DVLA launches new online system for drivers to renew car tax without V5C logbook

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has announced a new service that will change car tax in the UK.

An announcement from the DVLA revealed that the update will allow drivers to tax their vehicle even if they have lost their V5C (log book) and their vehicle tax reminder letter (V11).

Historically, drivers across the country who had lost these documents would have had to wait up to five working days for a replacement V5C to arrive.

For others who had misplaced their V5C or V11, they would have to call the DVLA’s Contact Centre and provide their details over the phone in order to tax their vehicle.

According to the Agency, the digitalisation of the process will allow customers to apply through the portal for a new V5C and tax their vehicle at the same time.

Drivers will need to visit the website the DVLA website – and providing there are no changes to the keeper’s details – they can get their new tax paid for and approved on the spot.

A new V5C will still arrive in the post.

Julie Lennard, DVLA Chief Executive, said: “We are always looking for ways to improve our digital services to provide more convenience for motorists.

“This latest enhancement will enable customers who have misplaced or lost their V5C to get a replacement and tax their vehicle quickly and easily.”

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This news follows last year’s announcement from the DVLA that allowed drivers to opt for digital vehicle tax reminders rather than having to wait for a paper reminder to come in the post.

The change came as part of DVLA’s new Driver and Vehicles Account Service.

Accounts are easy-to-use, secure, and only take a few minutes to set up.

Once an account is live, drivers can sign in using their email and password, and are be able to view their driving licence information, including endorsements and penalty points; view vehicles that are registered to them including tax and MOT status; change their contact preferences; set up vehicle tax reminders by email and for the first time by SMS text; and choose to stop getting vehicle tax reminders by post.