Vehicle registration

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Reconstructed classic vehicles

Your vehicle must comply with the if you use it on the road.

How to register

You must follow all the instructions for registering a new vehicle.

You must include the following with your application:

DVLA can only recognise your vehicle as a reconstructed classic vehicle if it meets certain criteria. It must be:

  • built from genuine period components from more than one vehicle, all over 25 years old and of the same specification as the original vehicle
  • a true reflection of the marque

The appropriate vehicle owners鈥� club for the vehicle type (鈥榤arque鈥�) must inspect the vehicle and confirm in writing that it:

  • has been inspected
  • is a true reflection of the marque
  • is comprised of genuine period components all over 25 years old

They must also give manufacture dates for the major components.

DVLA will assign an age-related registration number to the vehicle based on the youngest component used.

New or replica parts

Your vehicle will not get an age-related registration number if it includes new or replica parts. DVLA will give your vehicle a 鈥楺鈥� prefix registration number. Your vehicle must pass the relevant type approval test to get a 鈥楺鈥� prefix registration number.

Vehicles with a Certificate of Destruction (CoD) must never reappear as complete vehicles or be presented for registration, though some components may be recycled. You cannot keep the original registration or vehicle identification number.

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