Guidance

Apply for Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA): cars

Apply for Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) if you’re making or importing a single car or a very small number of cars (also known as IVA 1C).

From:
Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency
Published
16 June 2025

Applies to England, Scotland and Wales

You must apply to get a car or passenger vehicle with no more than 8 seats approved by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) if the vehicle has been:

  • built
  • rebuilt
  • radically altered
  • reconstructed from a classic vehicle
  • imported

How much it costs

The fee will depend on the test you need and the class of vehicle you want to approve.

You can pay online when you apply by:

Check the IVA application fees for car and passenger vehicles.

Apply for IVA for cars online

You’ll need:

  • the vehicle identification number (VIN) or chassis number
  • the vehicle registration number (if registered)
  • a clear scan or photo of any evidence that supports your application – for example a Certificate of Conformity (CoC)
  • your username and password if you’ve used the service before

You can register in the service if you’ve not used it before.

Once you’ve started your application you can save your form and complete it later.

Start now

What happens next

DVSA will send you an email to let you know the outcome. You’ll usually get a response within 10 working days.

Other ways to apply

Your application will be processed faster if you apply online. You can download and fill in the application form if you cannot use the online service.

IVA application form: passenger cars

PDF, 1.95 MB, 9 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

Request an accessible format.
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email accessible-formats@dvsa-publishing.zendesk.com. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Read the guidance on filling in the IVA application form (PDF, 742 KB, 11 pages) before filling in the form.

How to send the form

Send the application by post.

DVSA
Approvals Team
The Ellipse
Padley Road
Swansea 
SA1 8AN

Help with your application

Contact DVSA if you need help with your application.

enquiries@dvsa.gov.uk
Telephone: 0300 200 1188
Monday to Friday, 7:30am to 6pm
Find out about call charges

Updates to this page

Published 16 June 2025

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