V55/5 boxes

What date goes in V55/5 box 30 tax start date?

Reviewed 2026-07-10

Short answer

Box 30 is the date from which vehicle tax is to run. It should match the tax period and payment you are applying for.

Official position

The V55/5 combines first registration and first vehicle tax. DVLA expects the tax start date and payment to match the tax class, vehicle type and period requested.

What to do

Choose the tax start date you want DVLA to use for the first tax period.

Make sure the payment covers the vehicle tax from that date plus the first registration fee if it applies.

Check the tax class first, because the payable amount depends on the tax class and vehicle details.

Do not use the foreign registration date or import arrival date unless that is actually the intended UK tax start date.

Common mistakes

Putting the original foreign registration date in box 30.
Choosing a tax start date that does not match the cheque or postal order amount.
Forgetting that some historic or exempt vehicles still need the correct tax class declared.