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DVLA GUIDE - Unofficial Guide to the DVLA Register a Vehicle

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If you need to apply for, renew or replace a licence, or have any other vehicle enquiry, you may also contact Drivers' Customer Services, Correspondence Team, DVLA, SA6 7JL or the Vehicle Customer Services, DVLA, SA99 1AR. You also may be able to use the vehicle and licensing services at a Post Office®.

You are in the Drivers License & ID. If you are looking for Drivers License & ID information dvlaguide.com is the right site for you. In this section you’ll find out how to apply, renew and replace your drivers license, how to update any name or address changes, how to apply motorcycle license, or what medical rules apply to drivers

This site, dvlaguide.com, also covers the specifics for learners and new drivers, vehicle registration, taxing your vehicle, MOTs, how to SORN a vehicle, what forms you need and DVLA hours and locations.





Register a Vehicle

When you register a vehicle for the first time at a Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) local office you will need to present documentation to confirm your identity. This ensures that keeper name and address details provided at the time of registration are genuine, thereby preventing the fraudulent registration of vehicles.

The Application Forms

Name and address checks are required on all V55/4 and V55/5 applications to first register and license (tax) a vehicle.

V55/5 - application for a first licence for a motor vehicle and declaration for registration - for use by individuals to register used vehicles.

V55/4 - application for a first licence for a new motor vehicle and declaration for registration - for use by individuals importing a new vehicle.

What Identity Documents Do I Need?

To register and tax your vehicle using application forms V55/4 or V55/5 you must also provide, either your photocard driving licence or one original document which confirms your name and one original document which confirms your address.

Types of documentation that confirms your name:

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

Types of documentation that confirms your address:

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

What you need to do to register

You will need to apply to register and licence the vehicle at a DVLA local office. The application form V55/4 or V55/5 should be accompanied by the following documentation:

  • appropriate identity documents confirming your name and address (as listed above)
  • a current certificate of motor insurance
  • the cost of the vehicle licence excise duty (car tax)

Vehicle Tax Fee

The first registration fee of £55.00,

What Happens Next?

The DVLA local office may wish to inspect the vehicle before allocating an appropriate vehicle registration mark. Your identity documentation will be returned to you with the vehicle tax disc. If you would like the documents returned by special delivery, you will need to provide a prepaid self addressed, special delivery envelope. The DVLA cannot guarantee the return of the documents by a specific date.

The DVLA will aim to deliver a new registration certificate to you within six weeks of applying at a DVLA local office, allow six weeks before contacting DVLA.

What if you do not receive the identity documents?

Unless you contact the DVLA within three months of the date you sent your application, DVLA will not be able to carry out the necessary follow up investigation both at the DVLA local office and with Royal Mail. They will not be liable to any claim after the three month period.