Does vehicle tax transfer when I buy a used car?

GOV.UK states that when a vehicle changes keeper, the previous tax is cancelled and the buyer must tax the car before using it on the road. You can normally do this using the green new-keeper slip.

Do not assume that a tax check showing 'taxed' means you are covered by the previous owner's payment. The tax belongs to the keeper transaction, not as a transferable balance attached to the car.

If you intend to keep the vehicle off-road instead, make a new SORN in your own name. A SORN also does not transfer from the previous keeper.

For 'Does vehicle tax transfer when I buy a used car?', keep a written record of the exact vehicle, seller details and checks you relied on before payment. That evidence is far more useful later than relying on memory or verbal promises.