Car Tax Refund: How to Claim Back What You're Owed

Sold your car or declared SORN? You could be owed a car tax refund. Here's how to claim it back from the DVLA.

Car Tax Refund: How to Claim Back

If you've sold your car, scrapped it, declared SORN, or it's been stolen, you're entitled to a refund on any remaining full months of tax.

When do you get a refund?

You automatically receive a refund when:

• You sell or transfer your vehicle (the new owner must re-tax it)
• You declare SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification)
• Your vehicle is scrapped at an authorised treatment facility
• Your vehicle is written off by your insurer
• You export the vehicle

How much will you get?

DVLA refunds complete calendar months only. If your tax runs out on 31 March and you declare SORN on 15 January, you get a refund for February and March (2 months). The January partial month is not refunded.

How to apply

1. If selling: Notify DVLA using the V5C (logbook) — the refund is automatic
2. If declaring SORN: Do it online at gov.uk/sorn or by post
3. Refund arrives by cheque within 4–6 weeks

Before you act, check your tax status

Make sure your vehicle is actually taxed — and see exactly when it expires — so you know what you're entitled to.

Check your tax expiry date — free