When does a classic car become tax exempt?

A classic car becomes eligible to be tax exempt once it turns 40 years old, based on its manufacture date. As of 1^st April 2024, this means that cars built before 1^st January 1984 qualify for historic vehicle tax exemption.

To benefit from this exemption, you must apply to the DVLA to have your vehicle reclassified as historic. Once approved, you won’t need to pay vehicle road tax, also known as Vehicle Excise Duty (VED). You’ll still need to renew it annually to confirm your classic car’s status as roadworthy or whether it’s SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification), even though there’s no cost.

Owners of historic classic cars can benefit from this exemption along with MOT exemption rules if they have not been heavily modified. This makes maintaining a historic vehicle easier to own and affordable, while still ensuring it remains safe and roadworthy.

If your car qualifies for historic status, it will also likely be eligible for a specialist classic car insurance policy.

More on historic vehicle road tax exemption

Historic vehicles are cars, vans and motorcycles that are at least 40 years old and classified as such by the DVLA. Once a vehicle is officially registered as historic, you no longer need to pay vehicle tax (VED). This exemption applies from the start of the financial year after your car’s 40th birthday, meaning:

A car built before 1 January 1983 qualifies from 1 April 2023.
A car built before 1 January 1984 qualifies from 1 April 2024.
A car built before 1 January 1985 qualifies from 1 April 2025.

How to apply for a historic vehicle tax exemption

It’s important to note that tax exemption isn’t automatic once your car becomes 40 years old.

To benefit from the historic vehicle tax exemption, you’ll need to apply for historic status via the DVLA. This process ensures your vehicle is officially recognised under the historic vehicle tax class with the DVLA.

To apply, you’ll need:

The log book (V5C) in your name. If you don’t have the log book, you can complete an application for a log book (V62) by post.
Your vehicle tax reminder letter (V11) – if you have one.
Evidence of your vehicle’s MOT history or your MOT certificate. Or evidence if your vehicle’s exempt from an MOT (V112).

Once approved, you’ll also receive an updated V5C logbook confirming the new tax class and you can then benefit from the tax exemption.

Historic vehicle tax & MOT exemption: FAQs

Are there any exclusions with historic vehicle tax exemption?

Yes, there are. Historic vehicles used for business, hire or commercial purposes don’t qualify for tax exemption, even if they meet the 40-year age criteria. In addition to historic vehicles, the following types of vehicles are also exempt from paying road tax:

Vehicles used by a disabled person
Disabled passenger vehicles
Mobility vehicles and powered wheelchairs
Vehicles with a valid Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN)
Vehicles used for agriculture, horticulture or forestry

Do I need to renew tax if my classic vehicle is tax exempt?

Now that your classic car qualifies for tax exemption, you’ll still have to renew your tax annually. You pay nothing, but you still must let the DVLA know if your vehicle is on the road or whether it’s SORN.

You can be sent reminders by the DVLA to renew your vehicle tax before it expires to make things easier too.

Do historic vehicles need an MOT?

Your vehicle does not need an MOT if it was registered more than 40 years ago, as long as no substantial changes (such as amends to the chassis, body, engine or other criteria) have been made in the last 30 years.

While historic vehicles are exempt from annual MOTs, they must remain roadworthy and safe to drive. Owners are still responsible for regular maintenance to ensure their car meets legal requirements.

We advise still getting an MOT so that you know your classic car is still safe to drive on the road.

Do I still need insurance if my classic car is tax exempt?

Yes, even if your classic car is tax exempt, you are still legally required to have insurance if you drive it on public roads. All vehicles must be insured unless they are declared as SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification).

If your classic car is off the road and registered as SORN, you’re not legally required to have insurance, but opting for laid-up insurance can protect it from fire, theft and accidental damage while in storage.

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