When your vehicle is scrapped, you should receive a refund for any unused months of vehicle tax from the DVLA. With the new disc-less system, the DVLA will refund every full month remaining on your vehicle tax once you have sent them the change of ownership confirmation. This can be done by sending section 9 of your V5C to the DVLA. In newer versions of the V5C, this is section 4. Or alternatively, you can submit this online.
The DVLA state, you should receive the refund within 4-6 weeks and will be notified by post once this is complete. They have put together a full guide to this process.
When Can I Reclaim My Car Tax
These are the only situations where claims will be accepted and processed.
• If you sell or transfer your car to a new owner
• The vehicle has been exported from the UK
• Your insurance company has ‘written off’ the vehicle
• The vehicle has been scrapped at a scrapyard
• The vehicle has been stolen
• The vehicle has been registered as exempt from vehicle tax
• Your vehicle has been registered with a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN)
What Happens After You’ve Told DVLA
Firstly you must inform the DVLA of the circumstance that fits you. You can call the DVLA regarding vehicle tax enquiries on 0300 790 6802. Phone line opening hours are Monday to Friday, 8am to 7pm Saturday, 8am to 2pm. Once contacted, the DVLA will cancel the tax coverage and any outstanding direct debts that you may have put in place to make payments of your taxes.
- DVLA will cancel your vehicle tax. If you pay by Direct Debit, the direct debit will be cancelled automatically.
- You’ll automatically get a refund cheque for any full months left on your vehicle tax. The refund is calculated from the date DVLA gets your information. The cheque is sent to the name and address on the vehicle logbook.
How Long Does It Take
Important: Allow 6 weeks for processing and delivery, should 6 weeks pass, then contact the DVLA.
Once the process has been approved and finalised, you will receive a cheque in the post. This cheque will only be addressed to the person whose name is on the vehicle’s logbook. As stated before, the amount of the refund will be calculated according to the amount of time you have left on the tax period paid, and rounded off to the whole months remaining.
Important: Keep in mind that you will not receive a refund on any surcharges incurred by the use of credit cards for paying any taxes.
Car Tax Refund Queries
If your cheque is wrong you will need to return your refund cheque to DVLA. If it’s in the wrong name, and tell them the right name.
Refund Section
DVLA
Swansea
SA99 1AL
If you need to contact the DVLA for any other queries relating to receiving your refund such as a delay. You can do so using the below details
By Phone:
DVLA Vehicle Enquiries
Telephone: 0300 790 6802
Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm
Saturdays, 8am to 4pm
Find out about call charges
Web Chat
By post
Vehicle Customer Services
DVLA
Swansea
SA99 1AR