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How to register a vehicle without identity

When making an application to register and tax a vehicle without identity you:

• should apply to your nearest Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) local office (applications from outside a DVLA local office catchment area will be refused)
• will be asked to produce a photocard driving licence as proof of name and address
• will be asked to produce official receipts from identifiable suppliers for the vehicle and the components used in the rebuild

The authenticity of any receipts supplied will be checked and stamped by the DVLA local office before return.

All vehicles will be inspected by DVLA and referred to the police.

• Find your nearest DVLA local office

• How to register your vehicle and identity checks

These arrangements have been introduced in an effort to combat vehicle crime. If the police think a vehicle is stolen DVLA will refuse to register it and it may be impounded.

Vehicles with a Certificate of Destruction

Vehicles with a Certificate of Destruction must never reappear as complete vehicles or be presented for registration under these guidelines.

• What to do if your vehicle is scrapped or written off

Vehicle Identification Number and 'Q' registration numbers

A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and registration number are legal requirements for all vehicles used on the public highway. Find out more about the VIN and 'Q' registration numbers and how to get replacements.

• Vehicle identification number and 'Q' registration numbers

Vehicles that are allocated alternative registration numbers

If your registered vehicle is allocated an alternative registration number, it will need to pass one of the following:

• Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA)
• Single Vehicle Approval (SVA)
• Motorcycle Single Vehicle Approval (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

Documents required for registration

The documents you’ll need to register your vehicle will depend on many things like if the vehicle needed IVA.

You'll need to take to your DVLA local office:

• 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
• MOT certificate (if the vehicle is over three 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
• any other documentation relating to the vehicle

To order any of the forms listed above, use the DVLA online form ordering service. If you’re unsure about whether you need to provide certain documents, eg an IVA, SVA or MSVA certificate, contact your local DVLA office.

• DVLA form ordering service Opens new window

• The cost of vehicle tax

• Vehicle first registration fee

• How to register your vehicle and identity checks

• Find your nearest DVLA local office

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

Buying a car without identity – what you need to know

If you are buying a vehicle without identity you should be careful. If a vehicle is suspected of being stolen and is impounded, you will not be able to get the vehicle back or the money you paid for it. For more advice on buying a vehicle follow the link below.

• Advice on buying a vehicle