The DVLA has issued an update to millions of drivers
Millions of motorists are being urged to verify they’re registered with an online portal that could help them sidestep penalties, overlooked MOTs and driving licence complications. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has issued a fresh appeal for drivers to link their vehicles to their official online account so they can monitor essential information.
In a message on X, it stated: “Don’t forget to add your vehicles to your Driver and vehicles account. You can then view your vehicle details, including when your MOT expires. Not signed up yet? It’s easy.”
The warning arrives as millions depend on notifications to ensure they don’t inadvertently drive without a current MOT or breach vehicle tax regulations.
What the account lets you do
The DVLA’s driver and vehicles account allows motorists to:
- View their driving record, including which vehicles they are entitled to drive
- Check penalty points or disqualifications
- Add and view vehicle details – including MOT expiry dates
- Check tax rates and manage vehicle tax reminders
- Renew a photocard driving licence and manage renewal reminders
- Replace a lost, stolen or damaged licence
- Change the address on a driving licence
- View a photo of their licence
- Renew a licence at age 70 or over
- Exchange a paper licence
- Create a licence “check code” to share their driving record, for example with a car hire firm
- View Driver CPC and tachograph information, where applicable
- Drivers can also choose digital reminders instead of paper V11 letters when taxing their vehicle every 6 or 12 months.
However, those who pay vehicle tax by direct debit cannot set up vehicle tax reminders through the account.
Who is eligible
To register, drivers must possess either:
- A driving licence issued in England, Scotland or Wales, or.
- A vehicle log book (V5C) in their name.
Users may be required to verify their identity when logging in – typically using photo ID such as a passport or driving licence – to ensure details remain secure.
Why this is important
Missing MOT or tax deadlines can prove expensive. Driving without a valid MOT can lead to a fine of up to £1,000, whilst keeping a vehicle without taxing it – unless it has been declared off the road (SORN) – can trigger penalties.
The DVLA states that drivers can still access certain information, such as vehicle tax status or share driving licence details, without creating an account.
However, with more services transitioning online and reminders becoming increasingly digital, the agency is encouraging motorists not to miss out.
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