How to register your vehicle and identity checks

If you want to register a vehicle for the first time at a Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) local office you will need to bring documentation to confirm your identity. This ensures that the 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 licence (tax) a vehicle:

V55/4 - application for a first licence for a new motor vehicle and declaration for registration - for use by individuals importing a new vehicle or a kit car
V55/5 - application for a first licence for a motor vehicle and declaration for registration - for use by individuals to register used vehicles, or rebuilt vehicles
How to register a rebuilt, radically altered vehicle and kit car - DVA guidelines (PDF 156 KB)
Registering an imported vehicle
Help with PDF files

Identity documents required

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.

The following documentation to confirm your name is accepted:

current DVA photocard driving licence
current passport
marriage certificate
decree nisi or absolute
birth certificate
electoral identity card

The following documentation to confirm your address is accepted:

utility bill valid within the last three months eg: gas, electricity, water, landline or phone
bank or building society statement, valid within the last three months
medical card
rates bill/rent book for the current year

What you need to do to register

You will also need to apply to register and licence the vehicle at a DVA 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)
the first registration fee of £55.00, if appropriate
any documents you have relating to the vehicle
MOT if required
evidence of type approval; individual vehicle approval (IVA), or motorcycle SVA (MSVA)
declaration of newness (if applicable)
appropriate HM Revenue & Customs form
The cost of vehicle tax
Vehicle first registration fee

If the vehicle is imported you will also require:

the foreign registration document or any papers relating to the vehicle
evidence showing the date the vehicle was collected

What happens next?

DVA 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. DVA cannot guarantee the return of the documents by a specific date.

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

What if you do not receive your identity documents?

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