DVLA plans to add car tax and MOT reminders to its online account
DVLA published its 2026 to 2027 business plan on 19 October 2026. It plans to add vehicle tax and MOT reminders to its online account.
The plan sets two targets. DVLA says it will launch MOT reminder sign-up through its Driver and vehicles account by December 2026.
Taxing a vehicle through the same account is targeted for March 2027, the plan says.
Neither service exists yet. Both dates are DVLA's own targets, not launch dates.
Nothing changes for you today. You tax a car and get MOT reminders the same way as before.
What the plan says
The plan is the first of DVLA's 2026 to 2030 strategy cycle. It was published on GOV.UK on 19 October 2026.
Measure 5.1 reads: "We will improve our highest volume digital service by enabling customers to tax their vehicle using the Driver and vehicles account." Its target is March 2027.
Measure 5.2 reads: "We will launch a new service allowing customers to sign up for digital MOT reminders through the Driver and vehicles account." Its target is December 2026.
DVLA calls vehicle tax its highest volume digital service. The plan says DVLA collects more than £8 billion in vehicle tax a year.
The plan doesn't say how taxing through the account will work. It doesn't say whether you'll still need the reference number from a V5C or reminder letter.
That's all the plan says about either new service. Looking further ahead, the plan says DVLA will expand the account so customers can "access more of their information and services in one place".
How you tax a car today
Today you tax a vehicle online, by phone or at a Post Office. Nothing in the plan changes that now.
To tax online, GOV.UK says you need a reference number. It's on a recent tax reminder or 'last chance' letter, or on your V5C if it's in your name.
If you've just bought the car, the green 'new keeper' slip has one too.
Don't have any of these? GOV.UK says you'll need to apply for a new log book, and you can tax at the same time.
You can pay by Direct Debit, debit card or credit card. By phone, the number is 0300 123 4321, though you can't set up a Direct Debit that way.
Some Post Offices deal with vehicle tax. You can tax there too.
You must tax the vehicle even if you don't have to pay anything. Our guide to car tax bands explains what you'll pay, and our SORN guide covers cars kept off the road.
Get MOT reminders now
You don't need to wait for the new service. GOV.UK says the existing MOT reminder service is free.
It sends a text or email one month before a car, van or motorcycle MOT is due, GOV.UK says. Lorries, buses and large trailers get two months' notice.
You need the number plate and a mobile number or email address. That's it.
GOV.UK says it isn't available in Northern Ireland. Drivers there get a postal reminder seven weeks before the MOT is due.
Reminders don't stop by themselves if you sell, transfer, scrap or SORN the vehicle. GOV.UK says you have to unsubscribe to stop them.
Driving without a valid MOT can mean a fine of up to £1,000, GOV.UK says. How long an MOT is valid for explains the dates.
What the account does today
The Driver and vehicles account is DVLA's existing online account. GOV.UK says you need a driving licence issued in England, Scotland or Wales, or a V5C in your name, to use it.
Today it lets you view your driving record and check penalty points or disqualifications. You can also add your vehicles and see when their MOT expires.
You can check tax rates for your vehicle and manage vehicle tax reminders. You can't set up those reminders if you pay by Direct Debit, GOV.UK says.
Taxing the vehicle isn't on that list. That's the change the plan targets for March 2027.
The plan includes other targets too. DVLA says it will dispatch 99% of online V5C applications within three working days, up from a 95% target in 2025/2026.
By January 2027, the plan says, average call and chat answer times should be under 10 minutes. DVLA also wants 85% of its transactions done digitally by March 2027.
If you've just bought a car, staying legal with a used car covers what to sort first. The rest of our MOT and tax guides cover the detail.
Common questions
Can I tax my car through the DVLA account now?
No. GOV.UK's account page doesn't list taxing a vehicle. DVLA's business plan says its target for adding it is March 2027. Until then, tax online at GOV.UK with your reference number, by phone, or at a Post Office that deals with vehicle tax.
When can I sign up for DVLA MOT reminders through the account?
DVLA's target is December 2026. That's a target in its business plan, not a launch date. The existing free MOT reminder service works by text or email now.
Will I still need a V5C reference number to tax online?
DVLA hasn't said. The plan says only that customers will be able to tax a vehicle using the account. Today you need the reference number from a reminder letter, your V5C or the new keeper slip.
Does the MOT reminder service cover Northern Ireland?
No, GOV.UK says. Drivers in Northern Ireland get a postal reminder seven weeks before the MOT is due.
Do I have to tax a car that's exempt?
Yes. GOV.UK says you must tax the vehicle even if you don't have to pay anything.