It's
quick and easy to renew online or on the phone
You can now
pay for your tax disc (UK vehicle licence) online or by phone.
The DVLA have recently introduced this new service to make things
more convenient for Britain's drivers.
It is simple, just visit the website at:
www.direct.gov.uk/taxdisc
or call the DVLA vehicle licence renewal line on 0870 850
4444
How do I pay?
Simple - pay by credit or debit card. There is a £2.50
fee payable on credit card transactions only.
Do I need my insurance and MOT documents when I am renewing
my tax disc online or by phone?
No, when you renew online or by phone, the DVLA will check electronically
that your vehicle is insured on the Motor Insurers' Information
Centre database and also check if your vehicle has a valid new-style
MOT on its database. There is no need to show the DVLA the paperwork.
However, if you have only recently renewed, updated or changed
your insurance cover or MOT certificate, the DVLA electronic
check may not be successful.. In that case you will have to
renew your tax disc at a licence issuing Post Office branch
or local DVLA office for which you will need to take all your
paperwork with you.
Can I renew online at anytime?
Yes, you can apply online or call the DVLA phone line 24 hours
a day, 7 days a week.
How and when do I get the tax disc?
DVLA say that "within 5 working days of completing your
application, you will receive your tax disc by first class post".
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Comment:
On the face of it, it seems a convenient new feature but clearly
it needs careful planning and good timing. If your insurance
cover is renewed at the same date as the car tax, then if your
are slow processing the insurance renewal, there might be a
delay in your insurance renewal details reaching the MIIC database
and if the record is not updated, your application might bounce.
On the other hand, if you apply online for your tax disc in
the last 7 few days of your existing insurance cover, the MIIC
record should show current insurance is in place. Similarly
with MOT certificates that expire at the same time as tax disc
renewals.
Where you will get caught out is if you renew a day or so late
when both insurance and MOT records on the MICC and DVLA databases
have not been updated. In that case it will mean a visit to
the Post Office!
I am not sure the DVLA are guaranteeing
the safe delivery of your tax disc by post even though they
say "you will receive" - one can only hope! (8.2.07) |