Vehicle registration

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Kit-built vehicles

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:

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.

View a printable version of the whole guide

Part of Buy a vehicle: step by step

  1. 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).

    1. Check the details you've been given match DVLA's information
    2. Check the vehicle's MOT history
    3. Check if the vehicle has been recalled because of a safety issue
    4. Check the log book is not for a stolen vehicle

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. Step 4 Tax the vehicle

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

    1. Check how much you’ll have to pay to tax your vehicle
    2. Check when you don't have to pay vehicle tax
    3. Tax your vehicle