Buying a used car can be exciting—but it also comes with risks. One critical check that many buyers overlook is the car tax check. Knowing whether the vehicle is currently taxed or has a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN) can help you make a safe and legal purchase.
What is a Car Tax Check?
A car tax check allows you to see if a vehicle is taxed, untaxed, or declared off-road (SORN). It provides essential information about whether a car can legally be driven on public roads in the UK. Ignoring this check can result in fines or the car being impounded.
Why It’s Important for Used Car Buyers?
If you buy a car that’s untaxed and start driving it, you become legally responsible, even if the previous owner failed to disclose this. That’s why running a quick car tax check before the purchase protects you from potential fines and hassle.
What Information Do You Get in a Car Tax Check?
Tax status (active/expired)
SORN declaration (if any)
Tax expiry date
Vehicle make, model, fuel type, and CO2 emissions
MOT history (if using a full vehicle report)
With this information, you can make an informed decision before committing to a purchase.
How to Do a Car Tax Check?
Visit Car Analytics.
Enter the vehicle registration number.
Receive a detailed tax status report instantly.
Unlike other platforms, Car Analytics also includes MOT and basic insurance status to give you a more complete picture.
Who Should Use This Tool?
Private buyers of used cars
Car dealers validating stock vehicles
Vehicle owners who want to avoid missing renewal deadlines
Sellers who want to prove transparency
Benefits of Car Analytics’ Car Tax Check
Completely free
No registration required
Fast results pulled from DVLA records
Can be combined with full vehicle history checks
What Happens If You Drive an Untaxed Vehicle?
Driving without valid tax can result in a fixed penalty notice, or worse—your car being clamped or towed. That’s why it’s so important to check and confirm before you buy or drive.
Don’t risk it—know your vehicle’s tax status in seconds. Run a vehicle check now!