The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) is urging motorists to report changes promptly or face a pretty hefty fin - and with it coming up to the summer holidays, the last thing anyone wants is a grand less in their accounts.
In a post on X (formerly known as Twitter), the agency emphasised that the process "couldn’t be easier!". But you need to act fast as any delay will result in the fine.
They questionned: "Finally treated yourself to a new car? Tell us if you’ve sold, bought or transferred a vehicle." Additionally, on their official gov.uk website, the government body notes that you must "tell DVLA when you no longer own a vehicle, or you buy a vehicle as either a registered keeper or motor trader".
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Once you inform the DVLA, "your vehicle tax will be cancelled." And in good financial news, they confirm that you will be issued a "refund for any full months of remaining vehicle tax."
If you do not have a log book, you need to write to DVLA with:
The address you need to write to is: DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BA
Urging people to begin the process as soon as you can, they warn that you can't use their service if you’ve already sent your log book (V5C) by post. They added: "You must tax a vehicle you’ve bought before you drive it, or declare it off the road (a SORN).
"The tax is not transferred to you when you buy the vehicle."
There are several other changes that could happen which you need to tell them about. For example, you can be fined up to £1,000 if you do not tell DVLA when your address changes.
This means you must tell DVLA if you:
As well as this, the DVLA ask that drivers ensure they meet the vehicle requirements. This means the vehicle must:
"You must also have a minimum of third party insurance that covers your use of the vehicle", they warned.