Car tax renewals go online

Database checks to replace presentation of paper documents

The Department for Transport has launched an online car tax renewal service so that motorists no longer have to take paper documents to their local post office.

The scheme went live this week and is automatically available to owners of vehicles less than three years old. Older vehicles will need a new-style computerised MOT certificate to use the services.

Rather than requiring motorists to present documents such as MOT and insurance certificates in person, the system will scan information on the relevant databases to verify details entered into the web site.

The automatic renewal notice sent to vehicle owners when their tax is about to expire will now include a unique reference number for the online service.