Millions of drivers are being encouraged to verify their status as the DVLA intensifies its campaign for drivers to embrace digital services.

The agency is urging drivers to establish a complimentary online "Driver and vehicles account" through GOV.UK, enabling them to monitor essential information including MOT expiry dates and car tax status. This initiative arrives as motorists risk penalties for neglecting to tax their vehicle or maintain a valid MOT certificate - fines which can rapidly accumulate for those who overlook important deadlines.

Via the GOV.UK account, motorists can:

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• Access their driving record, including vehicle categories they're authorised to drive.


• Review penalty points or disqualifications.


• Register and view vehicle information - including MOT expiry dates.


• Verify tax rates and set up vehicle tax alerts.


• Renew a photocard driving licence.


• Request a replacement for a lost, stolen or damaged licence.


• Update the address on a driving licence.


• Access a photograph of their driving licence.


• Renew a licence at 70 years or older.


• Convert a paper licence to a photocard.


• Generate a licence "check code" to share driving records, for instance with a vehicle rental company.


• Access Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) and tachograph information, where relevant.

Eligibility requirements

To access the service, drivers must possess either:

• A driving licence issued in England, Scotland or Wales, or.


• A vehicle registration certificate (V5C) registered in their name

Motorists will be required to log in or create account details. In certain instances, they may need to verify their identity with photo ID such as a passport or driving licence.

The DVLA asserts that this measure is intended to safeguard personal information. An email confirmation is dispatched once an account has been established. However, motorists who pay their vehicle tax via direct debit are unable to set up vehicle tax reminders through the account.

Checking Tax and MOT without an account

Motorists who prefer not to create an account can still check their vehicle’s status online here. The GOV.UK “Check vehicle tax” service allows drivers to see whether a vehicle is taxed or registered as off the road (SORN).

Similarly, the “Check MOT status” tool - found here - lets drivers confirm whether a vehicle has a valid MOT certificate and when it expires. Both services are free to use.

Drivers who pay vehicle tax every six or 12 months may still receive a V11 reminder letter by post. Those who switch to digital reminders can opt out of paper notifications.

Why it matters

Driving without valid tax or an MOT can result in fines and enforcement action. With millions of vehicles on UK roads, even a small oversight can prove costly.

By centralising records in one digital account, the DVLA hopes drivers will be better able to stay on top of renewal dates - and avoid unnecessary penalties. For motorists unsure of their current status, officials say it takes just minutes to check online.