V55/5 boxes

What do I put in V55/5 box 2 tax class?

Reviewed 2026-07-10

Short answer

Put the DVLA tax class that applies to the vehicle, such as petrol car, diesel car or motorcycle. Do not put the fuel type alone unless that is actually the tax class wording.

Official position

The V355/5 guidance says box 2 is the tax class and gives examples such as petrol car or diesel car. It points applicants to the V355/1 tax class notes for more advice. The tax class must match the vehicle type, fuel, age, weight and tax treatment you are applying for.

What to do

Identify the vehicle type first: car, motorcycle, light goods, historic, disabled, electric or other specialist class.

Check the correct DVLA tax-class wording before filling box 2.

Make sure box 2 matches the payment, tax period, MOT/approval evidence and vehicle details.

Use a covering note if the tax class is unusual, such as historic, rebuilt or specialist vehicle cases.

Common mistakes

Writing only "petrol" or "diesel" when the tax class should be petrol car or diesel car.
Choosing historic before checking whether the vehicle is eligible.
Using a tax class that conflicts with the body type, wheelplan, weight or fuel fields.