Everything you need to know about Form V10

What is Form V10?

Form V10 is the DVLA's paper Application for Vehicle Tax, used to tax a car, motorcycle, van up to 3,500kg, motorhome, or most other light vehicles when you can't use the standard online taxing service. Most UK drivers now tax their vehicle online using the reference number from a V11 reminder letter or the V5C registration certificate — V10 exists as the paper fallback for situations where that online route isn't available or applicable.

When do you need Form V10 instead of taxing online?

Common scenarios include: you never received your V11 reminder letter and don't have the reference number needed for online taxing; your vehicle's details have recently changed and the online system won't recognise them; you're applying for a disability-related tax exemption or the 50% disability tax reduction, which requires supporting evidence submitted with a paper form; you're taxing certain unusual vehicle types not fully supported online; or you simply prefer to tax in person at a Post Office. Heavy goods vehicles use Form V85 instead of V10.

What information does Form V10 require?

The vehicle registration number, make and model, the tax class you're applying for (private/light goods, disabled, disabled passenger vehicle, historic vehicle, and others), the length of tax you want to buy (6 or 12 months, with a small surcharge for 6-month or monthly direct debit options), your name and address, and your V5C document reference number if available. For disability-related exemptions or reductions, you'll need to attach the relevant certificate (such as your Certificate of Entitlement to the enhanced rate mobility component of PIP, or a War Pensioner's Mobility Supplement letter).

How do you submit Form V10?

Print the form on plain white A4 paper, single-sided, at 100% scale, and complete it in black ballpoint pen using capital letters — the DVLA's scanning system requires this format. Take the completed form, your V5C (or new keeper supplement), MOT certificate if applicable, and valid insurance details to a Post Office branch that handles vehicle tax. The branch processes the tax electronically and gives you a receipt on the spot. Certain applications (like disability exemptions) may need to be posted directly to the DVLA instead of processed at a Post Office.