Number Plate Registration

Guide To Number Plate Registration

Here is some useful information on number plate registration.

How To Register Your Vehicle?

Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) have laid down certain procedures to register your vehicle. If you are registering for the first time, you need to go to the DVLA office to present documentation to confirm your identity. DVLA is strict to ensure that the names and addresses provided are genuine to prevent fraudulent number plate registration.

Documents For Number Plate Registration

You need to fill either form V55/4 or form V55/5 to register and give tax for your vehicle. V55/4 is an application for a first license of new vehicle whereas V55/5 is for registering old and used vehicles. You will have to fill any one of the following documents in support of your name.

  • Birth certificate
  • Marriage certificate
  • United Kingdom or European Union passport
  • Current driving license
  • Decree nisi or absolute

Documents for address proof (any one of the following)

  • Medical card
  • Utility bill from any of the last three months (electricity, gas, telephone landline, water)
  • Current bank statement
  • Council tax bill for the current year

Your Next Steps

Go to your nearest DVLA office and present the following documents:

  • Valid identity documents confirming your name and address.
  • Current motor insurance certificate
  • The cost of car tax (vehicle license excise duty)

You may need to submit any other documents pertaining to you vehicle, for example:

  • Declaration of newness (if required
  • Single Vehicle Approval (SVA)

To register imported vehicles, you also require one of the following:

  • Foreign registration document
  • Proof of date of purchase

The Responsibilities Of The DVLA Are To:

  • Inspect your vehicle to provide your number plate registration
  • Return all your identity documents with vehicle tax disc
  • Ensure that your new number plate registration is delivered to you within the next six weeks. For this, you need to submit a self addressed and stamped envelope to the DVLA.

If you do not receive your documents in time, contact your DVLA office within three months time. DVLA will carry out the necessary investigation both at the Royal Mail and your local DVLA office. But if your enquiries are received after three months, the DVLA will not be liable for any claims.

Single Vehicle Approval (SVA) Scheme

Single Vehicle Approval (SVA) scheme is a pre registration inspection of vehicles that have not been type approved for British or European standards. This inspection is essential for number plate registration and is done to ensure that the vehicles are roadworthy and safe to ply on British roads.

The following vehicles require a SVA test.

  • Amateur built vehicles
  • Imported vehicles
  • Commercial imports
  • Very Low Volume (VLV) vehicles
  • Hearse
  • Vehicle assembled by cannibalising parts from another vehicle
  • Armoured vehicles
  • Left Hand Drive vehicle – imported
  • Rebuilt vehicle

All the above rules and requirements are subject to a change and / or modifications from time to time. You are advised to keep in touch with your local DVLA office to update yourself on the rules of number plate registration.

© 2008 Number Plates.