Vehicle registration schemes for the motor trade

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Overview

There are 2 vehicle registration schemes for the motor trade. They are:

  • the secure registration scheme
  • the non-secure registration scheme

Under the secure scheme, you do not need to provide a separate certificate of newness or type approval certificate with each application. You can also use the Register a Vehicle (RaV) online service, allowing you to register your vehicles more quickly.

You can use the secure scheme if you’re:

  • a vehicle manufacturer
  • an import concessionaire
  • an independent import trader

If you’re not eligible to use the secure scheme you can still register vehicles by post using the non-secure scheme.

Before you register

You need a vehicle identification number (VIN) to register a vehicle for the first time. You can either:

  • create the VIN yourself

  • apply to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) for a VIN

Creating your own VINs

You can create your own VINs if you have a world manufacturer identifier (WMI) code.

If you’re a vehicle manufacturer in the UK you can apply for a WMI code, which forms part of the 17-character VIN to identify your vehicles.

You’ll need to follow the rules on what each VIN needs to include.

Find out how to apply for a WMI and create a VIN on the British Standards Institution (BSI) website.

Applying to DVLA for a VIN

If you’re building a one-off vehicle, such as an early trial or test vehicle, contact DVLA to find out how to apply for a VIN.

Kits and Rebuilds (K & R)
DVLA
Swansea
SA99 1ZZ

dvlavin@dvla.gov.uk

It usually takes up to 10 days to get your VIN after you’ve applied.

The Vehicle Register

This is maintained by DVLA. It’s based on the information provided on the V55 registration form or by the RaV service.

View a printable version of the whole guide

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