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Vehicle Registration Schemes for Motor Trade

Three different types of vehicle registration schemes apply to the motor trade. The first two are the non-secure registration scheme and the secure registration scheme.

The third scheme is the Automated First Registration and Licensing (AFRL) system.

The 3 schemes are only available to the following bodies:

  • Vehicle manufacturers.
  • Sole or multiple import concessionaires.
  • VAT-registered traders of motor vehicles.

When joining the scheme you would need to go through them in the correct order. That means you cannot apply for the AFRL scheme without completing the other 2 schemes first.

The non-secure scheme is the first step to take when registering vehicles. This scheme is designed so everyone involved follows vehicle registration rules. If six months pass with no issues or irregularities you can then apply to use the secure scheme.

The application for the secure registration scheme includes a questionnaire. It tests your knowledge of the process to register a vehicle in the United Kingdom. The Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA) assesses the answers in the questionnaire.

If the results are acceptable then a secure registration is issued. After 3 months without issues or irregularities you can then apply to use the AFRL scheme.

The Motor Vehicle Register

Information on the vehicle register is from the various V55 registration forms or the AFRL. The DVLA maintains the vehicle register. The V55 forms are applications for registration and first taxation:

  • V55/1 continuous stationary for a new motor vehicle under the secure scheme.
  • V55/2 individual form set for a new vehicle under the secure scheme.
  • V55/4 individual form set for a new motor vehicle under the non-secure scheme.
  • V55/5 individual form set for an imported used motor vehicle, modified, or rebuilt, under the non-secure scheme.

The Non-secure Registration Scheme

To use the non-secure registration scheme you must complete the V55/4 form and one of the following documents:

  • A current Certificate of Conformity (CoC).
  • The applicable Vehicle Type Approval certificate.
  • A Vehicle Certification Agency certificate of British National Type Approval (goods vehicles and mutual recognition).

Include the following items with the application for non-secure registration scheme:

  • The fee for registration and road tax licence.
  • The correct imported vehicle customs form.
  • A certificate of newness (where applicable).
  • Identity documents for new vehicle registrations confirming your name and address.
  • Used or imported vehicles will need a foreign registration document.

You can order form V55/4 online to register a new vehicle or by faxing 01792 783525. Send all documentation to:

DVLA
Swansea
SA99 1BE

DVLA Secure Registration Scheme

After 6 months with no issues or irregularities you can upgrade from the non-secure scheme to the secure registration scheme. Once the application for the secure registration scheme is approved the documentation and forms will change.

The V55/1 form or V55/2 form replaces the V55/4 form. Complete the V55/1 form or V55/2 with information from one of these certificates:

To register a vehicle, complete the V55/1 or V55/2 form and send it with the road tax fee and registration fee to DVLA Swansea, SA99 1BE.

Note: Use the V55/5 form for an imported used or rebuilt motor vehicle. But, unlike the V55/4 you do not need to provide evidence of newness.

Supplies of these forms are obtainable from the following trade associations:

  • Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
  • Motor Cycle Industry Association (MCIA).
  • Agricultural Engineers Association (AEA).

You can also order the V55/1 and V55/2 forms from the DVLA by fax on 01792 783525 or from this address:

The Requisition Section Stores
Mail:[email protected]
D Basement
DVLA
Swansea
SA6 7JL

Modified Vehicles for the Secure Registration Scheme

As a rule, if modifications are made before registration, such as engine size or silencer, a relevant inspection needs to get carried out:

If an inspection is required then you cannot use the secure registration scheme. Instead, complete the V55/5 form. It is an individual form set for modified vehicles under the non-secure registration scheme.

Note: Two exceptions apply to this rule. They are vehicles using the enhancement scheme or built through the multi-stage process. These can use the secure registration scheme.

How to Apply for the Secure Registration Scheme

To apply for an application pack and guidance notes email ‘[email protected]’. If after three months with no issues or irregularities in the secure scheme you can then apply for the AFRL system.

Automated First Registration and Licensing System

Under the AFRL web-based system, the dealer can pay for road tax with Swansea DVLA. That means dealers can tax vehicles up to 14 days before the registration date.

Note: Customers can also drive for 14 days from registration without tax.

After three months without issues or irregularities you can apply to join the AFRL system. DVLA staff provide the initial training on the Automated First Registration and Licensing system.

Note: There is a help desk available between 8am to 5pm (Monday to Friday) except on UK Bank Holidays.

Vehicle Certification Agency Control Check

The control checks for the AFRL system are the same paper records as for the secure registration system. As a rule these include:

  • Document backup for V55 forms in paper form.
  • Exemption forms from possible new vehicle suppliers.
  • Spot check records.

Note: The DVLA or VCA may conduct an on-site visit to ensure you maintain control checks and security systems.

Apply for Automated First Registration and Licensing (AFRL) System

Send an email to ‘[email protected]’ if you register your vehicles on AFRL form V55/1 or V55/2.

Those who use the non-secure registration system must first apply for the secure registration system. In this case email ‘[email protected]’ to apply for an application pack and guidance notes.

If you are using the secure registration scheme you can apply for AFRL system by emailing [email protected].

Vehicle Registration Schemes for the Motor Trade in the United Kingdom