How to Pay Car Tax in the UK
Updated 30 March 2026
You can pay UK car tax (VED) online, by phone, or at a Post Office. Monthly and six-monthly Direct Debit options are available if you do not want to pay the full year upfront, though they come with a small surcharge.
Step-by-Step: Tax Your Car Online
Get your documents ready
You need either your V5C logbook (registration certificate) or V11 reminder letter. If you have just bought the car, use the V5C/2 new keeper supplement.
Go to gov.uk/vehicle-tax
This is the DVLA's official vehicle tax service. Do not use third-party websites, some charge unnecessary fees.
Enter your reference number
Type in the 11-digit reference from your V5C or the 16-digit reference from your V11 letter.
Confirm your vehicle details
The site will show your registration, make, model, and CO2 emissions. Verify these are correct.
Choose payment frequency
Select annual (cheapest), 6-monthly (10% surcharge), or monthly (5% surcharge). Six-monthly and monthly require Direct Debit.
Make payment
Pay by debit card, credit card, or set up a Direct Debit. You will receive confirmation on screen and by email.
You are done
Your tax is updated instantly in the DVLA system. There is no paper tax disc (abolished in 2014). Police check tax status electronically via ANPR.
Payment Frequency Comparison
| Frequency | Standard (£190) | EV (£10) | Premium (£600) | Surcharge | How to Pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual (single payment) | £190 | £10 | £600 | None | Card or Direct Debit |
| Six-monthly (2 payments) | £104.50 each (£209 total) | £5.50 each (£11 total) | £330 each (£660 total) | 10% added | Direct Debit only |
| Monthly (12 payments) | £16.63/month (£199.50 total) | £0.88/month (£10.50 total) | £52.50/month (£630 total) | 5% added | Direct Debit only |
Where to Pay
Online at GOV.UK
The fastest way. Go to gov.uk/vehicle-tax and enter your V5C reference number (11 digits from your logbook) or your V11 reminder letter reference. Pay by debit card, credit card, or Direct Debit.
Processing: Instant
24/7
By phone
Call the DVLA on 0300 123 4321. You will need your V5C reference number or V11 reminder letter. Pay by debit or credit card. Lines are open Monday to Friday 8am to 7pm, Saturday 8am to 2pm.
Processing: Instant
Mon-Fri 8am-7pm, Sat 8am-2pm
At a Post Office
Take your V5C logbook (or V5C/2 new keeper supplement if you just bought the car) plus your V11 reminder if you have one. You can pay by cash, cheque, debit card, or credit card. Not all Post Office branches handle vehicle tax.
Processing: Instant
Post Office opening hours