ALISTAIR Darling, secretary of state for transport, has launched the DVLA’s online and telephone vehicle licensing service.

The website and hotline (0870 850 4444) allows people to apply for vehicle tax or a statutory off-Road Notification declaration.

After applying online, the new tax disc or SORN declaration should arrive to the registered keeper’s address within five working days. The new service also allows people to search the DVLA’s vehicle database for specific vehicle enquiries.