Can I tax a car without a V11 reminder?

Yes. A current keeper can use the 11 digit reference from the V5C. A buyer can use the 12 digit reference from the green new keeper slip.

Can a new keeper tax without the green slip?

No. GOV.UK says a new keeper without the slip must apply for a V5C by post. The vehicle cannot use the previous keeper's tax.

Does a tax exempt vehicle still need taxing?

Yes. The keeper must complete the tax process even when the rate is nil. Exemption removes the payment, not the licensing step.

Car tax

How to tax a car

The route depends on the document in your hand and whether DVLA already records you as keeper. Tax from the previous keeper never transfers.

11 digits

V5C reference for the current keeper

GOV.UK, Tax your vehicle without a vehicle tax reminder (as of 7 September 2026)

12 digits

New keeper slip reference

GOV.UK, Tax your vehicle without a vehicle tax reminder (as of 7 September 2026)

£25

Usual V5C application fee

GOV.UK, Get a vehicle log book (V5C) (as of 7 September 2026)

Checked on 7 September 2026.GOV.UK, Tax your vehicle (as of 7 September 2026)

What do I need to tax a car?

Use a recent V11 reminder, the V5C in your name, or the green new keeper slip if you have just bought the vehicle. A current keeper without them can apply for a replacement and tax at the same time. A new keeper without the green slip must apply by post.

The route for each document

Vehicle tax application routes
What you have	Reference	What to do
V11 reminder or last chance letter	Reference printed on the reminder	Use the GOV.UK vehicle tax service.
V5C in your name	11 digit document reference	Tax online as the current keeper.
Green new keeper slip	12 digit document reference	Tax online immediately after buying.
None, current keeper	V62 or replacement service	Apply for the V5C and tax at the same time.
None, new keeper	No immediate online route	Apply for a V5C by post using form V62.

Online, phone and Post Office options

Online accepts the reference from the V11, V5C or new keeper slip.
Phone accepts a V5C or new keeper slip, but Direct Debit is not available by phone.
A participating Post Office accepts a V5C, a new keeper slip, or a V62 from the current keeper. It may ask for valid MOT evidence.
Northern Ireland Post Office applications also need the published insurance and test evidence.

The day you buy the vehicle

Keep the green slip and tax the vehicle before driving it. The seller's licence ends with the keeper change, even if its expiry date was months away. If the vehicle will stay off the public road, make a SORN instead.

A fresh MOT result can take up to 2 days to reach the tax service. Passing the test does not itself license the vehicle, so wait for the record and complete the tax step.

Common questions

Can I tax a car without a V11 reminder?: Yes. A current keeper can use the 11 digit reference from the V5C. A buyer can use the 12 digit reference from the green new keeper slip.
Can a new keeper tax without the green slip?: No. GOV.UK says a new keeper without the slip must apply for a V5C by post. The vehicle cannot use the previous keeper's tax.
Does a tax exempt vehicle still need taxing?: Yes. The keeper must complete the tax process even when the rate is nil. Exemption removes the payment, not the licensing step.