If
you want to register an old vehicle, you may be able to register it under its
original mark. You will need to apply through a vehicle owners club who will pass
your application to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) for a new vehicle
record to be set up.
Background
information
In
the early 1970s the DVLA began to computerise records of vehicles previously maintained
by local vehicle taxation offices. This process involved the registration of new
vehicles and the conversion of records already in circulation.
The
computer record for old vehicles was closed in 1983 and vehicles which were undergoing
restoration at that time were issued with letters from the DVLA. In 1990 rules
were introduced which allowed vehicles to claim back their original mark, on a
non-transferable basis. This means that you will not be able to transfer it or
put it onto retention at a later date.
How
to register your vehicle under its original number
To register
a vehicle which is not recorded at the DVLA because it missed the 1983 deadline
you will need to complete application form V765 available from your nearest DVLA
local office or for download from our vehicle forms link below. Applications for
original marks are considered in the first instance by vehicle enthusiasts clubs.
A list of authorised clubs is set out on form V765/1 which is available from DVLA
local offices or by download on our vehicle forms link below.
To
apply you should:
complete form
V55/5 available from a DVLA local office
complete
form V765
provide
a recent photograph of the vehicle and documentary evidence, such as the original
log book, a pre-83 tax disc or MOT certificate, linking it to the original number
The
application should be sent to a relevant authorised owners or enthusiasts club
to be endorsed. You will not be obliged to join the club but you may be charged
a fee for the service and the club may wish to inspect the vehicle.
What
happens next
The
endorsed application will then be forwarded to DVLA for processing and a V5C registration
certificate will be issued. The original number will be allocated on a non-transferable
basis. In cases where the original number was re-allocated by the local taxation
office or transferred to another vehicle, DVLA will allocate another number appropriate
to the age of the vehicle.
If
this is a non-suffix or prefix number, it will also be non-transferable.
Further
information
Further
information on registering an old vehicle can be found on information leaflet
INF848 How to register your old vehicle which is available from a
DVLA local office.
