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How to tax your vehicle with a reminder

About three weeks before your tax disc runs out, you should get a ‘Vehicle Licence Application/Statutory Off Road Notification’ (V11 reminder) from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). Use the V11 reminder to renew your tax online, by phone, by post or in person.

When to apply

If your tax is due to run out at the end of the month, you can renew it from the 15th day of the month.

Taxing a car, motorcycle or light goods vehicle

You can use the V11 reminder to tax:

Online or by phone

Use the reference number on your V11 reminder.

At a Post Office® branch – in person or by post

Use the V11 reminder in person at any Post Office® branch that issues tax discs or by post to the address shown on the reminder form.

Take or send the following:

  • the completed V11 reminder
  • insurance certificate or cover note – must be valid when the tax disc comes into force
  • valid MOT certificate – if the car or motorcycle is over three years old – must be valid when the tax disc comes into force
  • the payment shown on the reminder (not needed if your vehicle is exempt from paying vehicle tax)

The V11 reminder will be returned to you when the tax disc is issued.

Change of address or name

Write the new details in section six of your Registration Certificate (V5C), sign it and include it with your tax application at a Post Office® branch or DVLA local office.

Changes to tax class, fuel type or engine size

You’ll not be able to use the V11 reminder to tax your vehicle at the Post Office®.

Vehicle is due to be taxed while you’re abroad

If you’re going to be abroad when your vehicle tax expires, you can tax online, tax in advance or ask someone to tax for you.

Taxing a lorry, bus or other type of vehicle

Most vehicles can be taxed at a Post Office® branch that issues tax discs using the V11 reminder. For some heavy goods vehicles (HGV) DVLA issues a V85/1 (HGV licence reminder) which can only be used at a DVLA local office.

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