Guides › Buying a Car › Car Tax Refund From the DVLA
Car Tax Refund from the DVLA
When you sell, scrap, export or declare a vehicle off the road (SORN), the DVLA automatically sends a refund cheque for any full months of tax left. It is worked out from the date the DVLA gets your information. If you have not had it after 8 weeks, contact the DVLA.
At a Glance
Your Rights
What the rules say, with a link to the official source for each.
Vehicle Tax Refunds
How It Works
You'll automatically get a refund cheque for any full months left on your vehicle tax when you sell or transfer, SORN, scrap or export the vehicle. Stolen vehicles need a separate application. The refund is calculated from the date the DVLA gets your information. Contact the DVLA if you have not got your cheque after 8 weeks. source
Time Limits to Know
Miss a deadline and you can lose a right. Check the dates on your own paperwork.
- 8 weeksWait for the refund chequeThen contact the DVLA
Steps to Take
Step 1 of 5
Tell the DVLA straight away when you sell, scrap or SORN the vehicle: the refund runs from when it gets your information.
Step 2 of 5
Keep proof of the date you told the DVLA.
Step 3 of 5
Make sure the DVLA has your current address.
Step 4 of 5
If no cheque arrives within 8 weeks, contact the DVLA.
Step 5 of 5
Use GOV.UK only: copycat websites may charge for free services.
(Tap the numbers to reveal steps)
Where to Go If It Is Not Put Right
Your options, in order, and when each one applies.
DVLA
Contact it if the refund has not arrived after 8 weeks.
Good to Know
Small things that make your complaint stronger.
Telling the DVLA late means a smaller refund, as it is calculated from when it hears from you.
Want Help?
If you would like one of our team to look at your problem, our initial case review is free. We cannot guarantee any outcome and we do not give legal advice.
Lead reviewer
Luke Marley
Founder and Lead Reviewer
Luke founded CPUK in 2026 after seeing how hard it is for ordinary people to get problems with companies put right. He oversees our guides and checks them against official sources.
Research by Katie Burt, Co-founder and Operations Lead (17 years in the care sector, including managing services for vulnerable adults), and the CPUK Research Team. Researched with AI-assisted research tools, then checked and corrected by our team.
Last checked: 13 October 2026. We are not paid by the companies we write about. Adverts never affect our guidance. Read our editorial policy.
Sources and official links
- gov.uk/vehicle-tax-refund Checked 13 October 2026