Letter Sorted

DVLA V11 vehicle tax reminder explained

Your car tax is about to run out. Tax it or declare it off the road (SORN) before the date on the letter. It takes five minutes online.

Last checked: 18 October 2026 · Written by Ivan S.

What it is A reminder that your vehicle tax is due
Deadline Before your current tax runs out (date on the letter)
You need The 16-digit reference at the top of the letter

What to do

  1. Still driving it? Tax it on GOV.UK using the 16-digit reference. You can pay in full, every six months, or monthly by Direct Debit. On Direct Debit you won't get V11 letters any more.
  2. Not using it? Make a SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification). The vehicle must then be kept off public roads, including parking on the street.
  3. Sold it? Make sure you told DVLA. If the sale was recorded, you can ignore the reminder.

Lost the letter?

You don't need it. You can tax or SORN using the 11-digit reference on your V5C logbook, or the 12-digit reference on the green new keeper slip if you've just bought the vehicle.

What happens if you ignore it

DVLA issues an automatic late licensing penalty. If it goes to court, the fine can be £1,000 or more, and an untaxed vehicle can be clamped. Also beware of texts and emails asking you to "update your vehicle tax" through a link: tax only on GOV.UK.

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This is general information, not legal advice. Letter Sorted is independent and not affiliated with DVLA.