Check the Status of a Car
"Status" can mean several things for a UK vehicle. Here is how to check tax status, MOT status, SORN, and the broader history status (finance, write-off, stolen) in one place.
Road Tax Status
The DVLA check returns one of three tax statuses:
- Taxed — vehicle is currently taxed and showing the expiry date
- SORN — Statutory Off Road Notification applied; vehicle must not be on a public road
- Untaxed — tax has lapsed; vehicle is not legally roadworthy for tax purposes
MOT Status
The DVLA check also shows the MOT expiry date. MOT and tax are separate — a car can be taxed but not have a valid MOT, or vice versa. Both are required to drive legally on a public road (SORN vehicles are exempt from both while off-road).
Finance, Write-Off, and Stolen Status
These statuses come from the Experian AutoCheck database, not the DVLA. They require a full vehicle check:
- Finance outstanding — HP or PCP agreement where the lender retains legal interest
- Write-off — insurance total loss; category S or N indicates whether structural damage was involved
- Stolen — vehicle reported as stolen and not recovered
- Scrapped — vehicle issued a Certificate of Destruction and should not be on the road
Status Before Buying
Before buying any used car, confirm all the above. Tax and MOT status are quick and free. Finance, write-off, and stolen require a full check — but are the most financially important. A car that is SORN or untaxed can be corrected by the buyer; a car with outstanding finance or a stolen flag cannot safely be purchased.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "check the status of a car" mean?
Checking the status of a car typically means verifying: its road tax status (taxed, SORN, or untaxed), its MOT status (valid or expired), and its wider vehicle status (written off, outstanding finance, stolen). The DVLA handles tax/MOT status; Experian AutoCheck handles finance/write-off/stolen status.
How do I check if a car is currently taxed?
Use the DVLA vehicle enquiry at gov.uk/check-vehicle-tax or the VEHIXA free check. You will see whether the vehicle is taxed and the tax expiry date. If the vehicle is SORN, this will also be shown.
What is SORN status?
SORN stands for Statutory Off Road Notification. A SORN vehicle has been officially declared off the public road and is exempt from road tax while this status applies. A SORN vehicle must not be driven or parked on a public road. To remove SORN, the keeper must re-tax the vehicle.
What does it mean if a car shows as "untaxed"?
Untaxed means the vehicle's road tax (VED) has lapsed and has not been renewed. Driving an untaxed vehicle on a public road is an offence. The vehicle may also not have a valid MOT. DVLA cameras detect untaxed vehicles automatically — enforcement notices are issued to the registered keeper.
Check tax, MOT, finance, write-off, and stolen status
Enter any UK registration for a complete status report — free basic or full paid check.
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