How do I check if a car is taxed?

Use the linked third-party vehicle tax checker with the registration number. It shows whether a vehicle is taxed or registered off the road (SORN). Plateworthy does not provide live tax or SORN status.

Does car tax transfer when I buy a used car?

No. Road tax hasn't transferred with the vehicle since 2014. When you buy a car you must tax it yourself before driving it away; the seller gets a refund on their remaining full months.

What else should I check before buying?

Tax and MOT are the basics. Before paying, also check for outstanding finance, insurance write-offs and theft markers. Those come from industry data and are included in the £4.99 full history report.

Car tax check

Use a third-party service to check whether a vehicle is taxed or registered off the road (SORN). Plateworthy does not show live tax status.

Open third-party vehicle tax checker

Free · registration number required · third-party tax service

Check the MOT and mileage next

Our separate free check shows recorded MOT history and mileage. It does not confirm tax or SORN status.

Recorded MOT results and expiry dates
Make, model, colour, fuel & year
Full MOT history with mileage at each test
A mileage-anomaly flag (rollback / implausible jumps)

Buying the car? Tax status won't tell you if money is owed on it. The full history report checks finance, write-offs and theft for a one-off £4.99.

Car tax questions

How do I check if a car is taxed?: Use the linked third-party vehicle tax checker with the registration number. It shows whether a vehicle is taxed or registered off the road (SORN). Plateworthy does not provide live tax or SORN status.
Does car tax transfer when I buy a used car?: No. Road tax hasn't transferred with the vehicle since 2014. When you buy a car you must tax it yourself before driving it away; the seller gets a refund on their remaining full months.
What else should I check before buying?: Tax and MOT are the basics. Before paying, also check for outstanding finance, insurance write-offs and theft markers. Those come from industry data and are included in the £4.99 full history report.

Getting things ready

Lining up the next part of your vehicle check.