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Check a vehicle's details, tax and SORN status and expiry dates on the Driver Vehicle and Licensing Agency (DVLA) database - online and telephone enquiries

How to register your vehicle and the cost: including new registrations, kit-built vehicles, repairs and restorations, and structural modifications.

• Overview

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

• New and used vehicles

  Register a new vehicle The dealer will usually register a brand new…

• New registrations

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

• New registrations fee

  You’ll have to pay a fee of £55 if you’re registering and taxing a vehicle…

• Repairs and restorations

  Repairs and restorations bring a vehicle back to the manufacturer’s…

• Kit-built vehicles

  Your vehicle must meet the road vehicles regulations if you use it on the…

• Kit-converted vehicles

  Your vehicle must meet the road vehicles regulations if you use it on the…

• Structurally modified vehicles

  If you modify a chassis, monocoque bodyshell or frame to change the…

• Old vehicles

  Your vehicle must meet the road vehicles regulations if you use it on the…

• Reconstructed classic vehicles

  Your vehicle must comply with the road vehicles regulations if you use it…

• Vehicle identification number

  All vehicles registered in the UK must have a unique, stamped-in vehicle…

• 'Q' registration numbers

  DVLA issues ‘Q’ registration numbers to vehicles whose age or identity is…

Renew or tax your vehicle for the first time using a reminder letter, your log book or the green 'new keeper' slip - and how to tax if you do not have any documents

Tell DVLA you've sold your vehicle or transferred it to a new registered keeper (owner), or that you've bought a vehicle

Check and report if a vehicle has up-to-date vehicle tax or is 'off road' (SORN)

Check the MOT history of a vehicle from 2005 onwards, including if it passed or failed, its mileage and why it failed, download MOT test certificate

Check if you're old enough, or have the right kind of driving licence, to drive different kinds of vehicle

Buy a vehicle - how to check you’re not buying a stolen vehicle. Registering, taxing and insuring your vehicle.

The Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA) is the designated UK national authority for approving new road vehicles, agricultural tractors, off-road vehicles and components. VCA is an executive agency, sponsored by the Department for Transport .

• Updated: 15 April 2021

You must make sure your car, motorcycle or other vehicle is safe to drive (‘roadworthy’) all year round.