How to Claim a DVLA Car Tax Refund
If you've sold your car, declared it SORN, or it's been written off, you might be due a refund on your vehicle tax. The DVLA automatically processes this in many cases, but it's good to know how it works and what to expect. Reclaim your unused tax and put that money back in your pocket.
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Your rights
Your right to a refund for unused vehicle tax is enshrined in the Vehicle Excise and Registration Act 1994. The DVLA is legally obliged to process a refund for full months of unused tax once they are notified of a change in vehicle status. This includes selling, transferring, scrapping, exporting, declaring SORN, or changing to an exempt tax class. The refund is calculated from the date DVLA receives your notification, not the date you sold or stopped using the vehicle.
Step by step
- 1Notify the DVLA immediately of the change in your vehicle's status. This includes selling, transferring, scrapping, exporting, declaring SORN, or changing to an exempt tax class. This is typically done by sending the relevant section of your V5C logbook or completing an online SORN.
- 2Ensure your current name and address on the vehicle log book (V5C) are up to date. The DVLA sends refund cheques to the name and address listed on your V5C.
- 3Wait for the DVLA to process your refund automatically. They will calculate the refund for any full remaining months of tax from the date they received notification of the change.
- 4If you pay by Direct Debit, your Direct Debit will be cancelled automatically when the tax is cancelled.
- 5If your refund cheque has not arrived after 8 weeks, contact the DVLA directly to inquire about its status. If you need a replacement cheque, contact them if it has not arrived after 4 weeks. Have your vehicle registration number and the date you notified them of the change ready.
What they'll say, and your comeback
“We haven't received notification of your vehicle's change of ownership or SORN.”
Comeback, I submitted the V5C/3 (yellow slip) or completed the online SORN on [date]. Please check your records for this notification.
“Refunds are only processed for full months of unused tax.”
Comeback, I understand this. I am expecting a refund for [X] full months from [date DVLA received notification]. Please confirm the period you have calculated.
“The refund was sent to the address or bank details we had on file.”
Comeback, The DVLA sends refund cheques to the name and address on the V5C. Please confirm the address you sent the cheque to and when it was issued.
What actually happens
In practice, DVLA car tax refunds are usually straightforward because they are processed automatically once you notify DVLA of a change in your vehicle's status. The refund is always for any full months of tax remaining, calculated from the date DVLA receives your notification, not the date you stopped using the vehicle. Most people receive their refund as a cheque sent to the address on their V5C log book. While the DVLA aims for efficiency, it can take up to 8 weeks for the cheque to arrive. If it has not arrived after this period, or if you need a replacement cheque after 4 weeks, contacting the DVLA is the next step. Most refunds are resolved at this stage, with the money typically arriving as a cheque in the post.
FAQ
How long does a DVLA car tax refund take?
The DVLA processes refunds automatically. You should receive your refund cheque within 8 weeks from the date they receive your notification of a vehicle status change.
What if I don't receive my refund?
If you haven't received your refund cheque after 8 weeks, contact the DVLA directly. If you need a replacement cheque, contact them if it has not arrived after 4 weeks. You can do this by phone or via their online enquiry service, providing your vehicle registration number and the date you notified them of the change.
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Sources
A self-serve tool, not a law firm. General information, not legal advice. Last researched 2026-09-17.