How to apply for HISTORIC TAX EXEMPTION for your classic car! Plus ULEZ and MOT Exemption! (UK only)

[@Zofsm]

Bravo. Have just acquired a Mk1 Fiesta myself and successfully gained historic taxation class. My local post office did it for me. No fuss, no bother, very easy. All I needed was my V5, no MOT cert or exemption form was required or asked for. They took the V5, gave me a reciept, and I got a new V5 in the post 2 weeks later. I must have inadvertently uttered the ‘magic words’!

[@trevdean540]

Just like to thank you.Taxed my 83 Capri as historic today at Postoffice. They have sent my v5 off & gave me a reciept for £0.00. Said exactly what you said to say in clip..

[@MorselsAndMotors]

Glad to have been of use

[@JamesLittle-i1w]

I have suffered the frustrations you mentioned in the video. Great advice and well presented. Thank you.

[@charlotteward-ok2gw]

Thank you so much for providing this info - amazingly helpful and informative!! :)

[@markf4720]

I recently went through all of this with my Beetle, the previous owner hadn't applied for the change to historic despite it being registered in 1973! The post office didnt want the MOT exemption form, just the V5. Its worth knowing that if you're due a refund of any tax, the refund is due for any full months remaining from the date you taxed it as historic at the post office, not when DVLA received it - they tried to diddle me but I complained and eventually got the extra month refund - make sure you keep that receipt to prove the date! With my Audi, it was registered in March 1984, but I contacted Audi UK customer services and they have confirmed (on Audi letterhead) that it was built in December 1983, so I'm hoping that will be sufficient for the post office/DVLA to change the class this April.

[@tommot7236]

Having gone through this twice in recent years, I would like to congratulate you on a well presented and easy to understand presentation of what is a real quagmire of administrative procedures! Well done!

[@MorselsAndMotors]

Aww thank you! That's very kind

[@trevdean540]

Thanks for explaining in a concise way. As i will be taxing my 1983 Capri as historic in April.

[@Cavalier_Steve]

Great video and well explained, looks like I will be doing this on my 1984 Cavalier next year 😁

[@CLCardwell]

That was both really useful and a timely reminder, whilst I have one vehicle already as historic I've another one (and nearly 2!) that I need to register. I'll try that over the next couple of days!

[@gerryaddison8677]

Really useful information, many thanks for sharing.

[@maxwellwall]

My Matra Murena was registered on 31st Dec 1983 so I’m going to tax it as historic in April 2024. Your video makes it clear how I need to do it now! I had heard that the Post Office were no longer going to provide any counter services for the DVLA from April 24, but I’ve just checked and the Post Office have agree to continue on a 1 year contract with DVLA

[@MontyGriffsGarage]

Thank you! Really confused by this even though I have 4 vehicles in this class already, but one from 1980 that I must do something about. 😄

[@MorselsAndMotors]

Yes! Get down to the Post Office and get it sorted 😃

[@jayeblagburn2056]

Wow! I've tried, since I bought my Wartburg 353 in October 2022, to get its VED class changed. The car was built in Eisenach in 1980, so there can be no doubt that it was already zero rated for "tax" when its previous keeper moved from Berlin to their native Northern Ireland, bringing the car with them, in 2020, just in time to avoid the first lockdown. So thank you so much for putting this easy to understand, informative video out here into the public domain. As an aside, and apologies if this is already common knowledge; is that a Crown boombox to the viewers' left in your office? I love a good old "ghetto blaster" and, in addition to my Wartburg as mentioned earlier, I also own a 1959 DKW 1000 "Universal." (estate car) and a rather lovely 1970 Torcars Suntor campervan based on the good old BMC ½ ton van, the one with the same "face" as the Austin A50, pre- Farina A55 and the extremely cool pickups on the same mechanical bits and structure. I tried a new daily driver once, that was when I stayed in Reading, the car was an FSO 125p (AKA Polski Fiat). New in 1986, I kept D941 WTF for a whole month before seeing sense and buying one of my many Austin Cambridges as it was too good to ignore. The nice man in the FSO dealership subsequently bought the car back from me for a profit of £800 over the price I'd given when I bought it. If only that could happen more often these days! I hadn't even had to beg him, it turned out that he was chronically short of stock and was delighted to have the car in stock, not least because it didn't have the usual bent pushrod issue that these engines were known for and I had soaked its underside and every single cavity with both Shell Ensis V (like Waxoyl, but it works) and heavy, gooey greasy stuff, brand long forgotten. It was immaculate when its next custodian managed to crash the poor thing. OK, so it was new, but based on the Fiat 125, a car that was really old! I must just post a 👍now, before "middle aged woman syndrome" causes me to forget. This annoying condition's symptoms include not being able to say "no" when someone asks whether I want to add another vehicle to my fleet! Sorry for the long post, that's another symptom.😳👋 Warmest Regards and thanks again for the information. Jaye. ××

[@paulpobsanderson6219]

Fantastic information. I have a 1984 motorbike which turns 40 in June, then I have to wait till April 2025. Really great advice. 👌🏻

[@badbooks476]

Excellent informative video, 4 years till my Polo is tax exempt

[@davewalsh3827]

The DVLA lists groups and organisations that it recognises as experts when confirming build dates etc. Although my Ford Capri was registered on 11th January 1984 (so missing out on the VED Exemption by registration date), I obtained a leter from Capri Club International stating that the VIN number proved that the car was built in September 1983. I was able to tax the car as HISTORIC based on that letter as it was clearly BUILT over 40 years ago. Thanks for the video, it helped a lot!

[@willjosephcook]

Have the exact roadblock to exemption with my BMW 318i. First registered in march 1984 but built in December 1983. I've just sent off a letter from BMW confirming the manufacture date and my V5C, MOT etc to the DVLA. Comforting to hear that method worked out for you!

[@TheUnclestein]

This is a very informative video. I have a couple of comments: 1) Not every Post Office branch deals with car tax, the nearest one can be found via the Post Office website. 2) If you are already on the system paying your vehicle tax to the DVLA via direct debit you would still receive an email statement but it will show: "Payment Due: £ 0.00". 😉

[@robertngreen6]

Thanks for researching and presenting this in such a straightforward way. It seems the system is a bit skewed (what a surprise when its tax!) so that cars such as VEP have to wait well into their 41st year before becoming exempt.

[@davefrench3608]

Great advice. I’ve got a 1983 built bike first reg 9/3/83. Can’t wait for the 1 April.

[@caprilaser3]

Very helpful video. Thanks for explaining 👍🏼

[@spokesmann]

Recently did this on my 43 year old Suzuki motor bike, I used the V112 form for the MOT bit and the PO sent off my V5C tear off slip for me. Took 5 minutes and it was done. Simples.

[@benbaijan8507]

Thank you for the great info. The ULEZ and historic vehicle was very confusing for me, but your video cleared up everything, including the MOT requirements. My 1982 Kawasaki GPZ1100B1 Thanks you.

[@stewartturner814]

Great helpful and entertaining video. Made a complex system a lot more understandable 😊

[@StewSims]

Very informative. There is a lot of misinformation out there about this. I managed to do it for an MG I had years ago but it is quite confusing. As you say when you think about it though it does make sense that you still have to 'tax' your vehicle (for no money), because all vehicles must be taxed. If for example they changed the charges they would need to keep track of which vehicles are in which tax class and when the taxed status expires. In reality I imagine there are many classic owners who do not realise they have to carry out this process and are driving around regardless!

[@timothyclapham936]

Thanks so much for making this video! Very helpful as it is quite confusing - as you rightly mentioned!! Thanks for explaining it all, keep up the good work!

[@darrenwilson8042]

a few years ago I bought a Renault Scenic which I tried to tax on line but found it was tax exempt due to the previous owner being disabled. I simply went to the local sub post office and asked what do I do. They kindly allowed me tax it and sent the V5 off for me - it came back correctly worded and job was a good 'un. ps that car was £900 well spent

[@nicktowers4144]

This video is fantastic. I need to register both my bikes as historic. I couldnt figure it out correctly so this has helped. Only issue is mine are registered as 94 and 95 as they are USA imported

[@harryjolly5196]

Thank you!! Just registered the 944 as historic:)

[@HouseFairyDIY]

That was a very thorough video - thank you! I have just one question - do you know what would be considered 'commercial use'? The tax and MOT exemption is only for cars used domestically. I use my campervan to run errands for my online shop but it is mostly domestic use. I have insurance to cover minor business use. Unfortunately, I think I will have to continue to tax and MOT.

[@AndyCallumVLOG]

Ver helpful, I have been pulling my hair out dealing with incompetent post office staff, hopefully when I try to do this again it will go to plan 🤞

[@MorselsAndMotors]

Good luck!

[@iainmclaughlan1557]

I will probably look up this clip on 1st January 2040 for the tax due 1st August 2040 when I need to tax my September 1999 Nissan Primera. Thank you.

[@Knoxyboy912]

Thanks for the guide. Regarding applying for Tax Exemption using "Build Date" rather that Date Registered. My Mercedes W123 Estate was Registered in March 1984 so based on this will not be exempt until April 2025. However, being a German car, the records are extensive and obtained a copy of the Build Data by contacting Mercedes Benz, which states the car was built in late December 1983. I presented this at the Post Office but the option to change the Tax status to Historic was not available, presumably based on the registration date. However, I sent my V5 with the "Change Taxation Class" section marked up as "Historic", to the DVLA with a covering letter and a copy of the Build Data. This was accepted and the car was registered as Historic and a revised V5 was received within 7 days. Just waiting for the refund of the tax I paid for this year which I understand will come via cheque. Hope this helps as I could not find any info on how to apply using Build Date.

[@bobmorris3758]

Great video - I found it so helpful, thanks. I have a vehicle which is 40 + years old but is currently SORNED so I'm presuming that until the restoration is complete I'm unable to tax it as a Historic vehicle, if I'm correct is the reason because I can't get the MOT exception? Thanks again 👍

[@richbrice3299]

The most helpful guide. Thanks.

[@MorselsAndMotors]

Glad it helped!

[@stco2426]

Excellent vid. Hadn't realised the tax and MOT were not aligned. Have a '84 motorbike that'll be historic from '25, it seems. Rather than 'exampt' I think it's maybe better to think of it as 'zero-rated', like somethings such safety boots are for VAT. Also hadn't realised the magic words or that this is done by the Post Offiice on behalf of DVLA. Will keep that handy. I will also need to check the MoT history for the bike as I think the qualifying wording for historic is something like 'built or registered', as you mention. V5 only covers registration I think, but pretty sure the MoT history has a build date, which might be earlier, depending on what was recorded. In a few years time this will be an interesting activity as I've a camper that was build in one year but registered in the next. As a side note I hadn't realised the necessity for registering ULEZ as a different thing compared to a simple look-up. Some LEZs may not allow exepmtions for historic. I think Bath's does not but I can't be certain.

[@CaseyJonesNumber1]

Private cars and motorcycles are exempt any charges in Bath's CAZ, irrespective of their emissions. Essentially, it is only commercial vehicles that are charged to enter Bath's CAZ. I have a historic-registered motorcycle that when I check on the London ULEZ checker it shows that I'd have to pay the £12.50 charge, and even though the checker confirms it is a motorcycle, it also shows that if I went into the central congestion zone I'd have to pay that charge too, despite motorcycles being exempt the congestion charge! I have yet to register on the London ULEZ site to see if it makes any difference to the results...

[@brunodaveman]

So my ford granada is good to go as my car was 4th of Jan 1984

[@MorselsAndMotors]

Ooh lucky!

[@MaxPowerGTi]

So just to be clear, I already made the car tax exempt however i didn’t fill in any MOT exemption form….. I definitely don’t need to apply for MOT exemption? Will my car show as not MOTd when searched on DVLA website or even worse will police see this and stop me

[@benbaijan8507]

Hi, Me again! you must do a separate video on how to exactly register a historic vehicle for the London ULEZ exemption on their TFL website. They have made that process a very complicated process! That’s, with language and options just to throw you off the process. I had a hard time navigating their website until i found a pdf document on-line that someone had written of the whole painful process. So i did all that, second time submitting all 4 pages of the vehicle V5 registration document. I eventually received an email from TFL saying that the vehicle has been covered as a historic vehicle, but when i go to my TFL account and check on my vehicle, it says that I have to pay ULEZ! So i still don't know for sure if i am or am not liable for ULEZ. How complicated can it be to have a button on the website saying "Register a Historic Vehicle" or even better, why cant their computer just check the DVLA computer to see the Tax Class of a vehicle as historic.

[@MorselsAndMotors]

I had a similar issue with my Cavalier. I got it registered as Historic in April, but the TFL website was not updating. I eventually emailed them and they just confirmed that yes Historic registered vehicles are exempt. (The website still hasn't changed for that car, even though the ones that were Historic in previous years are noted as being exempt). I have since taken it into the zone and haven't been charged.

[@stevebaker9709]

If you want to register a barn find car that has not been MOT for years do you have to get it MOT first before you apply

[@maxeluy]

Then they say Harry Potter is not how the UK is, but you need magic words for the UK to work 😅

[@oleskoolcabby5710]

My Mercedes was registered 1st may 1984, does this mean it will become historic on 1st April 2025? It's a Mercedes coupe w123 230ce

[@sebastianjimenez11]

Thank you very much for your video! Really helpful 🎉

[@MorselsAndMotors]

Glad to help!

[@robertfortune7517]

Interesting information, Need to ask a question if there's anyone that knows the answer to this.. l have a 1983 motorbike Y reg number plate on the V5 of which is correct, Which l bought 1996 28 yrs ago ,, its an import from USA and was Registered on the V5 in 1993 when it came to this country 10 yrs later, although it is now 41yrs old this year..Will the DVLA count it as 31yrs as it was registered in the UK 1993, l hope to apply for historic classic bike being over 40yrs old , On the V5 it does not state the manufacturer year of the bike, but DVLA issued the correct 1983 reg Y plate, l may have a problem,l hope to apply for historic classic bike now being over 41yrs old , has anyone had a similar issue

[@irinamatran986]

Thank you for your video, now it makes it easier to know how to tax my vechicle as historic. I would like to ask, if you may now, as long as my vechicle is now 42 years old and I didn't know I can be exempt for tax, is there any way I can ask DVLA for a refund for all the road tax I paid so far ? Thank you in advance 😊

[@MorselsAndMotors]

Great, glad to help. As far as I know, I'm afraid there's no refunds

[@paulporteous4190]

Fantastic! Thanks

[@Polecat54941]

MOT exemption does not apply to older vehicles that have ‘substantial changes’ have been made to the vehicle in the last 30 years, for example replacing the chassis, body, axles or engine to change the way the vehicle works

[@James-yk3jr]

Substantial changes also mean non factory changes as some changes are still allowed. For example, if I stuck a BMW M47 engine into a Mk5 Smiley Ford Transit, then that would be considered a “substantial change”. However, if I stuck a 2.5Di Banana Engine from a Mk5 Ford Transit into a Mk3 Ford Transit which originally had the 2.0L Pinto Engine, then that would not be a “substantial change” as Mk3-5 Ford Transits are within the same generation of Transit (Second Generation Ford Transits were all built 1986-2000) and therefore MOT Exemption still applies.

[@James-yk3jr]

Of course we are still a few years off until those transits reach 40, but the principle still applies. 2.5Di and 2.0 Pinto engines are native factory engines to the 1986-2000 transit generation and so changing between them does not count as a substantial change.

[@sobeit1927]

Excellent thank you

[@RogerClay-g6w]

Great video. 👍

[@jaspalbhandal1210]

Hi if the car is already taxed when applying for historic do you need to fill in any other forms before taking it into the Post office.

[@MorselsAndMotors]

No, I don’t believe so

[@NeilRaspison-gr1mv]

Great video. Do you get a refund on any tac alreqy paid?

[@MorselsAndMotors]

No, I don’t think so

[@gs3298]

You state you need to go through the process of taxing the car even though it is £0.00 tsx. This is the same as a car between 2001 and 2017 with a low co2 level and has zero rate tax. Neighbour did not and got a yellow sticker and clamp!!. All was sorted before car was taken.

[@Solshep]

So what do you do when your vehicle is on SORN and is not insured for use on the road, and you want to change it to historic vehicle because it is over 40 years old?

[@MorselsAndMotors]

You can just tax it as I say in this video. In GB you don't need insurance to apply for tax any more.

[@edwardr7577]

I have 2 cars now at 41 years old Both are under restoration, hence not on the road. As they technically do not require an MOT, can I still apply for Historic ? Both cars are on SORN

[@MorselsAndMotors]

Yes, I'm sure you can

[@markellis4229]

Very helpful thanks very much

[@MorselsAndMotors]

You're welcome!

[@thehutx]

you sure mot is automatic as tried to tax mine and jt saying no mot found. it was 40 years old in march

[@topcat807]

Does anyone know if you can register as historic without insurance. I have a restoration project so it's currently not insured. With the elections coming up I'm worried if labour win they will stop the rolling tax exemption like they did before in 1997 so wanted to try and do it now incase they did.

[@MorselsAndMotors]

Yes, you can just tax it as historic as I say in this video. In GB you don't need insurance to apply for tax any more.

[@jaspalbhandal1210]

Hi I’ve just did this today and got a receipt from the Post Office etc , but it is still shown as Sorn on the DVlLA website, so do you do this on return of the lV5 . Thanks

[@MorselsAndMotors]

I think it just takes a few days for it to update. I’ve just done 2 of mine earlier this week and it’s the same. It’s definitely taxed as you have the receipt to prove it

[@jaspalbhandal1210]

Thank you. Is there a process for the Mot to show it is also exempt on the DVLA / Gov website as mine expired on the 6th of April and says Mot expired.

[@John-c1n9t]

Do you need proof of Insurance?

[@MorselsAndMotors]

No I don't believe so

[@marknorth8607]

Hi silly question but do i ha e to have insurance to register the car for historic thanks mark

[@MorselsAndMotors]

I'm almost certain you don't

[@shyboyangelus]

No mention of insurance, surely the car needs to be insured to tax it ???

[@MorselsAndMotors]

No it doesn't, not any more.

[@jaggass]

Im looking to buy a campervan that's over 40 yrs old but how do you get round the MOT exemption if you want to MOT for safety reasons?

[@markf4720]

You can still just take it for an MOT every year (or whenever you like!), it's just not a legal obligation to have a current MOT (although you are still legally obliged to ensure the vehicle is roadworthy if you're using it on public roads).

[@MorselsAndMotors]

Yes, exactly right

[@jaggass]

So whatever's wrong say excessive something which is usually a fail would be an advisory?

[@markf4720]

@@jaggass no, it would still be a fail in the usual way. If the car failed, it still wouldn't change that fact you didn't need an MOT, or the fact you need to ensure the car is roadworthy. It could however provide evidence of the car not being roadworthy (depending on what is failed on) if you drove it without getting the fault fixed!

[@jaggass]

It's sort of why i don't agree with the MOT exemption because you could be driving a death trap but many wouldn't let that happen, The only thing a 40+ yr plus vehicle wouldn't likely get through is the emissions test.

[@marknorth8607]

Very helfull thankyou very much

[@AngusAbbott-qf8xm]

So my 1st August 1984 Land Rover has got to wait until April 2025 for it to be eligible for “Historic” 😳

[@darrenwilson8042]

As ever the British tax system is a minefield. Well it except for the Uber rich who it seems they can opt out of any taxation whenever they want to lol