Registering your Historic or Classic Vehicle

Use this clear guidance to help you successfully navigate what you need to do to correctly register your historic or classic vehicle with the DVLA. Remember that the HCVA is here to assist.

V55/5 Simple Guide

• V55/5 Register a used vehicle

• V627/1 Built up vehicle inspection report 

• V55/4 First vehicle tax and registration

• V765 Register a vehicle under its original VRN

• Original Vehicles

  An original existing car with a proven supporting history, that is not currently registered with the DVLA.

  The vehicle may have been subject to a light restoration such as minor body repairs, a respray or retrim but will have retained all of its factory-fitted major components.

• Rebuilt & Restored Vehicles

  An original vehicle that has been subject to a subtantial restoration.
   

  Typically a number of the major components from the original vehicle have been retained and restored with only relatively minor use of new components.

• Reconstructed Classics

  For vehicles without an assignable VIN or that does not meet the criteria for Rebuilt & Restored Vehicles.

  Built from genuine period components from more than one vehicle, all over 25 years old and of the same specification as the original vehicle. It must be a true reflection of the marque.

• Radically Altered Vehicles

  Vehicles that have been radically altered or substantially changed from their original specification but have not used any type of kit in the alteration.

  Substantial changes have been made to the vehicle in the last 30 years, for example replacing the chassis, body, axles or engine to change the way the vehicle works.

• Kit Converted Vehicles

  A kit-converted vehicle has 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.

• Kit Built Vehicles

  A kit-built vehicle is one where all the parts are supplied new by the manufacturer.

  It can also be built from a mix of parts supplied new by the manufacturer and other parts sourced elsewhere.

• Substantially Changed Vehicles & MOTs

  You do not need to get an MOT if the vehicle was built or first registered more than 40 years ago and no ‘substantial changes’ have been made to the vehicle in the last 30 years, for example replacing the chassis, body, axles or engine to change the way the vehicle works.

   

• Q Plates & VINs Explained

   
  DVLA issues their own 17 digit replacement VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) and/or  ‘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.

• Complaints and Grievance Options

  This is an overview of the DVLA Commitment which covers their duties to you if you complain about a level of service that you have received. 

  There is also information about the issue of a new registration document for your reference.