Vehicle registration

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Old vehicles

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:

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.

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