Registering a vehicle

How to register your old vehicle	How to register your vehicle
Vehicle first registration fee	Registering an imported vehicle
How to notify DVLA if you sell your vehicle	Replacing a lost or stolen registration certificate
How to notify DVLA if you buy a new or used vehicle	How to register a rebuilt, radically altered vehicle and kit car
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Vehicle first registration fee

Vehicles registered and taxed for the first time on the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) records will be required to pay a fee of £38. This extra payment is designed to cover the costs associated with registration of the vehicle throughout its life. Certain vehicles are exempt from payment.

Vehicles exempt from payment

The fee is applicable to all vehicles except for the following exemptions:

those first registered and licensed in the disabled exempt taxation class
historic vehicles previously registered with the old local authorities (late conversions)
vehicles previously registered in Northern Ireland
imported vehicles previously registered under the personal export scheme and new means of transport scheme
visiting forces vehicles
vehicles registered under the direct export scheme
vehicles registered for off road use only
crown exempt vehicles

The cost of vehicle crime

Registering vehicles, and keeping the register up-to-date when keepers move and vehicles change hands, is an important weapon in the fight against vehicle related and other crime and benefits individuals directly. The fee ensures that more of the cost of this service is placed on those who call upon it.

Does VAT apply to the fee?

HM Revenue and Customs advise that the first registration fee is outside the scope of paying VAT.

Making the payment

You will be required to pay the fee in a single payment, along with the cost of the vehicle tax payable, whether the vehicle is first registered and licensed at the DVLA local office or under the automated first registration and licensing (AFRL) system. If buying a brand new vehicle, the dealer will usually include this in the cost.

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