The DVLA has issued a five-minute warning to motorists who pay car tax, urging them to create a free online account that can send vehicle tax reminders by text message or email before payments are due. Vehicle tax, also known as Vehicle Excise Duty, is a legal requirement for most vehicles driven or kept on public roads in the UK. The reminder system is intended to help drivers avoid missing their payment deadline and falling foul of enforcement action.
In a post on X, the DVLA said: "Do you know when your vehicle tax is due? With a Driver and vehicles account, you can choose to receive vehicle tax reminders by text or email! Make life a little easier, it only takes around 5 minutes."
How the free DVLA account works
Once signed up, motorists can choose to receive digital reminders when their vehicle tax is due. However, those who already pay by Direct Debit are not eligible for the reminder service because payments renew automatically. For everyone else, the account provides a simple way to stay on top of the annual or six-monthly tax payment schedule.
The online service is available to anyone with a driving licence issued in England, Scotland or Wales, or a vehicle log book, known as the V5C, in their name. New users may be asked to verify their identity using photo ID such as a passport or a photocard driving licence.
Beyond vehicle tax: other checks and deadlines
The Driver and vehicles account is not just for tax reminders. It also allows motorists to keep track of a range of other driving-related deadlines, including MOT expiry dates and photocard driving licence renewals.
- Check how many penalty points are on a licence
- View which vehicles the licence allows them to drive
- Replace a lost or damaged licence
- Update their address and other personal details
- Renew a licence for those aged 70 and over
- Access details of medical driving licences
This can be particularly useful for drivers who want to avoid fines for an out-of-date MOT or a lapsed licence. The account consolidates many DVLA services in one place, reducing the need for paper forms or phone calls.
Who can sign up and what is needed
To create the account, motorists need a valid driving licence or a V5C log book in their name. Verification is carried out using official photo identification, such as a passport or a driving licence, to ensure the account holder is who they say they are. The process is designed to be quick, with the DVLA stating that signing up takes around five minutes.
The reminder service is available for vehicles that are taxed every six months or 12 months. Drivers in this category can continue to receive the traditional V11 reminder letter by post, but once they register for digital alerts they can opt out of the paper letters entirely. This helps reduce waste and ensures reminders arrive in a more convenient format.
What happens if you forget to tax your vehicle?
Failing to tax a vehicle can result in enforcement action. The DVLA is able to issue penalties and take action against untaxed vehicles, which can escalate if the issue is not resolved promptly. The agency warns that simply forgetting is not an acceptable excuse, making the reminder service a valuable safeguard for busy motorists.
By registering for reminders, drivers can significantly reduce the risk of accidentally missing their payment date. The free account is part of a wider move by the DVLA to encourage digital self-service, cutting down on paperwork and helping motorists stay compliant with their legal obligations.
Why the five-minute warning matters
The DVLA’s message highlights that setting up the account takes only around five minutes, a small time investment that could prevent the financial and legal consequences of driving an untaxed vehicle. With insurance, MOT and licence rules already placing demands on drivers, a single reminder service can help consolidate all the key dates in one place.
For anyone who pays car tax manually, whether every six months or annually, the service is free and straightforward. The DVLA’s push comes as more government services move online, offering faster access and instant confirmation. Motorists who have not yet set up an account are being encouraged to do so as soon as possible to avoid missing the next payment deadline.
