Ever had that nagging feeling your car tax is due, but you can't find the reminder? The good news is, you can check its official status in about two minutes, for free. It only takes two simple steps to learn a vehicle's tax and MOT status using just its number plate.

Here’s the entire process for how to check vehicle tax and MOT status:

1. Go to the official GOV.UK 'Check if a vehicle is taxed' page.
2. Enter the vehicle's registration number (as shown in the image below) and click 'Continue'.

This free DVLA vehicle enquiry service online gives you more than just dates. You’ll instantly see the car’s make, colour, engine size, and date of first registration. In practice, this is a powerful way to spot red flags when buying a used car. For instance, if an online ad for a Vauxhall Corsa says it's 'black' but the free check shows it's officially 'blue', you know to ask more questions. While this basic check won't show a vehicle's keeper history, it's the essential first step to verifying any car.

1. "SORN" and "V5C": What These DVLA Terms Mean for You

While looking up a car, you might see a couple of official terms that can seem confusing. The two most common are SORN and V5C, but they’re simple to understand and important to know, especially if you’re buying a used vehicle.

The first term you might encounter is SORN. This stands for Statutory Off Road Notification, and it’s an official way of telling the DVLA a car isn’t being used on public roads. If a car is declared SORN, it cannot legally be driven, parked, or kept on a public road until you get it taxed and ensure it has a valid MOT.

To see more private V5C logbook details online, you need the vehicle's logbook itself. This red and blue A4 document is the car's official paper record, and its unique 11-digit reference number acts like a password. This is a security feature that protects what details the DVLA holds on the registered keeper, preventing just anyone from accessing sensitive information.

2. Beyond the Car: Checking Your Licence and Spotting Scams

Where you once saw just a number plate, you now see a story you can instantly verify. That uncertainty about a car’s tax and MOT history has been replaced with the power to find the official facts for free, putting you in the driver's seat.

You know the free DVLA information is your first step for a car’s health, while a paid HPI check is the crucial financial background check before buying. For your own status, you can easily view my driving licence information to check penalty points on your licence or get a driving licence check code.

This isn’t just about data; it’s about confidence. You now have the control to make smarter, safer decisions, whether you're managing your own vehicle or buying your next one.