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To change a vehicle tax class from disabled to normal, you must usually visit a Post Office that deals with vehicle tax or send an application by post to DVLA Swansea.
This change cannot normally be completed online. You will need your V5C log book, a valid MOT if required, and payment for the correct rate of Vehicle Excise Duty (VED).
Before starting the process, make sure you:
- Check whether the vehicle tax is due to run out
- Gather the correct documents
- Work out the new tax rate for your vehicle
- Decide whether to apply at a Post Office or by post
If you have recently bought a car with disabled tax, you should change the tax class immediately, as the exemption does not transfer automatically to a new keeper.
What Is a Disabled Vehicle Tax Class?
A disabled vehicle tax class is a reduced or exempt rate of Vehicle Excise Duty for vehicles used mainly by a disabled person.
In the UK, this exemption is available to people receiving certain mobility benefits, including the Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance, the Enhanced Rate Mobility Component of Personal Independence Payment, or War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement.
The vehicle must be used primarily for the disabled person’s benefit. Once that no longer applies, the vehicle tax class must be changed to a normal category, such as Private/Light Goods (PLG).
As DVLA guidance explains:
“The exemption applies only while the vehicle is being used for the qualifying disabled person.”
In other words, the reduced tax does not stay with the car forever. It only applies while the registered keeper remains eligible.
Why Would You Need to Change a Vehicle Tax Class from Disabled to Normal?
There are several situations where you may need to change a vehicle tax class from disabled to normal. The most common is when you buy a second-hand car that was previously taxed by a disabled owner.
Because the exemption belongs to the previous keeper, you must re-tax the vehicle in your own name at the normal rate.
You may also need to change the tax class if the disabled person no longer qualifies for the exemption or if the vehicle is no longer mainly used for their benefit.
Typical reasons include:
- Buying a used car with the disabled tax already applied
- A change of registered keeper
- The disabled owner no longer receives qualifying benefits
- The vehicle is now being used by someone else
Using the wrong tax class can lead to fines and penalties. A vehicle that still shows disabled tax when the keeper is not eligible may be treated as untaxed.
A DVLA adviser told motorists in guidance issued through GOV.UK:
“If you no longer qualify for a disabled tax class, you must notify DVLA and pay the correct rate from the start of the month the change occurs.”
How to Change Vehicle Tax Class from Disabled to Normal?
Changing the vehicle tax class is usually straightforward. The exact process depends on whether the existing tax is about to expire or whether there are still months remaining.
Changing the Tax Class at a Post Office
If the vehicle tax is due to run out soon, you can usually change the tax class at a Post Office branch that handles vehicle tax.
Take your documents to the branch, pay the new tax amount, and the vehicle will be taxed at the normal rate straight away. Most people use this method when they have received a V11 reminder letter or when they have just bought a car with disabled tax.
The process normally involves:
- Bring your V5C log book or V11 reminder
- Showing proof of a valid MOT if needed
- Paying the correct tax for the vehicle
Sending a Postal Application to DVLA Swansea
If the tax is not due to run out yet, you normally need to apply by post.
You must send the required forms and documents to:
DVLA
Swansea
SA99 1BF
This option is also used when the vehicle’s use, structure or category has changed.
You should send the original documents rather than photocopies. Once DVLA processes the change, you will receive an updated V5C showing the new tax class.
Can You Change a Vehicle Tax Class from Disabled to Normal Online?
No, not fully. Although you can check your vehicle tax and MOT status online, changing a vehicle tax class from disabled to normal cannot usually be completed through the standard GOV.UK online tax service.
This is because DVLA needs to review documents such as the V5C and any evidence of MOT or exemption changes. You can still use the GOV.UK website to check how much tax you will need to pay and to find a Post Office that handles vehicle tax.
What Documents Do You Need to Change a Vehicle Tax Class?
The documents required depend on your situation, but most motorists will need the V5C registration certificate, MOT evidence and payment for the new tax rate.
| Document | Why It Is Needed | When It Is Required |
| V5C log book | Confirms vehicle ownership and tax class | Usually required in all cases |
| V11 reminder letter | Helps when the tax is due to expire | If you have received one |
| MOT certificate or MOT history | Confirms the vehicle is roadworthy | If the vehicle requires an MOT |
| V112 form | Proves MOT exemption | If the vehicle is MOT exempt |
| V62 form | Used to request a replacement V5C | If you do not have the log book |
| Payment for vehicle tax | Covers the new tax class | When moving from disabled to normal |
If you have just bought the vehicle and do not yet have the full V5C, you can normally use the green V5C/2 new keeper slip.
| Situation | Where to Apply | Main Document Needed |
| Tax due to run out | Post Office | V5C or V11 |
| Tax not due to run out | By post to DVLA | V70 and V5C |
| No V5C available | Post Office or DVLA | V62 form |
| Recently bought a vehicle | Post Office | V5C/2 new keeper slip |
Overall, having the correct documents ready will make the process smoother and help avoid delays when changing your vehicle tax class
How Do You Change the Vehicle Tax Class if the Tax Is Due to Run Out?
If your vehicle tax is about to expire, the easiest way to change the tax class is by visiting a Post Office that offers vehicle tax services. You can switch from the disabled tax class to the normal one while renewing your tax.
You will need:
- V5C log book or V11 reminder
- Valid MOT (if required)
- Payment for the new tax
- V5C/2 slip if recently purchased
Once processed, your vehicle is taxed at the standard rate immediately, and the disabled tax class is removed.
A Post Office spokesperson has advised:
“Customers changing from disabled tax to a normal tax class should bring all original documents, as we cannot process the change without proof of vehicle ownership and MOT status.”
What Happens if the Vehicle Tax Is Not Due to Run Out Yet?
If your vehicle tax is still valid, you cannot wait until renewal if you no longer qualify for the disabled tax class. You must inform DVLA immediately and pay any additional tax due.
This usually applies when:
- You buy a vehicle with disabled tax
- ownership changes
- The disabled person no longer qualifies
- The vehicle is no longer used for them
In most cases, the change must be done by post. You’ll also need to pay the difference in tax from the start of the current month, even if the change happens later.
How Do You Use Form V70 to Change the Tax Class?
Form V70 is used when the vehicle tax is not due to run out. You can download it from GOV.UK or request one by post.
Complete the form with your vehicle details and the new tax class. You then send it to DVLA along with your V5C, MOT evidence and payment for any additional tax.
If you do not have the V5C, you must also include a V62 form. In most cases, a replacement log book costs £25 unless you have the new keeper slip from a recent purchase.
Calculating the Extra Vehicle Tax You Need to Pay
When changing from disabled to normal, you often need to pay the difference between the old and new rate.
The DVLA method is simple. Work out the annual tax rate for your vehicle, divide it by 12, and then multiply by the number of months remaining.
For example, if the vehicle moves from a £0 disabled tax class to a standard rate of £195 per year and there are four months left:
- £195 ÷ 12 = £16.25 per month
- £16.25 × 4 = £65
In this case, you would need to pay £65.
If the change happens part way through a month, the higher rate applies from the first day of that month. So if you changed the tax class on 25 March, you would still have to pay the increased amount from 1 March.
Do You Have to Pay Extra Tax When Changing from Disabled to Normal?
In most cases, yes. When you move from a disabled tax class to a normal one, your vehicle is no longer exempt from Vehicle Excise Duty, so you must pay the standard rate.
The exact amount depends on factors such as registration date, CO2 emissions, fuel type, and engine size.
For newer vehicles (registered after April 2017), most cars pay a standard annual rate, while older vehicles follow different systems based on emissions or engine size. Electric vehicles are also now included in standard rates after the first year.
| Vehicle Registration Date | How Tax Is Calculated | Typical Rate |
| After 1 April 2017 | Standard annual rate | Around £195 |
| 1 March 2001 – 31 March 2017 | CO2 emissions band | Varies |
| Before 1 March 2001 | Engine size | Varies |
Before applying, it is a good idea to check your exact tax amount on GOV.UK using the vehicle registration number.
What Refund Happens When a Vehicle Leaves the Disabled Tax Class?
Any unused tax is normally refunded automatically, but the money goes to the previous keeper rather than the new owner.
The refund is only calculated in full months. If there are six months left on the previous tax, the former keeper receives the value of those six months by cheque.
A DVLA representative explained:
“Refunds for unused tax are issued automatically to the previous registered keeper once the vehicle record is updated.”
A Real Example:
Martin from Leeds bought a used hatchback in February that still had disabled tax. He assumed the tax would transfer with the car and drove it for two weeks before checking the V5C. After contacting the Post Office, he discovered the exemption was no longer valid because he was not eligible.
Martin used the V5C/2 new keeper slip, paid the normal annual tax rate, and the vehicle was updated immediately.
He later said:
“I thought the car was already taxed, but I realised disabled tax only applies to the previous owner. Thankfully, it was easy to sort once I knew what to do.”
This is a common situation for people buying second-hand cars, which is why it is always important to check the tax class before driving away.
What Should You Do if You Bought a Car with Disabled Tax?
If you have bought a car with disabled tax, do not assume that the tax transfers automatically. The moment ownership changes, the previous tax arrangement ends.
The first thing you should do is register yourself as the new keeper. If you have the green new keeper slip, you can use it straight away to tax the car correctly.
You should then visit a Post Office or contact DVLA to change the vehicle tax class from disabled to normal. Until that happens, you should not drive the car unless you personally qualify for the disabled tax exemption.
The risk of ignoring the issue is significant. DVLA and the police use Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras to identify untaxed vehicles. If your car is still showing disabled tax and you are not entitled to it, you may receive a fine or penalty notice.
What Happens After You Change the Vehicle Tax Class?
Once your application has been processed, DVLA updates the vehicle record and sends you a revised V5C showing the new tax class.
If you applied at a Post Office, the change may appear almost immediately in the DVLA database. Postal applications take longer, usually between two and four weeks.
You can normally continue using the vehicle while waiting for DVLA to process the paperwork, as long as you have paid the correct tax and submitted the required documents.
What Mistakes Should You Avoid When Changing from Disabled to Normal Tax Class?
The most common mistake is believing that disabled tax stays with the vehicle after it has been sold. It does not. Once ownership changes, the exemption ends unless the new keeper also qualifies.
Motorists should also avoid sending incomplete applications. Missing information or documents can delay the process or lead to the paperwork being returned.
Common mistakes include:
- Forgetting to include the MOT certificate
- Using the wrong form, such as missing the V70 or V62
- Sending photocopies instead of original documents
- Failing to pay the extra tax due
- Assuming the change can be completed entirely online
- Driving the vehicle before the correct tax class has been applied
Taking a few extra minutes to check your paperwork carefully can save time and help you avoid fines or delays.
Conclusion
Changing a vehicle tax class from disabled to normal is essential whenever the vehicle is no longer eligible for the exemption. In most cases, you must either visit a Post Office that handles vehicle tax or send a postal application to DVLA Swansea.
The process is straightforward once you have the right documents. Make sure you have your V5C, MOT evidence and payment ready, then apply as soon as possible. If you have bought a car with disabled tax, do not drive it until you have updated the tax class.
By acting quickly, you can avoid penalties and ensure your vehicle is taxed correctly.
FAQs About
Can someone else drive a vehicle that is in the disabled tax class?
Yes, but only if the journey is for the benefit of the disabled person. For example, someone may drive the vehicle to take the disabled person to an appointment or collect shopping for them.
Do you need insurance before changing a disabled tax class to a normal one?
In Great Britain, insurance is not normally required simply to change the tax class. However, in Northern Ireland you may need to provide proof of insurance with your application.
How much does it cost to change from disabled tax to a normal tax class?
The cost depends on the vehicle’s age, emissions and tax band. Most cars registered after April 2017 now pay £195 per year, although some vehicles cost more.
Can you change a disabled tax class without a V5C log book?
Yes. If you do not have the V5C, you can use form V62 to request a replacement. There is normally a £25 fee unless you have the new keeper slip.
How long does it take DVLA to update the vehicle tax class?
Changes made at a Post Office are usually processed immediately. Postal applications to DVLA Swansea often take between two and four weeks.
Will you get fined if you drive a vehicle with the wrong tax class?
Yes. Driving a car that still has disabled tax when you are not eligible may be treated as driving an untaxed vehicle, which can result in fines and enforcement action.
Does the previous owner receive a refund for any unused disabled tax?
Yes. If there is any unused tax remaining, the previous registered keeper normally receives the refund automatically by cheque.
