Motorbike Tax Check
Check a bike by registration, then see how to confirm whether it is taxed, untaxed or on SORN. Our free pro report includes tax status and due dates.
Check a motorbike now
Enter the registration to see the bike’s details and request a free Pro report.
Free. No sign-up needed. UK registrations only.
What the tax check shows
A motorbike tax check tells you whether a bike is taxed, untaxed or declared off the road with a SORN, and when the tax runs out. Every motorcycle used or kept on a public road must be taxed or on SORN.
The live bike check above shows the vehicle details and MOT position. Tax status changes daily, so we include it in the free pro report instead: tax and MOT status with due dates, emailed by our team within 24 hours. If you need a live answer right now, use the free government vehicle tax check, which needs only the registration number.
Motorbike tax rates by engine size
Motorcycle tax is set by engine size (cc), and zero-emission electric motorcycles sit in the lowest band. You can pay for 12 months or 6 months, or spread the cost by monthly Direct Debit. Larger engines pay more, so a 125cc commuter costs far less to tax than a 1000cc tourer. Because the rates change, we do not print them here. The current figures are on the government’s vehicle tax rate tables.
What SORN means for a bike
A Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN) tells the DVLA that a bike is not being used or kept on a public road, for example because it is laid up for winter or under restoration. A SORN bike must be stored on private land such as a garage. If a bike is neither taxed nor on SORN, the DVLA can issue an automatic penalty, even if the bike never left the garage.
A SORN bike is not a bad sign on its own. Plenty of good bikes are on SORN over winter. Ask the seller why, check the MOT history for long gaps and make sure the paperwork matches.
Buying a bike: tax does not transfer
When a bike is sold, any remaining tax does not pass to the new keeper. The seller is refunded for full months left and the buyer must tax the bike before riding it. In practice that means:
- Check the bike has a valid MOT, or can be taxed without one if it is exempt.
- Arrange insurance before you collect.
- Tax the bike online using the registration and the V5C details, then ride away.
Tax and MOT go together: you cannot tax a bike that needs an MOT without a valid certificate, so a bike with an expired MOT is likely to be untaxed as well. See the MOT history check and the used motorbike checklist.
Check insurance too
Tax is only one of the legal requirements. A bike on the road also needs insurance. You can check whether a vehicle is insured using the Motor Insurance Database service at askMID. We do not check insurance on this site.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check if a motorbike is taxed?
Use the free government vehicle tax check with the registration number for a live answer. Our free pro report also includes tax and MOT status with due dates, emailed within 24 hours.
Does motorbike tax transfer to the new owner?
No. Tax is cancelled when a vehicle is sold and the new keeper must tax it before riding. The previous keeper is refunded for full months remaining.
What does SORN mean on a motorbike?
SORN means the bike has been declared off the road and must not be used or parked on a public road. It can be put back on the road by taxing it.
Can I tax a motorbike without an MOT?
No, unless the bike is exempt from MOT. A bike that needs an MOT must have a valid certificate before it can be taxed.
Why does the live check not show tax status?
Tax status changes daily, so we include it in the pro report and point you to the free government check for a live answer.