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If you make changes to your vehicle it could affect:

• how much vehicle tax you pay
• your vehicle’s tax class

Changes that affect your vehicle include:

• the engine size (cc)
• the fuel type
• the weight (goods vehicles only)
• the number of seats (buses only)
• what you use the vehicle for, for example using a minibus for profit

You will not have to pay vehicle tax or will pay a lower rate if it’s being used by:

• a disabled person
• an organisation providing transport for disabled people

How to change your vehicle’s tax class

How you change your vehicle’s tax class depends on if:

• the tax is due to run out (you’ve had a reminder or ‘last chance’ warning letter)
• the tax is not due to run out
• ²â´Ç³Ü’r±ð changing whether or not the vehicle is exempt from vehicle tax, for example changing a car into or out of the disabled tax class

You need to work out if you’ll need to pay more tax because of the change.

1. Find out the new rate of vehicle tax.

2. Work out the difference between the old and new rates of your vehicle tax. For example, if the old rate is £100 and the new rate is £130, the difference is £30.

3. Divide the difference by the number of months you pay your tax over. For example, £30 divided by 12 months is £2.50.

4. Multiply this by the number of months remaining on the tax. For example, £2.50 multiplied by 4 months is £10.

5. Pay the extra vehicle tax. In this example you would need to pay £10 extra tax.

If the tax rate increases

You have to pay the increased rate from the first day of the month you change the tax rate in.

Example

If the tax rate decreases

You pay the decreased rate from the first day of the next month.

Example

Use form V70 to change your vehicle’s tax class if the tax is not due to run out.

What to send

Send the form to DVLA with:

• the V5C vehicle registration certificate (log book) with any changes marked on it
• a cheque or postal order made payable to ‘DVLA, Swansea’ for any extra vehicle tax you have to pay - damaged or altered cheques will not be accepted
• evidence of a current MOT (if your vehicle needs one) - for example, a copy of your vehicle’s MOT history or your MOT certificate, if you have one
• written proof if you’ve decreased engine size or changed fuel type, for example a new engine receipt or letter from the garage that made the change

If ²â´Ç³Ü’r±ð in Northern Ireland, you also need to send:

• an MOT certificate that’s valid when the tax starts
• an insurance certificate or cover note

Lorries and buses

You also need to send the following if they’re required for your vehicle:

• a plating or weight certificate
• for buses only - a certificate of initial fitness, certificate of conformity or equivalent PSV401, PSV408, PDV500 or PSV506

What happens next

1. You’ll get a confirmation from DVLA that the change has been made.

2. DVLA will send you an updated V5C.

3. You’ll get a refund if ²â´Ç³Ü’r±ð due one.

You can still use your vehicle while your application is being processed.

You’ll usually be able to change tax class at a Post Office, but in some cases you may need to apply by post.

When you can change tax class at a Post Office

You can change your vehicle’s tax class at a if either:

• the vehicle tax is due to run out (you’ve had a reminder or ‘last chance’ warning letter)
• ²â´Ç³Ü’r±ð changing whether a vehicle is exempt from vehicle tax or not, for example, it’s being used by a disabled person

When you need to change tax class by post

You need to apply by post to change tax class if any of the following are true:

• you’ve changed what the vehicle is used for, for example starting to use a minibus for profit
• you’ve changed the vehicle’s body type, for example converting a car into a light goods vehicle
• you’ve changed the structure of the vehicle, for example converting a four-wheel car into a three-wheel car

The documents you need

Bring these to the Post Office or post them to DVLA:

• the V5C registration certificate (log book) in your name, if you have one
• your vehicle tax reminder letter (V11) if you have one
• evidence of a current MOT (if your vehicle needs one) - for example, a copy of your vehicle’s MOT history or your MOT certificate, if you have one
• evidence if your vehicle’s exempt from an MOT (V112)
• evidence of any eligibility for a disability exemption
• payment for vehicle tax (if you have to pay for your new tax class)

If ²â´Ç³Ü’r±ð in Northern Ireland, you’ll also need:

• an MOT certificate that’s valid when the tax starts
• an insurance certificate or cover note

If you drive a lorry or bus, you also need to bring or post the vehicle’s latest annual test certificate or the form that proves it’s exempt (V112G).

If ²â´Ç³Ü’r±ð posting documents, you need to post the originals.

If you do not have a V5C registration certificate (log book)

You’ll need to bring or post the following along with the other documents:

• a completed application for a new registration certificate - either download form V62 or get it from the Post Office
• your ‘new keeper’ slip, if you’ve just bought the vehicle

A new registration certificate is free if you have a ‘new keeper’ slip. Otherwise the cost is £25.

If ²â´Ç³Ü’r±ð applying by post and need to pay the £25, include a cheque or postal order payable to ‘DVLA, Swansea’.

Where to send postal applications

Send your postal application to:

What happens next

1. You’ll get a confirmation from DVLA that the change has been made.

2. DVLA will send you an updated V5C.

3. DVLA will send you a refund if ²â´Ç³Ü’r±ð due one.

You can still use your vehicle while your application is being processed.