How to Pay Road Tax

In many countries throughout the world, you are required to register and pay a road or vehicle tax if you want to legally drive a vehicle on public roads. The tax is called by different names depending on where you live, but the process of paying road tax is generally the same. Often, you'll receive a bill or renewal reminder for each registered vehicle you own. Typically, you can either pay your tax online or in person at a tax or motor vehicle licensing office.[1]

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Paying Your Tax Online

  1. Step 1 Complete any required inspections or testing of your vehicle.
    Before you pay your road tax or renew your registration, you may be required to have a safety inspection or emissions testing on your vehicle.
    • If you received a bill or notice in the mail, it typically includes information on inspection or testing that is required.
    • Once you get inspections or testing done, the result is only valid for a limited period of time, usually 30 days.
  2. Step 2 Gather information about your vehicle.
    To pay your tax online, you'll need specific information about your vehicle. This usually includes your car's VIN. You also may need a license or registration number.[2]
    • You also may need identification information for the registered owner of the vehicle, such as your driver's license number, and proof of insurance.
    • Once you start the process of paying your tax online, you may be logged out of the site due to inactivity, so it's important to gather the information you need before you go to the website.
  3. Step 3 Log on to your government's website.
    If you can pay your road tax online, the government department responsible for collecting the tax will have a secured website. The web address typically will be listed on any bill or notice you received in the mail.[3]
    • If you didn't receive a notice, or if there's nothing on the notice about online payments, do a search online for the name of your local government and the words "vehicle tax payment" or "road tax payment." You should find the right website in the results. Make sure you choose an official government website.
    • If you live in a rural area, online services may not be available. In this case, you may have to pay your tax in person.
  4. Step 4 Enter information about your vehicle.
    On the government's website, you'll be prompted to enter information about you and your vehicle so you can pay your taxes. The website should provide a list of the information you'll need.
    • If you received a tax bill in the mail, it typically includes most, if not all, of the required information. You also may find this information on your car's registration document.
  5. Step 5 Submit your payment.
    When paying online, you typically must use a credit or debit card. You may have the option of having the payment taken directly out of your bank account through an electronic check.
    • If you don't have a credit or debit card, you may have to visit the tax or licensing office in person to pay your tax.
  6. Step 6 Receive confirmation of your payment.
    Once you submit your payment, you typically will get a confirmation number that you should print out or write down. You may also get an email confirming that your payment was received.
    • You'll get any renewal documents or license plate stickers in the mail if you pay your tax online. Try to make your payment as soon as possible so you have the proper documentation before the final deadline.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Paying Your Tax in Person

  1. Step 1 Get required inspections or testing.
    In most places, you must have your vehicle inspected to make sure it complies with basic safety regulations. You may also be required to undergo emissions testing.[4]
    • If you received a bill or notice in the mail, it typically includes information about any inspections or testing you must complete.
  2. Step 2 Find the correct tax or licensing office.
    Your local government will have a specific office or agency that is responsible for registering and taxing motor vehicles. There also may be other locations where you can pay the tax you owe.[5]
    • For example, in the UK you can pay your road tax at the post office.
    • Check the website of your government's motor vehicles department for locations where you can pay your tax in person. It should also give you information about methods of payment.
  3. Step 3 Bring documentation for your car.
    If you received a bill or notice in the mail to pay your taxes or renew your registration, take it with you when you go to pay your taxes. You may also need to bring proof of insurance.
    • If you're not sure what documentation you'll need, call ahead and ask.
  4. Step 4 Make your payment.
    If you're paying your taxes in person, you typically have more methods of payment. Rather than being limited to a credit or debit card, you may be able to pay in cash or use a check or money order.
  5. Step 5 Update your license tag or vehicle records.
    When you've paid your tax, the clerk will give you a receipt. They may give you updated registration information or a sticker for your license plate. In some locations you may have to wait for that documentation to be mailed to you.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Registering Your Vehicle

  1. Step 1 Gather information about your vehicle.
    Before you can legally drive your car on public roads, you have to register it with your government motor vehicles department. In some countries this is handled by the national government. In others, such as the US and Australia, you register your car with your state government.
    • You'll need enough information about the car that it can be identified. This usually includes the make and model of the vehicle, its color, and the year it was manufactured. You also may need to provide the car's VIN.
    • If you're buying a car from a dealer, they typically will take care of the registration and licensing of your vehicle for you. You'll get the registration in the mail once your paperwork is processed.[6]
  2. Step 2 Buy car insurance.
    In most countries, you are required by law to maintain car insurance on any vehicle you drive on public roads. You may need to show proof of your insurance when you register your vehicle.[7]
    • Most places require a minimum amount of liability insurance coverage. Your insurance company typically will be able to tell you if your insurance is sufficient.
    • If you're making payments on a car loan, the lender may require additional coverage beyond your government's minimums. Check your loan agreement to get those amounts.
  3. Step 3 Visit the appropriate tax or licensing office.
    As soon as possible after you purchase your vehicle, go in person to the nearest office that handles vehicle registration. Bring proof of insurance and the documentation you've gathered for your vehicle.
    • If you're not sure where the right office is located, do an online search to find out which government department registers motor vehicles. Your government should have a web page that will explain the process of registering a new car.
  4. Step 4 Complete your registration forms.
    The vehicle registration application typically requires you to provide basic information about yourself and your motor vehicle. You may also have to provide information about any other family members who will regularly drive the vehicle.
    • Often the registered driver of a car and the owner of the car can be two different people. However, if you have a car loan and are making payments on your car, the lender may require the car to be registered in your name.
  5. Step 5 Make your initial tax and registration payment.
    When you submit your registration forms to the clerk, you'll owe initial fees and taxes. The clerk will let you know how much you have to pay and what payment methods are accepted.
    • To avoid being taken by surprise, call the registration office or check the website. Find out how much you'll have to pay before you go down to the registration or tax office.
    • When you submit completed forms and make this payment, the clerk will give you registration documents for your vehicle. Keep them in a safe place in your vehicle, such as the glove box, at all times.
  6. Step 6 Apply for a log book if required.
    In some countries, such as the UK, you must keep a log book in your car that details the distances you've driven. This log book is used to assess your road tax each year.[8]
    • You are responsible for keeping the log book in your car and keeping it updated. If you need to replace it, you'll have to pay a fee.
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References

  1. ↑ https://vrl.lta.gov.sg/lta/vrl/action/pubfunc?ID=RoadTaxEnquiry
  2. ↑ https://vrl.lta.gov.sg/lta/vrl/action/pubfunc?ID=RoadTaxEnquiry
  3. ↑ https://vrl.lta.gov.sg/lta/vrl/action/pubfunc?ID=RoadTaxEnquiry
  4. ↑ http://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/roads/registration/get-nsw-registration/index.html
  5. ↑ https://www.gov.uk/vehicle-tax
  6. ↑ http://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/roads/registration/get-nsw-registration/index.html
  7. ↑ http://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/roads/registration/get-nsw-registration/index.html
  8. ↑ https://www.gov.uk/vehicle-log-book

About this article

Darron Kendrick, CPA, MA
Co-authored by:
Darron Kendrick, CPA, MA
Financial Advisor
This article was co-authored by Darron Kendrick, CPA, MA and by wikiHow staff writer, Jennifer Mueller, JD. Darron Kendrick is an Adjunct Professor of Accounting and Law at the University of North Georgia. He received his Masters degree in tax law from the Thomas Jefferson School of Law in 2012, and his CPA from the Alabama State Board of Public Accountancy in 1984. This article has been viewed 7,845 times.
6 votes - 100%
Co-authors: 3
Updated: June 2, 2019
Views: 7,845
Article SummaryX

To pay road tax, start by getting your car inspected and completing an emissions test as required by your state. Then, gather the necessary information, including your car’s VIN and the name of the person it’s registered to. Next, log onto the government department website listed on your bill or notice, or do a search for “road tax payment.” Finally, enter your vehicle information, and use a credit or debit card to submit your payment. For tips on how to pay your road tax in person, keep reading!

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Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 7,845 times.

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