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Vehicles built from a mix of new or used parts

To keep the original registration number of a car or light van that has been rebuilt you will need to use either of the following:

• the original unmodified chassis or unaltered bodyshell
• a new chassis or monocoque bodyshell (body and chassis as one unit – monocoque) of the same specification as the original supported by evidence from the dealer or manufacturer (eg receipt)

You will also need to have two other major components from the original vehicle.

These can be any of the following:

• suspension (front and back)
• steering assembly
• axles (both)
• transmission
• engine

If a second-hand chassis or monocoque bodyshell is used, a car or light van must pass Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) or Single Vehicle Approval (SVA). If your vehicle passes a 'Q' prefix registration number will be allocated. If the vehicle fails it cannot be registered.

A donor vehicle with a Certificate of Destruction cannot be re-registered under the rebuild rules.

• The Individual Vehicle Approval scheme

• What is the Single Vehicle Approval scheme?

Motorbikes built from a mix of new or used parts

If you wish to keep the original registration number of your motorcycle, you will need to use an unmodified frame (original or new). You will also need two other major components from the original vehicle.

These can be any of the following:

• forks
• wheels
• engine
• gear box

If a second-hand frame is used the vehicle must pass Motorcycle Single Vehicle Approval (MSVA). If the motorcycle passes a 'Q' prefix registration number will be allocated. If the motorcycle fails, it cannot be registered.

• The Motorcycle Single Vehicle Approval (MSVA) scheme

Vehicle Identification Number and 'Q' registration numbers

A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and a registration number are legal requirements for all vehicles used on public roads. Find out more about the VIN and registration number 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 to pass an Individual Vehicle Approval scheme (IVA), Single Vehicle Approval scheme (SVA) or Motorcycle Single Vehicle Approval scheme (MSVA). 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

What you will need to register your vehicle

The documents you’ll need to register your vehicle will depend on many things like if the vehicle needed an IVA test. You'll need to take to your DVLA local office:

• a completed form V55/5 – application for a licence for a used motor vehicle and declaration for registration
• correct vehicle tax (where appropriate)
• a completed form V627/1 – built up inspection report (for completion prior to inspection)
• an IVA, SVA or MSVA certificate (if required)
• an MOT certificate (if the vehicle is over 3 years old)
• an 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
• the vehicle registration certificate (if a donor vehicle is 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 your responsibility as the vehicle keeper to ensure that your 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