Drivers across the UK are being warned to act now as the DVLA rolls out its new digital vehicle tax service – allowing motorists to renew their car tax without needing a log book or paper reminder letter. The upgrade is part of the DVLA’s push to modernise services, meaning drivers can now tax their vehicles online even if they’ve lost their V5C log book or haven’t received their V11 tax reminder in the post.
Failing to keep your vehicle taxed could land you with a fine of up to £1,000, with enforcement cameras able to catch untaxed cars instantly. With millions of drivers set to hit the roads for summer holidays and festivals, experts warn that a missed renewal could ruin travel plans or lead to unexpected penalties.
Cherie Carter, director at Indigo Car Hire, has four action points for new drivers to avoid unwanted penalties.
She said: “Firstly, it’s important to log into your Driver & Vehicle Account (DVA). Make sure your email and phone number are up to date, and you should be able to receive reminders both on this topic and any other updates going forward.
“It’s also important to check your personal details. One of the big reasons why so many drivers miss out on news like this is because of incorrect addresses; it could stop you from renewing online in future if you’re out of date, or simply didn’t update a new email or postal address.
“Verify your identity if needed: With so many security scandals of late, it’s vital for both companies and users to be secure. First-time users may need to confirm their details using DVLA-approved checks.
“Finally, and this relates back to step one, but make sure you do sign up for digital reminders: Email or SMS alerts are free from the DVLA and will help you avoid fines for late renewal.
“This change is a real step forward for drivers. Being able to tax a vehicle online without waiting for documents will save people time and hassle. For car hire firms and private motorists, it’s another way to keep vehicles road-legal and avoid last-minute stress.”
DVLA digital tax and driving licence changes
The changes are part of the Government’s plans to digitise things like driving documents and the Veteran Card. Announcing the plans at the start of 2025, it said a GOV.UK digital wallet would see government-issued documents available on your phone, starting with a Veteran Card and an early version of digital driver’s licence.
It said that “this summer, a new GOV.UK App will make using government services – like applying for childcare or reporting a lost passport – far easier and in tune with modern life”.
Brits will be given the option to use a digital version of their driver’s licence from their phone to easily prove their age when buying age restricted items online and in person – as well as proving their right to drive.
A mobile driver’s licence will be one of the first digital documents in a GOV.UK Wallet launched later this year and will ultimately allow people to prove their age from their phone in shops or online, the Science Secretary Peter Kyle announced in January.
GOV.UK Wallet
Announcing the plans earlier this year, the Government said digital documents held in the GOV.UK Wallet, like a driver’s licence or someone’s proof of benefits, would be able to be used just as physical documents are, if people choose to.
It continued: “It will be available on i.OS and Android, with a Digital Veteran Card to be made available to former service personnel later this year. A mobile driver’s licence will be piloted later in 2025 and all government services will have to offer a digital alternative alongside paper or card credentials by the end of 2027 under plans set out by the blueprint for digital government.
“The GOV.UK Wallet will allow digital credentials to be accessed immediately after successful application, rather than waiting for them to arrive in the post, and avoid valuable documents being lost in house moves or behind filing cabinets.
“The GOV.UK Wallet is underpinned by the security and identity verification measures of GOV.UK One Login, meaning users can be assured documents can only be accessed by the right person. Using a single sign on also means accessing government services will be much more straightforward, saving individuals and businesses money and hours of frustration so they can focus on what matters.”
Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander said: “This is a game changer for the millions of people who use their driving licence as ID. The innovation puts power back in the hands of the people, making everyday interactions faster, easier, and more secure. We are delivering on the Plan for Change by making public services work for everyone.”
GOV.UK App
People using the GOV.UK App will be able to quickly manage all of their government activity in one place, the Government said when it announced the plans.
It explained: “When people first open the government’s new app this summer, they will be able to build a personalised homepage of the services most useful to them by answering a handful of simple questions – for example, if you own a car you can opt to see information about getting an MOT or applying for road tax – brought to them by a brand they already know and trust, GOV.UK.
“With GOV.UK One Login integrated into the app, people will be able to quickly confirm who they are so they can securely interact with services. In future, this will mean users can instantly cancel a stolen passport, find an apprenticeship or apply for benefits from the GOV.UK App.
“Notifications will also provide people with instant and timely alerts, for example an update on the status of their application, or a new policy or service relevant to them – in a move that is expected to significantly cut down on the three million text messages sent by the government every day which comes with a significant cost to the public sector.
“The government’s generative AI chatbot, GOV.UK Chat may in future be added to the app to help people find answers to complex and niche questions, where the relevant information could be spread over dozens of pages.
“Piloted in December 2024 with 10,000 real business users, GOV.UK Chat responded to almost 24,000 questions – giving relevant answers in 90% of cases, and effectively detecting and thwarting 100% of the attempts to break, or manipulate the tool. Questions fielded included whether Christmas parties were tax exempt, with follow-ups used to clarify the specific circumstances for the exemption. As a result of the successful trial, plans are being made for GOV.UK Chat to soon enter a further stage of wider, public testing.”
