TAX >> >>>

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If you drive or park a vehicle on a public road it is your responsibility to display a valid tax disc. This should be at the bottom left hand side of the front windscreen.

>> Tax your vehicle

To tax your vehicle you’ll need;

• a completed V11 reminder or V10 ‘vehicle licence application’, which can be collected from your local Post Office
• your Registration Certificate (V5C)
• a completed V62 ‘application for a vehicle registration certificate V5C’, if you don’t have a Registration Certificate
• an MOT test certificate
• insurance that covers you against third party claims for death or injury and damage to property caused by using the vehicle
• the payment for vehicle tax (unless your vehicle is exempt)

>> How to apply

About three weeks before your tax disc runs out the DVLA will kindly send you a ‘Vehicle Licence Application/Statutory Off Road Notification’ (V11 reminder). You can then use this 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. This can be done using the following methods;

• online by using the reference number shown on your Registration Certificate or V11 reminder form.
• by phone by calling 0870 850 4444 and using the reference number shown on your Registration Certificate or V11 reminder form.
• at a Post Office with your V11 reminder
• by post to the address shown on the reminder form.

You will need to take or send the following;

• the completed V11 reminder
• a valid insurance certificate or cover note
• a valid MOT certificate
• the payment shown on the reminder (unless your vehicle is exempt)

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

> >> Display your tax disc

You need to display your tax disc on the passenger side (kerb side) of the vehicle’s windscreen.

>>> SORN

If you still own a vehicle but this is not kept on the public road, you need to make a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN). You can do this;

• online by using the reference number shown on your Registration Certificate or V11 reminder form.
• by phone by calling 0870 850 4444 and using use the reference number shown on your Registration Certificate or V11 reminder form.
• at a Post Office with your V11 reminder
• by post to the address shown on the reminder form.

>>> >Refunds

If your tax disc has complete months left to run, you can make a SORN at the same time you apply for a refund of vehicle tax.

>> If you don’t tax or SORN your vehicle

You could face an automatic penalty of £80 as well as a minimum fine of £1000 if you do not own or display your tax disc. Your vehicle could also be clamped, impounded or even crushed.

>>> Continuous registration

You need to let the DVLA know if you sell, transfer, scrap or export your vehicle. Complete the appropriate section of your registration certificate (V5C) 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.

> Changing vehicles

The tax disc cannot be transferred between vehicles so contact the DVLA if you are about to buy a new car.

>>> Cost

The cost of road tax varies depending on the type of vehicle you drive. Further information can be found at http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/OwningAVehicle/HowToTaxYourVehicle