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Getting a vehicle registration number

When issuing a registration number for a radically altered vehicle the Driver and Vehicle licensing Agency (DVLA) use a points system.

To keep the original registration number your vehicle must have eight or more points. This must include the original or new and unmodified chassis, monocoque bodyshell or frame.

Your vehicle will need Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA), Single Vehicle Approval (SVA) or Motorcycle Single Vehicle Approval (MSVA) if:

• it has less than eight points
• it has a second hand or altered chassis, monocoque bodyshell or frame
• there is evidence that two vehicles have been welded together to form one (eg ‘cut and shut’)

If your vehicle passes you will be able to register your vehicle and will be given a ‘Q’ registration number.

What points are given to what parts

Points are only given to the original major components used and are shown in the table below.

Part	Points
Chassis or monocoque bodyshell (body and chassis as one unit) (original or new*)	5 points
Suspension (front and back)	2 points
Axles (both)	2 points
Transmission	2 points
Steering assembly	2 points
Engine	1 points

*Direct replacement from the manufacturers

Where there is evidence that two vehicles have been welded together to form one (eg ‘cut and shut’) a ‘Q’ mark will be allocated. IVA, SVA or MSVA will be required.

Any major component used cannot be taken from a vehicle issued with a Certificate of Destruction.

Vehicle Identification Number and 'Q' registration numbers

A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and a registration mark are legal requirement for all vehicles used on the public highway. Find out more about the VIN and registration marks and how to get replacements.

• Vehicle identification number and 'Q' registration numbers

Vehicles that are allocated alternative registration numbers

Where registered vehicles are allocated alternative numbers, they will need an IVA, SVA or MSVA in order to register. The level and type of test required will depend on the vehicle.

• The Individual Vehicle Approval scheme

• What is the Single Vehicle Approval scheme?

• The Motorcycle Single Vehicle Approval (MSVA) scheme

Documents required for registration

The documents you’ll need to register your vehicle are:

• form V55/5 – Application for a licence for a used motor vehicle and declaration for registration
• Correct vehicle tax (where appropriate)
• form V627/1 – Built up vehicle inspection report (for completion prior to inspection)
• IVA, SVA or MSVA certificate (if required)
• MOT certificate (if the vehicle is over 3 years old)
• insurance certificate
• £55 registration fee (if required)
• Official receipts for the vehicle and any components used in the build
• documentation confirming your name and address
• vehicle registration certificate (if donor vehicle used)

• The cost of vehicle tax

• Vehicle first registration fee

• How to register your vehicle and identity checks

• DVLA form ordering service Opens new window

It is the responsibility of the vehicle keeper to ensure that their vehicle complies with the Road Vehicle (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986 (as amended) if used on the road.

For more information about these regulations contact the Department for Transport.

• Motoring contacts