Two changes mean that motorists will have longer to tax their vehicle.
The first of the changes has come about because DVLA has found that towards the end of the month, many motorists taxing their vehicle online or by phone do not complete the transaction when they realise that their tax disc may not be received in time for the 1st of the following month. As a result, from the 1st of September 2008, those buying their vehicle tax online, by phone or by post will be able to legally continue to drive their vehicles for up to 5 days while they wait for their new tax disc to arrive. This will only apply where the new tax disc has been applied for before the current one expires and motorists should continue to display the expired disc on their vehicle, until the new one arrives. This will be of great benefit to those motorists who have to leave buying their tax disc until the last day of the month, because they are waiting to be paid. They can now still do that, but also get the benefits of taxing online, by phone or by post.
In addition, motorists are now able to buy their vehicle tax disc from the 5th day of the month that their current disc is due to expire in. Previously, discs could only be bought from the 15th of the month. DVLA has introduced this new procedure following feedback from the motoring public, which has shown an increasing demand, especially since the advent of electronic vehicle licensing, for motorists to be allowed to re-license earlier in the month.
There is also the added incentive that currently, anyone using DVLA’s electronic licensing service gets entered into a free prize draw to win a brand new car.
Andrew Rhodes, DVLA Customer Services Director, said
"These new customer service improvements show that DVLA listens and responds to the motoring public’s needs. It makes sense to be able to buy your tax disc throughout the month, and we are pleased to offer a service that may help our customers manage their monthly outgoings."
To renew vehicle tax or SORN quickly and easily, log onto: www.direct.gov.uk/taxdisc or phone 0870 850 4444 or textphone 0870 850 4445
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Notes to Editors:
1. DVLA has introduced these changes as a customer service measure to allow motorists greater flexibility in deciding when to renew their tax discs.
2. The renewal reminder (form V11) arrives with vehicle keepers around 3 weeks before the existing tax disc/ Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN) is due to expire. Previously, customers then had to wait until the 15th day of the month before they could buy a new tax disc.
3. A change in legislation from 1 September 2008 will provide for a five-day period of grace from the requirement to display a tax disc only where that disc is purchased online, by phone or by post. This will apply to the first 5 working days of the month in which the disc commences and will only apply where the vehicle is continuously licensed.
4. SEAT has provided the cars for the prize draw at no cost to DVLA or to taxpayers.
All press enquiries should be directed to:
DVLA Press Office
01792 782318
