Free vehicle tax
Enhanced PIP mobility, higher DLA mobility, and some others
This is a DVLA scheme, so it works the same across the UK. If you live in Northern Ireland, you also send an insurance certificate or cover note when you claim the 50% reduction.
Quick facts
- Free vehicle tax
- Enhanced PIP mobility, higher DLA mobility, and some others
- 50% off
- PIP standard rate mobility component
- Vehicles
- One at a time
- Claim
- When you tax the vehicle
- Run by
- DVLA
Who can get it — the full rules
You can apply for exemption from paying vehicle tax if you get one of these:
- the higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- the enhanced rate mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- the enhanced rate mobility component of Adult Disability Payment (ADP), in Scotland
- the higher rate mobility component of Child Disability Payment
- War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
You can get the 50% reduction if you get the PIP or ADP standard rate mobility component. The DLA lower rate mobility component does not count.
What you save
With the exemption, you pay nothing for one vehicle. With the reduction, you pay half the normal rate of vehicle tax for one vehicle.
The vehicle must be registered in the disabled person's name, or their nominated driver's name. It must be used for the disabled person's needs, not for the nominated driver's own use.
How to claim
Check which benefit and rate you get
The top mobility rates give the exemption, and the PIP or ADP standard mobility rate gives 50% off.
Claim the exemption when you tax the vehicle
You claim the exemption when you apply for vehicle tax.
Go to a Post Office for a new vehicle
If you are claiming for a vehicle for the first time, you have to claim at a Post Office.
For 50% off, post your papers to DVLA
Send a V10 form, the log book (V5C), your benefit letter and a cheque for half the tax to DVLA in Swansea.
Claim again when you change vehicle
You must do this every time you change your vehicle.
Things to watch
You must tax your vehicle even if you do not have to pay. You can only use the exemption on one vehicle at a time. If the vehicle is no longer used by a disabled person, the exemption can be removed.
For the reduction, do not send your PIP assessment or any other medical information. If the vehicle is not yours or your nominated driver's, include a signed letter from the registered keeper saying how they know you and how the vehicle will be used.
Phone, forms and how long it takes
- DVLA Vehicle Enquiries
- 0300 790 6802
- Exemption: claim it when you tax the vehicle
- GOV.UK: Tax your vehicle
- 50% reduction: send with your log book and benefit letter
- V10 form
- Send the 50% reduction application to
- DVLA Swansea SA99 1BF
- How long a postal application takes
- DVLA says applications by post take 6 to 8 weeks.
From the official pages (gov.uk), re-checked every night. Numbers and times can change, so check the official page before you send anything.
Common questions
Do you get free car tax with PIP?
Yes, if you get the enhanced rate mobility component. The standard rate mobility component gets 50% off.
Is there a disabled car tax reduction?
Yes. You can get a 50% reduction on one vehicle if you get the PIP or ADP standard rate mobility component.
Can I tax my car online with a disability exemption?
GOV.UK says that the first time you claim for a vehicle, you have to claim at a Post Office.
Does DLA lower rate mobility get free car tax?
No. You cannot get a reduction for the DLA lower rate mobility component.
Does this apply in Northern Ireland?
Yes. It is a DVLA scheme, and GOV.UK asks people in Northern Ireland for an insurance certificate or cover note.