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Name and address checks

Name and address checks are required on all V55/4 and V55/5 applications that are associated with:

• an application to transfer or retain a registration number (V317)
• assigning a registration number from a retention document (V778)
• assigning a registration number from a certificate of entitlement (V750)

This includes vehicles from Northern Ireland which are registered using forms V55/4 and V55/5.

Name and address checks don’t apply where the transfer or assignment application is supported by a registration certificate (V5C).

Motor dealers

Motor dealers who hold a full trade plate licence will carry out name and address checks and provide details of these the transfer or assignment application when registering the vehicle.

Motor dealers who don’t hold a full trade plate licence will include the relevant documents confirming your name and address with the transfer or assignment application and the other documents required to tax and register the vehicle. In all cases, the documents confirming your name and address details will be returned directly to you.

Applications that don’t include the relevant documents will not be processed and will be rejected back to you by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) local office.

Documents required

You must provide, along with your application, either your DVLA photocard driving licence or one original document from each of the lists below. Copies are unacceptable.

Documentation confirming your name

• current DVLA paper driving licence
• United Kingdom or European Union or foreign passport
• marriage certificate
• decree nisi or absolute
• birth certificate

Documentation confirming your address

• utility bill - gas, electricity, water, telephone landline - within the last three months and showing the current address
• bank or building society statement - within the last three months and showing the current address
• medical card
• council tax bill for current year

Corporate or fleet company applications

Applicants will have to provide two documents from the following list, one of which must show the current address:

The only evidence acceptable on its own will be a trade plate licence issued by DVLA (or trade licence number).

• companies house registration certificate (embossed)
• VAT registration certificate
• company utility bill - within the last three months and showing current address
• company council tax bill
• bank or building society statement - within the last three months and showing current address
• certificate of company insurance
• letter from HM Revenue and Customs showing company details and tax reference number
• company mortgage statement
• property leasing agreement
• solicitor's letter regarding conveyance of property
• consumer credit licence

Postal applications

You can send the completed transfer or assignment application and V55/4 or V55/5 application form to your DVLA local office. Make sure you include your document/s confirming your name and address, documents required to tax and register your vehicle ie insurance certificate, MOT certificate and appropriate payment for the vehicle tax disc.

Returning your identity documents

In most cases your documentation will be returned with your vehicle tax disc. If you would like DVLA to return your documents by special delivery, please provide a prepaid name and address, self-addressed, special-delivery envelope. DVLA can’t guarantee to return your documents by a specific date or event (for example, a holiday).

Non receipt of identity documents

Unless you contact DVLA within three months of the date you sent your application, DVLA won’t be able to carry out the necessary follow-up investigation both at DVLA local office and with royal mail. DVLA won’t be liable to any claim after the three-month period.

Useful Contacts

• Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) contacts