How Can I Change My Vehicle Tax Class?

By HuutiMoney
Page last updated: 05/02/2023 | Next review date: 05/02/2025
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If you need to change your vehicle tax class and want to learn how to go about it, you will find guidance through the following blog post. Here, we will discuss how you can change your tax class depending on whether your current vehicle tax is due to run out or not.

How Can I Change My Vehicle Tax Class?

You can change your vehicle tax class either through a post office that deals with vehicle tax matters or you can apply via post by writing to the DVLA at the following address:

DVLA

Swansea

SA99 1BF

However, the method you choose to change your vehicle tax class and the process that is involved in this change depends on the following factors:

  • the tax on your vehicle is about to run out and you have either received a reminder or a “last chance” warning letter from the DVLA
  • the tax on your vehicle is not yet due to run out
  • you need to change your vehicle tax class because it was previously exempt from vehicle tax, or will now be due for vehicle tax because it is no longer exempt

Since your vehicle tax class depends on their construction and purpose of use, you will need to apply for a change of tax class in either of these situations so that the amount of tax due on them can be determined by the DVLA.

If you need to change your vehicle tax class because of any of the following reasons, you can only apply for it through the post using a form V70 available on the DVLA and Government websites:

  • the purpose or use of the vehicle has changed
  • the body type of the vehicle has changed
  • the structure of the vehicle has changed

If you need to have your vehicle tax classed changed to the Disabled Tax category, you will need the following list of documents as well:

  • completed application for a Vehicle Registration Certificate (V62)
  • Vehicle Registration Certificate (V5C logbook) or the V5C/2 (nominated driver details)
  • certificate of Entitlement to DLA, PIP, AFIP or WPMS

Once your vehicle tax class is changed, the DVLA will send you a confirmation as well as an updated V5C (vehicle log book). If the change in your vehicle tax class indicates that you have overpaid your car tax, the excess amount will be refunded to you.

How Can I Change My Vehicle Tax Class If The Tax Is Due To Run Out?

If you need to change your vehicle tax class due to a change in your vehicle’s purpose or design and your current vehicle tax is about to run out, you need to find a local post office that deals with vehicle tax class change and apply online.

On the other hand, if your vehicle tax is due to run out and you face any of the following situations, you will have to apply for a vehicle tax class change via post to the DVLA:

  • The vehicle’s usage has changed; for example, you are using a privately owned (and used) minivan for commercial purposes.
  • The vehicle’s body type has changed; for example, you are converting a car into a light goods vehicle.
  • The vehicle’s structure has changed; for example, you are converting a four-wheel car to a three-wheel car.

Whether you apply for a vehicle tax class change via the post office or apply through the post to the DVLA, you will need the following documents:

  • your V5C registration certificate or vehicle
  • your vehicle tax reminder letter or V11 (if you have received one lately)
  • a valid MOT certificate or evidence of exemption if your vehicle is exempt from an MOT
  • evidence of any eligibility for a disability exemption (if applicable)
  • payment for vehicle tax according to your new tax class)
  • an insurance certificate or cover note (in case you are in Northern Ireland)

How Can I Change My Vehicle Tax Class If The Tax Is Not Due To Run Out?

If you need to change your vehicle tax class and the tax on your car is not due to run out, you can apply for a vehicle tax class change using the form V70. 

In this case, you will not be able to apply for a vehicle tax class change through a local post office and will have to have to take a copy of the form V70, print it out and send it to the DVLA via post.

You will need to send the following documents to the DVLA along with the form:

  • your vehicle logbook or V5C vehicle registration certificate with the required changes marked
  • payment for any additional amount of vehicle tax that you need to pay due to a change in tax class. This can either be a cheque or postal order made payable to “DVLA, Swansea” 
  • your current MOT certificate
  • evidence of a decreased engine size or changed fuel type (if applicable)
  • an insurance certificate or cover note (this applies in Northern Ireland)

Conclusion:

The above discussion has given us a detailed explanation of the process involved in having your vehicle tax class changed whether your vehicle tax class is due to run out or not. It will depend on your circumstances whether you can get this change done by visiting a local post office or would need to send your application through the post to the DVLA.

References:

Change your vehicle’s tax class

Application to change vehicle tax v70 – GOV.UK