Vehicle registration schemes for the motor trade

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1. 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鈥檙e:

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

If you鈥檙e 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鈥檙e 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鈥檒l need to follow the rules on what each VIN needs to include.

Find out .

Applying to DVLA for a VIN

If you鈥檙e 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

[email protected]

It usually takes up to 10 days to get your VIN after you鈥檝e applied.

The Vehicle Register

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

2. Secure registration scheme

You can join the secure registration scheme if you鈥檙e:

  • a vehicle manufacturer
  • an import concessionaire (a UK company authorised to import, trade and sell new vehicles on behalf of specific vehicle manufacturers)
  • an independent import trader (a UK VAT registered company that imports, registers and sells vehicles from a range of manufacturers)

To apply to join the scheme and use the online service, email [email protected]. DVLA will then email you further information, including an application form.

Once you have joined the scheme you can register vehicles:

It鈥檚 faster to register a vehicle using the online scheme.

Register vehicles online

After DVLA approves you to use the scheme, they鈥檒l:

  • give you access to the online service
  • train you to use the service
  • send you the number for a helpdesk that鈥檚 open Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm

Control check arrangements

You still need to keep paper records when using the online service. These could include:

  • V55 document security (when used as back up for printer or computer failure or other registration purposes)
  • derogation forms from potential new vehicle suppliers
  • spot check records

DVLA or VCA may visit you to make sure control checks and security systems are being maintained.

Register vehicles by post

Register vehicles by sending:

  • the registration fee
  • the fee to tax a vehicle
  • a completed V55/1 or V55/2 form

to:

DVLA
Swansea
SA99 1BE

DLVA will tell you how to get V55/1 and V55/2 forms if you are approved to use the scheme.

3. Non-secure registration scheme

If you鈥檙e not eligible to use the secure registration scheme, you can use the non-secure registration scheme. You鈥檒l need to submit supporting documentation with each application to register a new vehicle with DVLA.

You need to complete form V55/4 and send it to DVLA Swansea, SA99 1BE, with an acceptable vehicle type approval certificate, for example a:

  • valid 鈥�CoC鈥� (certificate of conformity)
  • British National Type Approval certificate

Send the documents along with: