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How to Register an Old Vehicle

All old vehicles must meet road vehicles regulations if they get driven on the roads. Thus, regulations governing the construction, equipment, and maintenance also apply to old vehicles.

REGISTERING OLD VEHICLES: Classic vehicles include those that have not been taxed since 1983. That means it may not be registered with DVLA.

In this case you should follow instructions and procedures set for first time vehicle registrations.

Get Original Vehicle Registration Number

Often you can register an old vehicle under its original registration number if:

It was never registered before at DVLA.
The vehicle has an age-related registration number.

In either of these cases you need to:

Follow the instructions for new vehicle registrations.
Complete form V765 'Application to register a vehicle under its original registration number'.
Have form V765 endorsed by one of the vehicle owners' clubs.
Provide a recent photograph of the vehicle along with documentary evidence that relates it to the original registration number (e.g. original log book).

Note: We recommend contacting the DVLA if you need further details on what you need to provide. Follow that by sending your old vehicle application to:

K and R
DVLA
SA99 1ZZ

After DVLA Application for Historic Vehicles

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency issue a V5C registration certificate. They will also give you either:

The original registration number.
1. Note: This means you cannot transfer the registration it or put it onto retention at a later date.
Another registration number appropriate to the age of the vehicle.
1. Note: A non-suffix or prefix number is non-transferable also.

Registering Old Vehicles in Northern Ireland

The process of DVLA historic vehicle registration differs in Northern Ireland. Send in a completed V62 form and the RF60 form to:

MCT 2
DVLA
Swansea
SA99 1ZZ

DVLA will complete the registration of the vehicle and then issue a new V5C log book to the registered keeper. As a rule this process takes around 4 weeks to complete.

Also in this section...

Kit-built Vehicles: The correct procedures for vehicle registration of kit-builds at the DVLA.
Kit-Converted Vehicles: The process for vehicle registration of kit-converts at the DVLA.
New and Used Vehicles: Check the process for registering different types of vehicles and fees.
New Registrations: Information on the process to get a vehicle registered yourself at DVLA.
Radically Altered Vehicles: The process to register vehicles altered from their original specification.
Rebuilds: Check out how to register a rebuilt vehicle in the United Kingdom.
Reconstructed Classic Cars: Follow these steps to register a reconstructed classic vehicle.
VIN and Q Plates: What is a VIN and why do DVLA sometimes issue 'Q' registrations?

DVLA Old Vehicle Registration in the United Kingdom
Last Updated 2018