Insurance & MOT/GVT Checking

I have valid insurance, why don't you know that?If you have recently renewed, updated or changed the insurance policy, the details may not have been updated yet on the Motor Insurance Database (MID). This means that we are unable to check that the vehicle is insured. It could also be that your current insurance policy expires shortly before the new tax disc start date.
You will need to apply for the tax disc at a licence-issuing Post Office® that issues tax discs using the renewal reminder or the Registration Certificate together with the relevant insurance and MoT/GVT certificate (if applicable) and fee.
What is the Motor Insurance Database (MID)?The Motor Insurance Database (MID) holds details of motor insurance policies for British registered vehicles provided by the motor insurers of Great Britain. These insurers are legally required to provide this information to the MID.
How do you check that the vehicle is covered by insurance?When you apply for a tax disc on our website or using our telephone service the vehicle's insurance will be electronically checked with the Motor Insurance Database (MID). Opens a new window
My car tax is due for renewal on the 1st of the month but my Insurance Certificate expires the day before. Can I apply for a tax disc now?No. The Insurance Certificate or Cover Note must be valid on the day the tax disc starts.
Can the insurance company telephone you or send you a document to confirm I have insurance?No. In order to use Vehicle Licensing Online, the vehicle's insurance information has to be checked electronically. If the information is not available on the database you will not be able to use this service and you should apply for a tax disc at a Post Office® that issues tax discs using the renewal reminder or the Registration Certificate, together with the relevant insurance and MoT/GVT certificate (if applicable) and fee.
Can I apply for a tax disc for my vehicle using my wife/husband's insurance?Applications are acceptable in certain circumstances where the registered keeper is not the policyholder. You are only able to use this service if the Vehicle Registration Number quoted on the Insurance Certificate is the same as the vehicle being taxed.
I have a Green Card (International Motor Insurance Card). Can I use this to apply for a tax disc?No. The 'Green Card' is not acceptable, as it is not an Insurance Certificate. The 'Green Card' only indicates that the cardholder is covered should they be involved in a traffic accident when travelling outside their home country. To apply for a tax disc the vehicle must have a valid UK Insurance Certificate.
My vehicle is covered by foreign insurance. Why can't you accept the Certificate?Insurance companies conducting business within the UK must be members of the Motor Insurance Bureau. There is nothing to prevent non-UK insurers from becoming members of the MIB but none have, chosen to do so yet.
I have a valid MOT/GVT Test Certificate, why don't you know that?It appears the vehicle has not yet been updated on the MoT Certificate database. You can phone the MoT helpline for information (with permission of the car owner). The telephone number is 0300 123 9000.
Can I enter a reference number or code so that you can check that my electronic MOT Test Certificate/GVT Test Certificate is correct?No. We can only check the Vehicle Registration Number against the MoT/GVT Test Certificate Database.
How often does the MOT Test Certificate Database get updated?It should be updated as soon as the test has been completed at a computerised testing station.
What is an electronic MOT Test Certificate? Where will I get one?It is official confirmation that an MoT has been conducted and the result of the test entered on the computerised MoT Certificate Database.
A MOT Certificate can be obtained from any vehicle testing station, which has had computerisation equipment installed.
How do you check that the vehicle has a valid electronic MOT Certificate/GVT Certificate?When you apply for a tax disc using our online service or our phone service, the vehicle's MoT Certificate or GVT Certificate will be electronically checked with the MoT/GVT Certificate Database.
My car tax is due for renewal on the 1st of the month but my MOT Test Certificate expires the day before. Can I apply for a tax disc now?No. The MOT Test Certificate must be valid on the day the tax disc starts.
Do you accept Northern Ireland MOT/GVT Test Certificates?No. We are unable to check Northern Ireland MoT/GVT Test Certificates electronically. Although Northern Ireland is part of the UK, they have a separate registration and licensing authority for vehicles.
You can, however, use the Northern Ireland MoT/GVT Certificate to apply for a tax disc at any Post Office® that issues tax discs or DVLA Local Office (if you have a Heavy Goods Vehicle).
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