How to change your car tax class as a disabled driver

Unsure about how to change your car tax class to, or from, disabled? Or are you looking to move your tax to another car? Either way, find out everything you need to know about changing your car tax if you are a driver with a disability.

How do I register my car for disabled car tax?

If you’re a disabled driver or a nominated driver for someone with a disability and you want to change your car tax to the disabled class for the first time, you must claim at a Post Office that offers vehicle tax services.

To change your tax class, you will need to bring the following items to the Post Office when applying:

Certificate of Entitlement to DLA, PIP, AFIP or WPMS
Vehicle Registration Certificate (V5C log book) or the V5C/2 (nominated driver details)
A completed application for a Vehicle Registration Certificate (V62).

To find a Post Office that deals with vehicle tax near you, visit the Post Office Branch Finder.

While you don’t need a blue badge to qualify for disabled car tax, you may be eligible for one. Blue Badge parking concessions are granted to drivers or passengers with certain medical conditions in the UK, so it’s worth checking whether you’d be covered.

Find out more about changing your car tax class for the first time and whether you’re eligible for free road tax as a disabled driver, by reading our road tax exemption guide.

Can I change my car tax to disabled online? 

Unfortunately you will not be able to do this the first time you register your vehicle, or a new vehicle you drive online. You will need to carry out the steps mentioned above.

If you are renewing your car tax, you can apply online or by phone to renew your vehicle tax exemption or reduction every year. 

How to change car tax from disabled to private

If you’re the new owner of a vehicle and are not eligible for tax exemptions, or if you are a disabled driver no longer eligible for free tax, the only way to change the tax class from disabled is to apply at a Post Office that deals with vehicle tax.

You will need to provide the following documents:

The V5C (log book) registered in your name or the green ‘new keeper’ slip (V5C/2)
An original, valid MOT or GVT certificate (if the vehicle needs one)
Payment for vehicle tax (if applicable)
An insurance certificate or cover note (if the vehicle is registered to a Northern Ireland address).

How to swap disabled tax to another car

Unfortunately, you’re unable to transfer disabled car tax status – or any type of car tax – from one vehicle to another. Instead, you’ll need to apply for disabled car tax at a participating Post Office when you get a new vehicle, or if the registered keeper changes.

How to claim car tax back if you’re disabled

If you are the registered keeper of the vehicle you will be able to claim back any car tax if you have a disability or illness that qualifies you for free tax or if you’re someone who drives a vehicle for a disabled person.  

You will automatically get a refund for any of the remaining full months left on your vehicle’s tax if you are calling mid-term. The refund will be sent to the address you have provided the DVLA.

You can apply for exemption from paying vehicle tax if you get the higher or enhanced rate mobility component of a qualifying benefit. 

Applying for the first free tax is different from renewing it every year. For new vehicles, you should take the Certificate of Entitlement for one of the following to the dealership to claim free tax: 

Disability Living Allowance (DLA) 
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) 
Child Disability Payment (CDP) 
Adult Disability Payment (ADP) 
Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP) 
War Pensioners Mobility Supplement (WPMS) 

Vehicles registered with a Northern Ireland (NI) address also need an insurance certificate valid on the day the tax starts.

Disabled driver insurance from Adrian Flux

With more than 50 years’ experience in providing specialist car insurance and offering insurance schemes covering disabled drivers, we’ll help you find the right disabled driver insurance policy to suit your needs.

Call 0808 506 9608 for a swift no-hassle quote or book a callback at a time that suits you.