DVLA announces big change to how you tax your car

The DVLA building in Swansea
-Credit: (Image: WalesOnline/Gayle Marsh)


The DVLA has announced a new service that will change car tax renewals in the UK. It has revealed that drivers will be able to tax their vehicles even if they have lost their V5C (log book) and their vehicle tax reminder letter (V11). In the past, drivers would have to wait up to five working days for a replacement to arrive if they had lost it.

The DVLA said the digitalisation of the process would allow customers to apply through its online portal for a new V5C and tax their vehicle at the same time. Drivers will need to visit the DVLA website, and, providing there are no changes to the keeper’s details, they can get their new tax paid for and approved on the spot. A new V5C will still arrive in the post.

DVLA chief executive, Julie Lennard, said: “We are always looking for ways to improve our digital services to provide more convenience for motorists. This latest enhancement will enable customers who have misplaced or lost their V5C to get a replacement and tax their vehicle quickly and easily.” For the latest Welsh news delivered to your inbox sign up to our newsletter.

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The news comes after a DVLA announcement that allowed drivers to opt for digital vehicle tax reminders rather than having to wait for a paper reminder to come in the post, as part of the DVLA’s new Driver and Vehicles Account Service.

The RAC states on its website: "Accounts are easy-to-use, secure, and only take a few minutes to set up. Once an account is live, drivers can sign in using their email and password, and be able to view their driving licence information, including endorsements and penalty points; view vehicles that are registered to them including tax and MOT status; change their contact preferences; set up vehicle tax reminders by email and for the first time by SMS text; and choose to stop getting vehicle tax reminders by post." Join our WhatsApp news community here for the latest breaking news.