DVLA Contact Number UK: Complete Phone and Online Guide (2026)

DVLA Contact Number UK: Vehicle Tax, SORN and V5C Enquiries

The main DVLA contact number for vehicle enquiries is 0300 790 6802. This line handles car tax, SORN declarations, V5C log books and vehicle registration queries. It is the number to use for most day-to-day paperwork relating to a vehicle rather than a driving licence. The line is open Monday to Friday from 8am to 7pm and Saturday from 8am to 2pm, and it is closed on Sunday.

Before dialling, it helps to have the vehicle registration number and the V5C reference number to hand, as these are usually requested at the start of the call. Having documents nearby can shorten the conversation considerably.

Is the DVLA Phone Number Free to Call?

No. Numbers beginning 0300 are charged at the same rate as a standard UK landline, which means 01 or 02 numbers. They are not freephone 0800 numbers, so a charge applies unless the call is covered by an inclusive minutes package. Many mobile and landline tariffs include 0300 calls within their monthly allowance, but this varies by provider and plan, so it is worth checking the tariff before calling. Some people search for a freephone DVLA contact number, but the official lines are standard-rate rather than free.

DVLA Phone Number for Driving Licences and Applications

Driving licence enquiries are handled on a separate line: 0300 790 6801. The opening hours match the vehicle line, running Monday to Friday 8am to 7pm and Saturday 8am to 2pm, with Sunday closed. This number covers applications for a licence, renewals, a change of address on a licence, provisional licence queries, lost or damaged licences and tracking the progress of an application.

Processing times matter here. An online driving licence application normally takes around 2 weeks, while a postal application takes about 3 weeks. Waiting for that window to pass before ringing avoids an unnecessary call, since staff cannot speed up an application that is still within its normal timeframe. Drivers who also want to check the car's MOT status can do so separately without contacting DVLA at all.

Contact DVLA Medical Team: Health Conditions and Driving

Medical matters are dealt with on 0300 790 6806, open Monday to Friday 8am to 7pm and Saturday 8am to 2pm. Drivers have a legal duty to inform DVLA of any condition that may affect their ability to drive. Applications linked to a medical condition usually take around 6 weeks, and this can run longer if the case is referred to a doctor for further information.

Written medical correspondence should go to Drivers' Medical Enquiries, DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1TU. Note that the WhatsApp service cannot be used to ask about medical issues, so these enquiries must go through the phone line, webchat, email form or post.

DVLA Phone Number Opening Times: When Can You Call?

All three main lines share the same schedule, which makes planning a call straightforward. The table below sets out the details.

Every line is closed on Sunday. Waiting times tend to be shortest early in the morning between 8am and 9am, or later in the afternoon. Mondays and the first week of each month are typically the busiest periods, so avoiding those times can reduce the hold.

How to Contact DVLA Online: Web Chat, WhatsApp and Email

There are several digital routes for those who would rather not phone. Webchat is available through gov.uk/contact-the-dvla and covers vehicle tax, SORN, driving licences, V5C and medical enquiries. WhatsApp handles vehicle tax, SORN, licence and V5C questions, but it cannot be used to call DVLA, make a payment, set up a Direct Debit, raise medical issues or order a new driving licence. Email is offered through an online form on GOV.UK for all main enquiry types, and a BSL video relay service supports deaf or hard of hearing users on a computer, mobile or tablet.

Drivers who simply want to check if your vehicle is currently taxed can do so free of charge without contacting DVLA.

When Must You Contact DVLA? Key Events That Require Notification

There are several points at which the law or good practice requires you to get in touch with the agency. Selling, transferring or buying a vehicle must be reported using gov.uk/sold-bought-vehicle, which can be done online. A change of name or address on a driving licence should also be updated, and this is possible online or by post.

• Medical condition: a legal duty to inform DVLA if a condition may affect driving; handled by phone, post or the online form.
• SORN: declaring a vehicle off-road can be done online or by phone on the vehicle line.
• Scrapping or permanent export: notify DVLA so records and any refund are handled correctly.

For the sale process in detail, see the guide on telling DVLA you've sold your car.

DVLA Contact by Post: Addresses for Vehicle, Licence and Medical

Postal contact is slower than digital routes, so allow 6 to 8 weeks for most applications sent by mail. The correct address depends on the nature of the enquiry.

DVLA Phone Number Car Tax: 0300 790 6802

Car tax, SORN and V5C matters all use 0300 790 6802. Through this line a keeper can renew tax, query a refund and update keeper details. Those who prefer to handle it online can renew your vehicle tax through GOV.UK. Where a SORN refund is due, it can take up to 6 weeks to arrive.

DVLA Phone Number Northern Ireland: Contact DVA Instead

DVLA serves Great Britain only, meaning England, Scotland and Wales. Drivers in Northern Ireland should contact the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) rather than DVLA for licensing and vehicle matters.

DVLA Contact for SORN and Vehicle Tax Refund Enquiries

When a vehicle is sold, declared off-road, exported or scrapped, any remaining tax is refunded automatically once the change of keeper is notified or a SORN is declared. There is no need to request the refund separately. The money arrives by cheque, usually within 6 weeks.

For SORN, the contact line is 0300 790 6802. Confirmation of a SORN made by phone can take up to 4 weeks, so it is worth waiting that long before chasing. A free car check can confirm the recorded status in the meantime.

Frequently Asked Questions About Contacting DVLA

What is the DVLA contact number for vehicle tax?

Use 0300 790 6802 for car tax, SORN and V5C queries, Monday to Friday 8am to 7pm and Saturday 8am to 2pm.

What is the DVLA phone number for driving licences?

The licence line is 0300 790 6801, open the same hours as the vehicle line.

Is there a free DVLA phone number?

No. The 0300 lines are charged at the standard landline rate and are not freephone, though many inclusive plans cover them.

Can I contact DVLA by email or web chat?

Yes. Webchat and an email form are available through the GOV.UK contact tool, along with WhatsApp for certain enquiry types.

When should I contact DVLA after buying a car?

Notify the sale or purchase promptly using gov.uk/sold-bought-vehicle so records and refunds are correct.

How long does it take DVLA to respond?

Times vary: online licence applications take about 2 weeks, postal applications 6 to 8 weeks, and medical cases around 6 weeks.

What should I do if I cannot get through to DVLA?

Try calling at quieter times such as 8am to 9am, or use webchat, WhatsApp or the email form instead.