Checking the current tax status is a simple but important part of buying a used car. It helps confirm the vehicle's current administrative status and reminds you of an important rule: vehicle tax does not transfer to the new keeper when a car is sold.
A car may show as taxed while it still belongs to the seller, but that does not mean you can rely on their remaining tax after ownership changes. The buyer is responsible for taxing the vehicle from the point required by the DVLA process.
A SORN, or Statutory Off Road Notification, means the vehicle has been declared off the public road. A SORN vehicle cannot simply be driven home on public roads because you have bought it. Make sure you understand the tax, insurance and roadworthiness position before arranging collection.
Use the registration to check the available tax status and compare the vehicle details with the V5C and the car in front of you. Registration, make, colour and other identifying details should make sense together. Administrative data is useful partly because inconsistencies give you a reason to stop and verify.
Before driving away, arrange the insurance and vehicle tax required for your circumstances. Do not assume a dealer or private seller has handled your obligations unless that process has been explicitly completed and you have confirmation.
Tax status is only one part of a used-car check. Combine it with MOT history, mileage, identity and deeper history checks appropriate to the value and risk of the purchase.