Registering your Historic or Classic Vehicle
On 26th August 2025 the DVLA announced key policy changes in relation to the registration of historic and classic vehicles. Use this guidance to help you successfully navigate the process to correctly register your historic or classic vehicle with the DVLA, or to notify changes following repair, restoration or modification.
Note: Owners who are unhappy with the previous treatment of their registration number claim may now reapply under the new rules, and there is no time limitation on this.
What forms and documentation are required?
The first step in registering a vehicle is determining which of the following applies:
Register a USED vehicle for the first time in the UK - including used imported vehicles, older vehicles never registered or vehicles brought back to the UK after being exported (Form V55/5)
Application for first vehicle tax and registration of a NEW motor vehicle – includes reconstructed or kit vehicles and imported vehicles that have never been permanently registered elsewhere (Form V55/4)
Next determine which of the following categories the vehicle falls under. This will determine the process, what supporting documentation is required, and how the vehicle will be registered:
A) Original, Repaired & Restored
B) Structurally Modified – including electric conversions
C) Reconstructed classics (unchanged at 26 August 2025)
D) Kit converted (unchanged at 26 August 2025)
E) Kit built (unchanged at 26 August 2025)
Important: Always familiarise yourself with the comprehensive DVLA guide INF318 to the August 2025 policy changes and how they apply to the registration and notification process.
The HCVA has summarised each category and provided links to DVLA forms below. Remember that the HCVA is here to assist members.
Select appropriate category:
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Register a USED vehicle - V55/5 Simple Guide
Guide to register a USED vehicle for the first time in the UK - including used imported vehicles, older vehicles never registered, and vehicles brought back to the UK after being exported.
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Original, Repaired & Restored Vehicles
An original vehicle including where it has been subject to repair or restoration. Includes specified upgrades and period correct modifications.
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Structurally Modified Vehicles
An original vehicle that has been subject to more substantial upgrades or modifications that change the vehicles appearance or significantly alter it from its original specification. This category includes electric conversion of classics.
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Reconstructed Classics
Unregistered vehicles without an assignable VIN built from genuine period components from more than one vehicle that are over 25 years old and of the same specification as the original vehicle. It must be a true reflection of the marque.
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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.
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Kit Built Vehicles
A kit built vehicle is a new vehicle 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.
Other guidance & best practice
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Importing a vehicle
Additional guidance on importing a historic vehicle into the UK.
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MoTs and Substantially Changed Vehicles
A vehicle keeper is responsible for making sure their vehicle is always safe to drive (‘roadworthy’). A vehicle first registered more than 40 years ago and having no ‘substantial changes’ made in the last 30 years qualifies as exempt from a mandatory annual MoT.
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Q Plates & VINs explained
DVLA policy changes in August 2025 introduced changes to when Q or QNI Registration Numbers are issued, and when a DVLA 17 digit replacement VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is applied. Q registrations are now intended for vehicles where the identity is in doubt.