the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency).

The government agency, which oversees car tax in the UK, has announced a new digital system that will allow drivers to tax their vehicle even if they have lost their log book and their reminder letter.

Before the changes were brought in, drivers renewing their tax had to have the documents, or wait five days for a new V5 to arrive in the post. Driving without car tax can lead to a fine of up to £2,500.

The new system will allow people to order a new V5, but still tax their vehicle without the need to call the DVLA, or wait for a document in the post.

Drivers will need to visit the website the DVLA website – and providing there are no changes to the keeper’s details – they can get their new tax paid for and approved on the spot, with a new V5C still arriving in the post.

Julie Lennard, DVLA chief executive, said: “We are always looking for ways to improve our digital services to provide more convenience for motorists.

“This latest enhancement will enable customers who have misplaced or lost their V5C to get a replacement and tax their vehicle quickly and easily.”

The update comes after a DVLA announcement last year that it was allowing drivers to opt for a digital vehicle tax reminder, rather than having to wait for it to come in the post.

Drivers can also sign up for an account on the new Driver and Vehicles Account Service, from where they are able to see their driving licence information, including endorsements and penalty points; view vehicles that are registered to them including tax and MOT status; change their contact preferences; set up vehicle tax reminders by email and for the first time by SMS text; and choose to stop getting vehicle tax reminders by post.