If you use or keep a vehicle on a public road, you must display a valid tax disc on it. As the registered keeper of the vehicle you’re responsible for taxing it or making a SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification) if it’s to be kept off the road.
To tax your vehicle you’ll need:
A Northern Ireland registered vehicle cannot be taxed in England, Scotland or Wales.
Display a tax disc on the passenger side (kerb side) of the vehicle’s windscreen. If there’s no windscreen or you have a motorcycle or sidecar, display the tax disc on the kerb side of the vehicle.
The tax disc cannot be transferred between vehicles.
Make a SORN if you don’t use or keep your vehicle on a public road.
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) carries out a computer check each month, as well as roadside checks to identify those vehicles without a valid tax disc. You could face an automatic penalty of £80 as well as a minimum fine of £1000. Your vehicle could be clamped, impounded or even crushed.
Up to date documents will help you tax or SORN your vehicle on time and avoid a penalty.
Registration Certificate
Tell DVLA when you change your name, address or vehicle details so that they can send your V11 reminder on time.
MOT and insurance
Make sure your MOT and insurance certificates are valid on the date you want your tax disc to start. Make a note of any renewal dates to remind you.
Tell DVLA if you sell, transfer, scrap or export your vehicle, otherwise you’ll continue to be responsible for taxing it even though you no longer have it. Complete the appropriate section of your Registration Certificate and send to DVLA, Swansea SA99 1BA. You should receive an acknowledgement letter within four weeks, which you should keep as proof that DVLA records have been updated. Contact DVLA customer enquires if you don’t receive it.