Tax On New Car

[TCoys28]

I'm looking to buy a new car tomorrow (second hand), but it may not be taxed!

What is the procedure on getting tax for a new car?

I'm due to work on Tuesday (job involves driving), so just wanted to know if I can apply for the tax online and then drive it until it arrives?!

[Buenchico]

To tax a vehicle online you need either:
(a) a tax renewal reminder (showing your name and address and which you obviously haven't got) ; or
(b) the V5C ('log book') document, showing your name and address (which you won't have yet).

All you'll have (hopefully!) is a 'new keeper supplement' from the old V5C. That can only be used at a Post Office, not online:
https://www.gov.uk/car-tax-disc-vehicle-licence-using-form-v10

[Buenchico]

PS: Assuming you complete the deal tomorrow, ensure that you've got the phone number of your existing insurer (if any) with you. Complete the deal and then immediately phone the insurer to get cover for your new vehicle. Ask them to email a copy of the certificate (or cover note) to you straight away. (Downloaded insurance documents are valid when taxing a vehicle).

Go home [in your old car or by public transport, NOT in the new one!] or to anywhere with internet access and a printer (such as a public library, internet café or even the car dealership that you've just made your purchase from) to print out the insurance document. Then go a Post Office (which issues tax discs) with the new keeper supplement, MOT certificate (if relevant), insurance document and your debit card (or even good old-fashioned cash!).

[Old_Geezer]

Gee I'd have thought one might take a legal risk and drive straight to the PO and get the tax. Of course I accept no responsibility if this is considered and done. Alternatively you could take a taxi to and from the PO I suppose.

[TWR]

Easy option, get the seller to tax it for you, it saves a ot of messing about.

[Gizmonster]

I was going to suggest getting the seller to tax it for you ..... TWR beat me to it.
When I got my last car, I asked the seller (a car dealer) to tax the car for me. I paid the difference (ie the price of the tax), so it was taxed the following day when I went to pick it up.
It certainly saved a lot of messing around ........

[Old_Geezer]

:-) I just assumed second hand implied a private sale.

[woofgang]

well the private seller could tax the car.....

[TWR]

Just a tip Tcoys, are you Mechanically minded? If not take someone with you that knows, too many on here have come unstuck the 2nd hand cars.

[Old_Geezer]

They could get the tax, but since it isn't for their benefit they may well take the attitude that it isn't their problem. Getting rid of the car saved them having to get tax.

[woofgang]

then you don't buy the car......I am not suggesting that they pay for the tax.

[Old_Geezer]

There you go TCoys, you have to tell them you don't want the car ;-)

[TCoys28]

Thanks for all your advice guys.

I have finally come home this evening with a car, but it's not taxed! I was going to sort it out, but it was too late in the day (post offices had closed). I will sort out the tax in the morning