Vehicle tax Direct Debit payments

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Change bank account or payment method

When you want to change the account your Direct Debit is taken from you can either:

  • ask your new bank or building society to move your Direct Debits from your old account
  • change to another account you already have

You can also change to paying by credit or debit card.

Switching bank or building society

Most UK banks can move Direct Debits from your old bank account to your new one.

You do not need to tell DVLA or do anything else.

Move your Direct Debit to an account you already have

Your bank might be able to move a Direct Debit from one of your accounts to another if both accounts are with them. Check with your bank.

Contact DVLA if either:

  • your bank cannot move the Direct Debit to your other account
  • the 2 accounts are with different banks

You need to contact DVLA with your new bank account details at least 5 working days before the date of your next scheduled payment.

You’ll need to provide:

  • your new account number and sort code
  • your new bank or building society’s name and address

If you write to DVLA, the letter must be signed and dated by the person who set up the Direct Debit.

If you contact DVLA less than 5 working days before the date your next payment is due, your old bank account may still be charged.

Pay with a debit or credit card

  1. Ask your bank or building society to cancel your Direct Debit. You can keep driving your vehicle until the date your next Direct Debit payment was due.

  2. Tax your vehicle on the first day of the month that your next Direct Debit payment was due. Use the 11 digit number on your vehicle log book (V5C).

  3. Pay the tax for your vehicle using a debit or credit card.

View a printable version of the whole guide

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