You have to register a car or any other vehicle as soon as you’ve: bought it built it rebuilt or altered it imported it You have to register a car when you import it, even if it has been registered in the UK before and then exported. You do this by filling in forms and sending them to DVLA . The forms you have to send depend on your circumstances. 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 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. Use the different registration schemes for the motor trade if you’re a vehicle manufacturer, importer or VAT-registered trader.

New and used vehicles

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. If your vehicle is a new heavy goods vehicle (HGV), you also need to record the details of your HGV with the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). 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. There’s a different way to register the vehicle if you’re taking it abroad including the Channel Islands (Jersey and Guernsey), Isle of Man or Ireland. 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 DVLA advises that you should not buy a vehicle that 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 . DVLA Swansea SA99 1BA 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 certain Post Office branches 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 car imported been rebuilt or radically altered 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: rebuilt vehicles 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 You can fill in form V959 - ‘Notification of name and address check’ instead of these documents to prove your identity if you’re a current DVLA trade plate holder. 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 is imported your vehicle is kit-built or kit-converted you have rebuilt your vehicle or radically altered it 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. You’ll need to provide a prepaid self-addressed, special delivery envelope if you want the documents returned by special delivery. DVLA cannot guarantee the return of the documents by a specific date.

New registrations fee

You’ll have to pay a fee of £55 if you’re registering and taxing a vehicle for the first time with DVLA . You can pay by cheque or postal order. You cannot send cash. Damaged or altered cheques will not be accepted. 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

Your vehicle must meet the road vehicles regulations if you use it on the road. 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 - ‘Built up vehicle inspection report’ evidence of type approval, if necessary the vehicle log book (V5C) for the original vehicle official receipts for any parts used 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 . Kits and Rebuilds D9 DVLA Swansea SA99 1ZZ Vehicle type approval You’ll have to get type approval if your vehicle does not qualify to keep its original registration number. Keep a vehicle’s original registration number A rebuilt vehicle can keep its original registration number if you can prove you’ve used: the original unmodified chassis or bodyshell (car or light van) a new chassis or monocoque bodyshell of the same specification as the original (car or light van) the original unmodified frame (motorbike) a new frame of the same specification as the original (motorbike) You must also have 2 other major components from the original vehicle from the following lists. For cars or light vans: suspension (front and back) steering assembly axles (both) transmission engine For motorbikes: forks wheels engine gear box Get a Q registration number DVLA will give your vehicle a ‘Q’ prefix registration number if you do not meet the conditions for keeping the original registration number. Your vehicle must pass the relevant type approval test to get a Q registration number. Vehicles with a Certificate of Destruction (CoD) must never reappear as complete vehicles or be presented for registration, though some components may be recycled. You cannot keep the original registration or vehicle identification number.

Your vehicle must meet the road vehicles regulations if you use it on the road. 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 - ‘Built up vehicle inspection report’ 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 . Kits and Rebuilds D9 DVLA Swansea SA99 1ZZ 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.

Kit-converted vehicles

Your vehicle must meet the road vehicles regulations if you use it on the road. A kit-converted vehicle has had: a kit of new parts added to an existing vehicle, or 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 - ‘Built up vehicle inspection report’ the vehicle log book (V5C) for the original vehicle evidence of type approval, if necessary – see ‘Vehicle type approval’ below 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 . Kits and Rebuilds D9 DVLA Swansea SA99 1ZZ 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. Vehicles with a Certificate of Destruction (CoD) must never reappear as complete vehicles or be presented for registration, though some components may be recycled. You cannot keep the original registration or vehicle identification number.

Radically altered vehicles

Your vehicle must comply with the road vehicles regulations if you use it on the road. Radically altered vehicles are vehicles that have been altered from their original specification, but are not kit conversions. 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 - ‘Built up vehicle inspection report’ evidence of type approval , if necessary the vehicle log book (V5C) official receipts for any parts used 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 . Kits and Rebuilds D9 DVLA Swansea SA99 1ZZ Get a vehicle registration number DVLA uses a points system to decide what registration number to give a radically altered vehicle. Keep the original registration number Your vehicle must have 8 or more points from the table below if you want to keep the original registration number. 5 of these points must come from having the original or new and unmodified chassis, monocoque bodyshell or frame. Part Points Chassis, monocoque bodyshell (body and chassis as one unit) or frame - original or new and unmodified (direct from manufacturer) 5 Suspension (front and back) - original 2 Axles (both) - original 2 Transmission - original 2 Steering assembly - original 2 Engine - original 1 Get a ‘Q’ registration number You will not be able to keep your vehicle’s original registration number if one of the following applies: it has fewer than 8 points it has a second-hand or altered chassis, monocoque bodyshell or frame there’s evidence that 2 vehicles have been welded together to form one (ie ‘cut and shut’) Your vehicle must pass the relevant type approval test to get a ‘Q’ prefix registration number. Vehicles with a Certificate of Destruction (CoD) must never reappear as complete vehicles or be presented for registration, though some components may be recycled. You cannot keep the original registration or vehicle identification number.

Your vehicle must meet the road vehicles regulations if you use it on the road. 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 . Kits and Rebuilds D9 DVLA Swansea SA99 1ZZ 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. MST 2 D10 DVLA Swansea SA99 1ZZ DVLA will register the vehicle and issue a new V5C to the registered keeper. You should receive this within 4 weeks.

Reconstructed classic vehicles

Your vehicle must comply with the road vehicles regulations if you use it on the road. 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 - ‘Built up vehicle inspection report’ 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. Vehicles with a Certificate of Destruction (CoD) must never reappear as complete vehicles or be presented for registration, though some components may be recycled. You cannot keep the original registration or vehicle identification number.

Vehicle identification 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 rebuild or modify your vehicle. When you may need a new VIN or registration If you have a kit car, rebuild, or radically altered vehicle, DVLA will usually have to assess it. 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 . There’s a different way to get a new VIN if you’re a vehicle manufacturer .

'Q' registration numbers

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.

Vehicle registration

Overview

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

bought it
built it
rebuilt or altered it
imported it

You have to register a car when you import it, even if it has been registered in the UK before and then exported.

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

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
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.

Use the different registration schemes for the motor trade if you’re a vehicle manufacturer, importer or VAT-registered trader.

View a printable version of the whole guide

Step 1 Check the vehicle before you buy it
You'll need the vehicle's registration number, make, model and MOT test number. You also need to see the V5C vehicle registration certificate (log book).
Step 2 Buy and register the vehicle
Once you've bought the vehicle, you have to register it. How you register it depends on whether it has a V5C registration certificate (log book).
1. Find out how to register your vehicle
2. Get a vehicle log book if you do not have it £25
and Register for MOT reminders
You must get an MOT for your vehicle every year once it's 3 years old.
1. Get a reminder when your MOT is due
Step 3 Insure the vehicle
You must have insurance before you can use your vehicle on the road.
1. Check if your vehicle is insured on the Motor Insurance Database
2. Read about vehicle insurance
Step 4 Tax the vehicle
You need to tax the vehicle before you can use it on the road.

Vehicle registration

Overview

Step 1 Check the vehicle before you buy it

Step 2 Buy and register the vehicle

and Register for MOT reminders

Step 3 Insure the vehicle

Step 4 Tax the vehicle

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Vehicle registration

Overview

Part of Buy a vehicle: step by step

Step 1: Check the vehicle before you buy it

Step 2: Buy and register the vehicle

and Register for MOT reminders

Step 3: Insure the vehicle

Step 4: Tax the vehicle

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Help us improve GOV.UK

Help us improve GOV.UK

Step 1 Check the vehicle before you buy it

Step 2 Buy and register the vehicle

Step 3 Insure the vehicle

Step 4 Tax the vehicle