DVLA unveils new car tax reminder change with drivers urged to act now

A new “driver and vehicles account service” has been launched on the GOV.UK website with the changes being introduced to potentially phase out mail services.

Motorists can now opt for digital vehicle tax reminders rather than waiting for a physical letter to be delivered.

The new service has been launched as a public beta, with the DVLA asking for drivers to try the new account and give feedback.

Julie Lennard, DVLA chief executive, praised the new measures, adding that it would help drivers keep on top of their motoring details.

She said: “We are asking motorists to help us test the service. It’s free, and simple to sign up for an account.

“This new service is being developed and we will be adding more features but we want to give customers access as early as possible so they can try it out and let us have their feedback.”

Once motorists have set up an account using their email address and password, they are able to view their driving licence information, including penalty points.

Other features include changing their contact preferences and opting out of receiving tax reminders in the post.

Motorists will also be able to view any vehicles that are registered to them, as well as the car tax and MOT status of those vehicles.

The new service is only available to those who hold a Great Britain driving licence, although it does not extend to those in Northern Ireland.

In total, the DVLA is responsible for over 50 million driver records and 40 million vehicle records.

For those who have not yet updated their car tax, they may be risking fines of £80 if a motorist is caught driving on the road without valid tax.

If the fine is not paid within 28 days, the driver could be prosecuted and the penalty could be increased to a maximum of £1,000.

The DVLA also has the power to clamp vehicles if they are being used on the roads without having a valid tax and have not been declared Statutory Off Road Notice (SORN).

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While the DVLA does not offer temporary car tax, drivers can buy six months or a year’s worth of cover and appeal to the DVLA for a refund of the remaining months.