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You have to register a car or any other vehicle as soon as you’ve:

• bought it
• built it
• imported it

You do this by filling in forms and sending them to DVLA. The forms you have to send depend on your circumstances.

You’ll also need to meet all the legal obligations for drivers before you can drive.

DVLA may need to inspect your vehicle to:

• make sure the vehicle exists, has been assembled into a complete vehicle and the vehicle log book (V5C) is in your name
• confirm its identity
• update their records because of changes you’ve made to the vehicle

They will send you a letter if they need to do this. You will not have to pay a fee.

Register a new vehicle

The dealer will usually register a brand new vehicle for you.

If the dealer will not do it, you can register the vehicle yourself.

Register a used vehicle

The seller will usually register a used vehicle for you. They can do it online or by post.

You’ll need to register your used vehicle yourself if it does not have a vehicle log book (V5C).

You need to tax a used vehicle before you can use it on the road.

Registering online

The seller will need to:

• register the vehicle to you online
• fill in the green ‘new keeper’ slip and give it to you
• destroy the V5C

Registering by post

The seller will need to:

• complete section 2 if they have a new style V5C (with multi-coloured numbered blocks on the front cover) or section 6 if they have the older style V5C
• sign the declaration in section 8 if they have the older style V5C (you must sign the declaration too)
• fill in the green ‘new keeper’ slip and give it to you
• send the V5C to DVLA

If the vehicle does not have a V5C

Download form V62 and send it to DVLA to register the vehicle in your name. You’ll have to pay £25.

When you’ll get your new V5C

You’ll usually get your new V5C within 4 weeks of the vehicle being registered.

You’ll get your new V5C within 3 to 5 days if both of the following apply to your vehicle:

• it’s a used vehicle
• the seller registered it to you online

Checking your new V5C

When you receive your V5C, it’s your responsibility to check all the details are correct.

If anything on your V5C is wrong

Make the changes on the V5C and send it back to DVLA.

You’ll get the replacement V5C within 4 weeks.

If your new V5C has not arrived

If it’s been 4 weeks since the V5C was registered or you sent it to be corrected, contact DVLA.

Contact DVLA before 6 weeks have passed. If you have not received your V5C after 6 weeks and you have not told DVLA, you’ll have to pay £25 to get another one.

If it’s a used vehicle registered by post

There’s a different way to get another V5C sent to you. You’ll need to:

• download form V62 or get it from

• send it to DVLA with the new keeper slip given to you by the seller

The new keeper slip needs to be from the most recent V5C. Check that the date on the slip matches the last V5C issue date on the vehicle enquiry service if you’re not sure.

If you do not send in the new keeper slip from the most recent V5C, you’ll have to pay £25.

Contact DVLA if your V5C has not arrived and it’s been 4 weeks since you sent in form V62.

Your vehicle may not have been registered before with DVLA if it’s:

• brand new
• a kit-built vehicle
• imported
• an old or classic vehicle

If you buy a brand new vehicle, the dealer will usually arrange for it to be registered. Otherwise, you need to register it yourself.

If you’re reimporting a vehicle that’s been registered in the UK before - and then exported - you’ll need to register it again.

If your vehicle is damaged

If your vehicle is classed as ‘seriously damaged’ you cannot register it with DVLA. You will not be refunded for any VAT and duty or vehicle approval fee you paid before trying to register the vehicle.

Serious damage means the vehicle cannot be repaired. For UK vehicles this means it’s a category A or B insurance write-off.

For imported vehicles, it might say something like ‘statutory write-off’, ‘scrapped’ or ‘non-repairable’ on the registration certificate.

Check with the registration authority for the country the vehicle is from to find out if the vehicle is ‘seriously damaged’.

If it is not ‘seriously damaged’, ask them to provide evidence of this.

Making an application

You must fill in a form to apply to register the vehicle.

Use form V55/4 for new vehicles

Fill in the V55/4 form to register a new vehicle, including new imported vehicles and newly-built (kit) cars.

Use form V55/5 for used vehicles

Fill in the V55/5 form to register a used vehicle, including:

• used imported vehicles
• older vehicles that have never been registered
• vehicles that have been brought back to the UK after being exported

Provide copies of identity documents

Send in a photocopy of your photocard driving licence with your application form to prove your identity.

If you cannot do this, you must send in photocopies of one document that proves your name and another document that proves your address.

Documents you can use to confirm your name include your:

• passport
• marriage or civil partnership certificate
• divorce or end of civil partnership document (decree nisi, decree absolute, conditional order or final order)
• birth or adoption certificate
• Gender Recognition Certificate
• current UK paper driving licence (not a paper counterpart)

Documents you can use to confirm your address include a:

• recent utility bill (within the last 3 months) - for example gas, electricity, water, landline
• recent bank or building society statement (within the last 3 months)
• medical card
• council tax bill for current year

Supporting documents needed for all vehicles

As well as documents to prove your identity, you must also send:

• payment for the vehicle tax
• the new registration fee of £55 if you have to pay it
• evidence of a current MOT if the vehicle is over 3 years old (over 4 years in Northern Ireland) - for example, a copy of your vehicle’s MOT history
• a certificate of newness (or declaration of newness for imported vehicles) if the vehicle is new
• proof of vehicle approval if the vehicle is under 10 years old (unless it’s exempt from vehicle approval)
• any documents you have relating to the vehicle, for example build plans if it’s a kit car
• an insurance certificate or cover note if you’re registering the vehicle to an address in Northern Ireland

Supporting documents needed for some vehicles

You may have to send extra forms and documents if:

• your vehicle has been structurally modified
• your vehicle is imported
• your vehicle is kit-built or kit-converted
• your vehicle is old
• your vehicle is a reconstructed classic vehicle

After you’ve applied

DVLA might need to inspect your vehicle. If your application is approved, DVLA will send you a vehicle log book (V5C).

Your V5C shows:

• the vehicle’s registration number
• the vehicle keeper’s name and address
• other information about the vehicle (the make, vehicle identification number (VIN) and number of previous keepers)

DVLA will also return your identity documents.

DVLA cannot guarantee the return of the documents by a specific date.

You’ll have to pay a fee of £55 if you’re registering and taxing a vehicle for the first time with DVLA.

You do not have to pay for some vehicles, including:

• those first registered and licensed in the disabled exempt taxation class
• historic vehicles previously registered with the old local authorities (late conversions)
• vehicles previously registered in the United Kingdom
• imported vehicles previously registered under the personal export scheme and new means of transport scheme
• visiting forces vehicles
• vehicles registered under the direct export scheme
• vehicles registered for off-road use only
• crown exempt vehicles

Repairs and restorations bring a vehicle back to the manufacturer’s specifications. For example, repairing components or body panels.

You only need to tell DVLA about a repair or restoration if:

• you replace a chassis, monocoque bodyshell or motorcycle frame
• the V5C vehicle information is changed

There’s a different process to tell DVLA if you have modified the chassis, monocoque bodyshell or frame to make the vehicle different from the manufacturer’s specifications.

What counts as a repair or restoration

Repairs or restorations for cars, motorcycles or light goods vehicles (under 3,500kg) can include: 

• repairing the chassis, monocoque bodyshell or frame (this must be continuously seam welded)
• replacing a boot floor, footwell, sill, steering, suspension, gearbox or axle
• replacing wheel arches 
• adapting wings to allow for wider wheels
• adding a roll bar or cage
• removing a roll bar or roll cage fitted after the car was made (continuous seam weld holes to return a vehicle to its original condition)
• replacing a sub-frame
• replacing the forks on a motorcycle
• fitting seatbelts (following the manufacturer’s instructions)
• fitting accessories from a known time in the cars history

See what else may count as a repair or restoration.

Using second-hand parts

Only minor parts can be taken from a vehicle that has been issued with a Certificate of Destruction (CoD).

After you make the change

You should have your vehicle MOT checked and ensure your vehicle insurance is still valid.

You can get an individual vehicle approval (IVA) inspection instead of an MOT if you have a car.

If you need to tell DVLA about a repair or restoration

Complete form V627/1 - ‘Vehicle parts statement’.

Send the form to ‘Kits and Rebuilds’ at DVLA along with: 

• the vehicle log book (V5C) or a V62 application if the V5C is not available
• copies of receipts for any replacements of the chassis, monocoque bodyshell or frame

You must also send photos of:

• the vehicle registration identification number (VIN) stamp or plate on the old chassis, monocoque bodyshell or frame that’s being replaced
• the old VIN sticker - you can usually find it near the driver’s door or on the dashboard near the windscreen on the driver’s side

Contact DVLA if you’re not sure about what you need to provide.

After you tell DVLA about a repair or restoration

DVLA will send you a letter to confirm that the original VIN shown on the vehicle record can be stamped onto the replacement chassis, monocoque bodyshell or frame.

A new V5C will be sent after you confirm that the vehicle has been restamped. 

The vehicle will usually keep the original VIN. DVLA will tell you if there’s a reason it cannot.

If your vehicle cannot keep its original registration number

DVLA will give your vehicle a registration starting with ‘Q’ if its age or identity is in doubt.

A kit-built vehicle is one where all the parts are supplied new by the manufacturer.

How to register

You must follow all the instructions for registering a new vehicle.

You must include the following with your application:

• form V627/1 - ‘Vehicle parts statement’
• evidence of type approval – see ‘Vehicle type approval’ below
• official receipts for the vehicle and any parts used
• build plans
• evidence that any ‘reconditioned’ part is to an ‘as new’ standard

Contact DVLA if you’re not sure about what you need to provide.

Send your application to ‘Kits and Rebuilds’ at DVLA.

Vehicle type approval

All kit-built vehicles have to get type approval.

Get a current registration number

You can register a kit-built car, motorcycle or tricycle with a current registration number if you can prove it’s all made from new parts supplied by the manufacturer.

You can also get a current registration number for a kit-built car, motorbike or tricycle built with one reconditioned part if:

• you can show that the part has been reconditioned to an ‘as new’ standard, in line with the manufacturer’s guidelines
• the part is not the chassis, monocoque bodyshell or frame

Get a Q registration number

DVLA will give your vehicle a ‘Q’ prefix registration number if you do not meet the conditions for getting a current registration number.

Your vehicle must pass the relevant type approval test to get a Q registration number.

A kit-converted vehicle has either had:

• a kit of new parts added to an existing vehicle
• old parts added to a new kit

The general appearance of the vehicle will change because of the kit.

How to register

You must follow all the instructions for registering a new vehicle.

You’ll need to include the following with your application:

• form V627/1
• the vehicle log book (V5C) for the original vehicle
• evidence of type approval, if necessary
• official receipts for any parts used
• build plans
• photographs of the vehicle

Contact DVLA if you’re not sure about what you need to provide.

Send your application to ‘Kits and Rebuilds’ at DVLA.

Keep a vehicle’s original registration number

You can apply to keep a kit converted vehicle’s original registration number if you can prove you’ve used 2 original major parts along with the original unmodified:

• chassis (car or light van)
• monocoque bodyshell (car or light van)
• frame (motorbike)

Get an age-related registration number

You can apply for an age-related number if you can prove you’ve used 2 original major parts along with:

• a new monocoque bodyshell, chassis or frame from a specialist kit manufacturer
• an altered chassis, monocoque bodyshell or frame from the original vehicle

The registration number will be based on the age of the original vehicle.

Your vehicle must pass the relevant type approval test to get an age-related registration number.

Get a Q registration number

DVLA will give your vehicle a ‘Q’ prefix registration number if you do not meet the conditions for getting an original or age-related registration number.

Your vehicle must pass the relevant type approval test to get a Q registration number.

If you modify a chassis, monocoque bodyshell or frame to change the dimensions or appearance of the vehicle, this is known as a ‘structural modification’. 

You must tell DVLA if you make a structural modification to a vehicle.

There’s a different process to tell DVLA if you replace the chassis, monocoque bodyshell or frame to match the manufacturer’s specifications.

You do not need to tell them about any other repairs or restorations. 

What counts as structural modification

Structural modification of cars, motorcycles or light goods vehicles (under 3,500kg) can include:

• altering the chassis, monocoque bodyshell or frame (for example changing the shape so it looks like a different vehicle type)
• lengthening, shortening or widening the frame of a motorcycle
• cutting, lengthening, or shortening roof pillars
• removing the roof
• removing an integrated roll cage
• modifying or removing load-bearing sub-frames or support members
• making additional holes within 30cm of a suspension, steering, braking or seatbelt mounting point
• turning a motorcycle into a tricycle

You also need to tell DVLA if you modify a vehicle by converting it to run on electricity, even if you do not make structural modifications like changing the appearance.

See what else may count as a structural modification.

After you make the change

You should have your vehicle MOT checked and ensure your vehicle insurance is still valid.

You can get an individual vehicle approval inspection (IVA) instead of an MOT if you have a car.

Turning a motorcycle into a tricycle

If you turn a motorcycle to a tricycle using a conversion kit or plan, it must be registered as a kit-converted vehicle.

If you did not use a conversion kit or plan, you must tell DVLA about the structural modification.

If the vehicle has a welded tricycle system, DVLA will need to issue a vehicle identification number (VIN). You’ll need to get motorcycle single vehicle approval (MSVA).

If you need to tell DVLA about a structurally modified vehicle

Complete form V627/3 - ‘Modified vehicle statement’.

Send it to ‘Kits and Rebuilds’ at DVLA along with: 

• the vehicle log book (V5C)
• evidence of a current MOT, IVA or MSVA (if required)

After you tell DVLA about a structurally modified vehicle

DVLA will issue a new registration certificate (V5C) which states that the vehicle has been modified from the original manufacturer’s specification.

The vehicle will usually keep the original VIN. DVLA will tell you if there’s a reason it cannot.

If your vehicle cannot keep its original registration number

DVLA will give your vehicle a registration starting with ‘Q’ if its age or identity is in doubt.

If you have a classic vehicle that has not been taxed since 1983, it might not be registered with DVLA.

If this is the case and you want to register it, follow all the instructions for new registrations.

Get your vehicle’s original registration number

You may be able to register an old vehicle under its original registration number if either:

• it’s never been registered at DVLA
• it has an age-related registration number

To do this, you’ll have to:

• follow the instructions for new registrations
• fill in form V765 - ‘Application to register a vehicle under its original registration number’
• get form V765 endorsed by a vehicle owners’ club
• provide a recent photo of the vehicle and documentary evidence that links it to the original number, for example the original log book (V5C)

Send the forms to ‘Kits and Rebuilds’ at DVLA.

After you’ve applied

DVLA will issue a V5C and give you either:

• the original registration number - if this happens, you will not be allowed to transfer it or put it onto retention at a later date
• another number appropriate to the age of the vehicle - if this is a non-suffix or prefix number, it will also be non-transferable

Northern Ireland

Send a completed V62 form and the RF60 form if you want to register a historic vehicle in Northern Ireland.

DVLA will register the vehicle and issue a new V5C to the registered keeper. You should receive this within 4 weeks.

How to register

You must follow all the instructions for registering a new vehicle.

You must include the following with your application:

• written report from the appropriate vehicle owners’ club
• form V627/1 - ‘Vehicle parts statement’
• evidence of type approval, if necessary
• official receipts for any parts used

Get an age-related registration number

DVLA can only recognise your vehicle as a reconstructed classic vehicle if it meets certain criteria. It must be:

• built from genuine period components from more than one vehicle, all over 25 years old and of the same specification as the original vehicle
• a true reflection of the marque

The appropriate vehicle owners’ club for the vehicle type (‘marque’) must inspect the vehicle and confirm in writing that it:

• has been inspected
• is a true reflection of the marque
• is comprised of genuine period components all over 25 years old

They must also give manufacture dates for the major components.

DVLA will assign an age-related registration number to the vehicle based on the youngest component used.

New or replica parts

Your vehicle will not get an age-related registration number if it includes new or replica parts. DVLA will give your vehicle a ‘Q’ prefix registration number. Your vehicle must pass the relevant type approval test to get a ‘Q’ prefix registration number.

All vehicles registered in the UK must have a unique, stamped-in vehicle identification number (VIN) and registration number.

Find your VIN

The VIN is usually stamped into the chassis of the vehicle. It may be lost if you repair, restore or modify your vehicle.

When you may need a new VIN or registration

DVLA will usually have to assess the vehicle if either: 

• it’s a kit-built vehicle
• its identity is in question (for example, if you’ve moved the VIN)

They will send you a letter if they need to do this. You will not have to pay a fee.

You may be able to keep its original registration number if you can prove the vehicle’s original VIN. If you cannot, you’ll have to apply for a replacement identity number.

DVLA will give you an authorisation letter to get the vehicle stamped with the new VIN if your vehicle passes its assessment.

You then need to register the vehicle - you can only do this when DVLA receives confirmation it’s been stamped with the correct VIN.

DVLA issues ‘Q’ registration numbers to vehicles whose age or identity is in doubt.

If this happens, any original vehicle registration number will become invalid and you must not display it again.

To get a ‘Q’ registration number, your vehicle has to pass a type approval process.