Why Can’t I Tax My Car Online With V5c/2?

When you tax your car online, you will need some documents to add relevant information to make the payment. The aim of this blog post is to explore the possible reasons why a car owner would be unable to tax their car online despite having a V5c/2 or a new keeper slip. Additionally, we will also explore the reasons why a V5c/2 reference number may be unrecognisable for the system used to pay car tax and how important this number is for making payments.

Why Can’t I Tax My Car Online With V5c/2?

One of the primary reasons why you can’t tax your car online with a V5c/2 (also known as the New Keeper Supplement or Greenslip) is that your new car has not been registered in your name as yet.

If you’re a car owner in the UK, you may be wondering why you can’t tax your car online with your v5c/2 form. After all, the process is much simpler and more convenient than going to the post office or DVLA office. Here’s a look at why this is the case, and what you can do instead.

In the UK, the DVLA has been sending V5C/2 forms to new car owners for over a decade. The form is to be completed and sent back to the DVLA with a copy of your driving licence and proof of insurance. If you have failed to provide the correct information in this form or you have not sent the form back to the DVLA or you have sent it to an incorrect address, your data will not be updated with them and you will not be able to tax your car line despite having a V5c/2. 

Other reasons why you are unable to tax your car online using a V5c/2 include the following:

• You don’t have the 12-digit reference number from your vehicle logbook, a V11 reminder from the DVLA or the green slip to pay your car tax
• The 12-digit reference number that you are using is either incorrect or unrecognisable by the online software
• The MOT for your car is due for renewal within a month’s time 
• Your car was previously in the disabled car tax class and you need to change the tax class before paying the car tax
• You are trying to make an advance payment of more than 2 months for your car tax
• Your car has not been registered with the DVLA either due to being a brand new vehicle or the registration has not been transferred from the previous owner 
• You don’t have car insurance for your vehicle or your current car insurance has expired and is due for a renewal
• You don’t have a vehicle logbook or V5C for your car; either because you have just purchased it from the dealer or the ownership has not been transferred from the previous owner

Why Is My V5c/2 Reference Number Not Recognised For Car Tax Payment?

You may not be able to tax your car online with your V5C/2 reference number if it is not being recognised by the online software. If the V5C/2 reference number is not being recognised by the system and you are unable to pay your car tax, it may be due to any of the following reasons: 

• the reference number is invalid 
• a new V5C/2 has been issued to you by the DVLA but you have not received it yet
• data has not been updated after the transfer of ownership and registration details of the car

Most of the time, the system does not recognise a V5C/2 number due to a renewal in the process especially if you have recently purchased a vehicle (whether new or used) and you might need to wait a few days to try again with the new V5C/2 number. However, if the delay might cause your car tax payment deadline to be missed, you should get in touch with the Driver and License Agency and seek their advice on the matter.

Do I Need V5c/2 To Tax A Used Car?

Yes, whether you are purchasing a new or used car, you will need the V5c/2 as the New Keeper supplement to prove that the car’s ownership has been transferred from the previous owner to you.

When you purchase a car from a car dealer, they can and usually do make arrangements to have your car registered to your name and have the car tax paid. The amount paid for the car tax and any other registration fees incurred by them is added to the cost of the car and the final price quoted to you. If this is not the case, you can ask them to do so.

In the case of a second-hand car, the previous owner needs to add your name (and other details) to the “new keeper” section of the V5C and send it to the Drivers And Vehicles Licensing Agency. They will give you a green slip that you need to keep safe as it is the proof of your ownership of the car until the car log book certifies it through the DVLA. You can use the 12-digit number that appears on your green slip (also termed as your V5C2 reference number) to pay your car tax while you are waiting for your car logbook to be renewed/transferred to your name.

Conclusion:

The above discussion has brought to light the many reasons why a car owner may not be able to tax their car online using a V5c/2. The most obvious and common reason out of all the options is perhaps the new keeper details not being updated after the transfer of the vehicle. Another reason could be that you are using an invalid or incorrect reference number from your V5c/2 to pay your car tax. 

FAQs: Why Can’t I Tax My Car Online With V5c/2?

What do I do with the V5C/2?

The V5C/2 is a new keeper’s slip issued to new owners of vehicles while their vehicle logbook is in the process of being registered to their name. As a car owner, you will need the V5c/2 to pay your car tax and insurance; as well as prove ownership of your car. 

Can I drive my car without tax while waiting for V5?

No, you cannot drive your car without tax while waiting for your V5 or vehicle logbook. However, you can still tax your car using your V11 reminder and pay your car tax on time.

Can I tax a car with an old V5?

No, you cannot tax your car with an old V5 if you are a new owner. You will need to get the car registered to your name and use the new vehicle logbook or V5c to pay your car tax. In the meanwhile, you can use your V5c/s or new keeper’s slip.

Where can I find my V5C reference number?

Your V5C reference number is a 12-digit numeral printed on your vehicle logbook or V5C. If you have misplaced your vehicle logbook, you can also find this number in your V11 reminder for car tax payment. If you have misplaced this document as well, you will have to apply for a new V5C through your local post office by filling up a V62 form.

Where is the 12-digit reference number from the new keeper slip?

The 12-digit reference number from your new keeper slip is taken from the 11-digit reference number in your V5C or vehicle logbook. If you are unable to find it, you can contact the DVLA with your vehicle registration number, the vehicle make, model and colour, and your full name and address with a request to share access.

References:

Buy Or Renew Your Vehicle Tax | Identity | Post Office®

How To Tax Your New Car Online With Green Slip V5C/2 (2020) GOV.UK

How do I transfer ownership and tax for a used car I’ve bought? | AutoTrader