V62 Form: Understanding Car Tax Classes in the UK

Understanding the V62 Form and Car Tax

When you ask 'what tax class is my car v62', you are likely trying to understand how your vehicle will be taxed after you have completed the V62 form. The V62 form itself is used by the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) to apply for a vehicle registration certificate (V5C) when you do not have the current one. It's crucial to understand that the V62 form is about registering your vehicle, not directly about determining its tax band. The 'tax class' as you might be thinking of it isn't an official term for UK car taxation; instead, vehicles are taxed based on specific criteria like CO2 emissions, engine size, or fuel type.

The process of taxing your car happens *after* you have successfully registered it or have a current V5C. You will need your vehicle's registration number and either your V5C reference number or the 11-digit document identification number from your V5C. If you are using a V62 form because you've lost your V5C, you'll typically need to wait for your new V5C to arrive before you can tax the vehicle, or you may be able to use the 11-digit number from a previous V5C if you have it.

• The V62 form is for vehicle registration, not tax band determination.
• UK car tax is based on CO2 emissions, engine size, or fuel type.
• You generally need a V5C to tax your car.
• Car tax registration is a separate process from getting a V5C.
• Understanding your vehicle's details is key to calculating tax.

How UK Car Tax Bands are Determined

The method used to calculate your car tax, often colloquially referred to as a 'tax class', depends on when the vehicle was registered. This system has evolved, meaning older vehicles might be taxed differently from newer ones. It's essential to identify which system applies to your specific car to understand its annual cost.

Cars Registered Before 1st March 2001

For vehicles registered before this date, the tax is primarily based on the engine size. You'll find this information in cubic centimetres (cc) on your V5C registration certificate. The larger the engine, the higher the tax band. This system is relatively straightforward, with clear tiers for different engine capacities.

Cars Registered Between 1st March 2001 and 31st March 2017

This period introduced a system where car tax is based on the vehicle's CO2 emissions. The lower the CO2 emissions, the lower the tax band. Vehicles with zero emissions, such as some electric cars, were often in the lowest band. The DVLA publishes tables detailing the tax bands according to CO2 output, ranging from Band A (lowest emissions) up to Band M (highest emissions). This was a significant shift towards incentivising more environmentally friendly vehicles.

Cars Registered From 1st April 2017 Onwards

For newer vehicles, the system changed again. The first year of registration is taxed at a higher rate based on CO2 emissions, but subsequent years use a flat rate. This flat rate applies to most petrol and diesel cars. Electric vehicles registered from April 2017 onwards are currently exempt from paying car tax, though this is subject to review. Hybrid vehicles have specific rules depending on their CO2 emissions and fuel type, often falling into a mid-range tax band.

The key takeaway is that your car's tax band is determined by its age, engine size, CO2 emissions, or fuel type, not by the V62 form itself.

What You Need to Tax Your Car

Once you have your vehicle registration certificate (V5C), you have all the essential information needed to tax your car. The DVLA requires specific details to process your vehicle tax application. Ensure you have the following to hand:

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• Vehicle Registration Number: This is the standard UK number plate.
• V5C Logbook Reference: You will need either the 11-digit document identification number from your V5C or the 12-character reference number from the new keeper supplement (V5C/2) if you have recently purchased the vehicle and are using the green slip. If you have lost your V5C and are using the V62 to get a replacement, you might need to wait for the new V5C to arrive before you can tax the vehicle, or use a previous V5C's reference number if available.
• MOT Test Certificate: If your vehicle requires an MOT (which most cars over three years old do), you will need a valid certificate. The system will check its validity digitally.
• Payment Method: You can pay your car tax using a credit or debit card.

It's worth noting that some older vehicles (typically those registered before 1980) may not have CO2 emissions data and are taxed differently, often based on engine size or historical tax classes. If you are unsure about your specific vehicle, the DVLA's online vehicle tax service is the most reliable place to check.

Always check your V5C document carefully for the correct reference numbers before starting the online tax process to avoid errors.

Using the V62 Form: A Step-by-Step Process

If you are asking 'what tax class is my car v62', it means you're likely in a situation where you need to obtain a V5C registration certificate using the V62 form. This typically happens when you've bought a vehicle and the seller didn't give you the V5C, or if you've lost your own V5C. Here’s how to approach it:

1. Obtain the V62 Form

You can download the V62 'Application for a vehicle registration certificate' form from the official GOV.UK website. It's important to use the official form to ensure it's current and valid.

2. Complete the V62 Form Accurately

Fill in all the required details. This includes your personal information, the vehicle's registration number, make, model, and its Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). You may also need to provide details about how you acquired the vehicle and why you do not have the current V5C. Be truthful and thorough.

3. Submit the V62 Form

You can submit the completed V62 form by post to the DVLA. Ensure you include any supporting documents they may require, such as proof of identity or purchase, if applicable. The DVLA will process your application and, if approved, send you a new V5C registration certificate. This process can take several weeks.

4. Wait for Your New V5C

Once you receive your new V5C, you can then proceed to tax your vehicle. The new V5C will contain the necessary reference numbers for online or telephone tax applications. You generally cannot tax a vehicle using just the V62 form; the V5C is the document that links you to the vehicle for taxation purposes.

The DVLA will send your new V5C to the address you provide on the V62 form.

When Can You Tax Your Car After Using V62?

This is a common point of confusion when using the V62 form. You cannot tax your car immediately after submitting the V62. The V62 is an application for a replacement V5C document. The DVLA needs to process this application, verify your details, and issue a new V5C registration certificate before you can officially tax the vehicle.

→ Getting Car Tax Back: Your Refund Process Explained

The timeframe for receiving a new V5C after submitting a V62 can vary, but it typically takes a few weeks. It's advisable to keep an eye on your post during this period. If you have recently purchased a vehicle and the seller provided you with the green 'new keeper' slip from the V5C, you can use the 12-character reference number on that slip to tax the vehicle immediately, even before the full V5C arrives in your name. However, if you have no V5C at all and are relying solely on the V62 process, you must wait until the new V5C is in your possession.

Should you need to tax your vehicle urgently and are awaiting a new V5C due to a lost document, you may be able to use the 11-digit document identification number from a previous V5C if you still have it or can obtain it from the DVLA. However, the most straightforward and recommended method is to wait for the new V5C.

Understanding Different Car Tax Scenarios

Beyond the general rules, several specific situations can affect how you tax your car. These often involve particular vehicle types or circumstances that might seem like different 'tax classes' to the uninitiated.

Electric and Low-Emission Vehicles

As mentioned, electric cars registered from 1st April 2017 are currently exempt from car tax. However, this exemption is reviewed periodically by the government. Some low-emission vehicles (those with very low CO2 outputs) might also fall into cheaper tax bands. It is always best to check the latest DVLA guidelines for specific exemptions or reduced rates.

Disability Car Tax Exemptions

If you receive a qualifying disability benefit, such as the Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA), the Enhanced Rate Mobility Component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), or the War Pension Mobility Supplement, your car may be eligible for a 100% discount on car tax. You will need to apply for this exemption through the DVLA, and it is linked to your benefit entitlement. This is a significant 'tax class' difference for eligible individuals.

Classic and Historic Vehicles

Vehicles registered before 1st January 1976 are currently exempt from paying car tax. For vehicles registered between 1st January 1976 and 1st March 2001, the tax is based on engine size. Vehicles registered after 1st March 2001 follow the CO2 emission-based system. It's important to note that even if exempt from tax, vehicles that require an MOT must still have a valid MOT certificate.

Asking the DVLA

If you are uncertain about your vehicle's tax band, especially if it's an older or modified vehicle, or if you believe you might qualify for an exemption like disability car tax, the most reliable course of action is to contact the DVLA directly. They can confirm your vehicle's specific tax category and inform you of any applicable discounts or requirements.

Always confirm your eligibility for any tax discount or exemption directly with the DVLA.

→ How to Car Tax Check: Your UK Guide

What If My Car Isn't Taxed?

Driving an untaxed vehicle on public roads is illegal and can lead to significant penalties. If your car is not taxed, the DVLA will send you a reminder (V11) before the expiry date. If you miss the deadline, your car will be clamped or removed if it's found on a public road. If you're not using the vehicle, you should declare it as off the road using a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN).

A SORN tells the DVLA that your vehicle is not being used on public roads and therefore does not need to be taxed. You can do this online or by post. If you declare SORN, you must keep the vehicle off the road until it is taxed again or a new SORN is declared. This protects you from penalties. When you are ready to use the vehicle on the road again, you will need to tax it, which requires a valid MOT if applicable and payment of the appropriate vehicle tax.

Failure to tax your vehicle or declare SORN when it is not in use can result in fines and other enforcement actions.

Comparing Car Tax Costs

The cost of car tax can vary substantially. Understanding the factors that influence it will help you budget and potentially make more economical choices when purchasing a vehicle. Here's a breakdown of what drives the cost:

When comparing cars, always check their specific tax band. A car with higher CO2 emissions or a larger engine will cost more to tax annually than a more economical or newer electric model. This cost is a significant factor in the overall running expenses of a vehicle, alongside insurance, fuel, and maintenance.

When buying a new or used car, ask for its CO2 emissions figure or engine size and check the current car tax rates on the GOV.UK website before committing.

Next Steps After Using the V62 Form

You've successfully navigated the V62 form process and received your new V5C registration certificate. Congratulations! Your next logical step is to ensure your vehicle is legally on the road. This primarily means taxing it.

Head to the GOV.UK website or use the DVLA's telephone service to tax your vehicle. You will need your registration number and the reference number from your V5C. If your car requires an MOT, ensure you have a valid certificate, as this is checked during the taxation process. If you plan to keep the vehicle off the road, remember to declare it SORN to avoid penalties.

Remember that the V5C is your proof of registration, and taxing your vehicle ensures you are compliant with road tax laws.