Vehicle registration

Skip contents

Old vehicles

Your vehicle must meet the 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鈥檚 original registration number

You may be able to register an old vehicle under its original registration number if either:

  • it鈥檚 never been registered at DVLA
  • it has an age-related registration number

To do this, you鈥檒l have to:

Send the forms to 鈥楰its and Rebuilds鈥� at DVLA.

Kits and Rebuilds
D9
DVLA
Swansea
SA99 1ZZ

After you鈥檝e 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 拢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.

    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鈥檒l have to pay to tax your vehicle
    2. Check when you do not have to pay vehicle tax
    3. Tax your vehicle