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Registering a kit converted vehicle

Front drivers wing of car - registering a rebuilt vehicle When converting a vehicle from a kit, it will need to meet certain criteria before it can be registered. Find out how to register your vehicle and the different types of registration number given.

Registering a kit converted car

A kit converted car is a car that has had one of the following:

  • a kit of new parts added to the existing vehicle
  • old parts added to a new kit

The general appearance of the vehicle will change because of the kit and this will be shown in the description on the registration certificate.

Keeping the current registration number

To keep the current registration number of the vehicle you must use two original major parts with the following:

  • original unmodified chassis
  • original unmodified monocoque body shell (that is, body and chassis as one unit)

Allocation of new registration numbers

A vehicle will be given a new current series registration number if two major parts from the donor vehicle are used with the following:

  • a new monocoque body shell or chassis from a specialist kit manufacturer

Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) will be needed to register the vehicle.

The year of manufacture will be based on the age of the donor vehicle.

Where the chassis or monocoque body shell of a donor vehicle, which has been issued with a Certificate of Destruction (CoD), has been used, the existing registration number cannot be kept nor can a new current series registration number be given.

Kit converted motorcycles to tricycles

A kit converted tricycle is a motorcycle which has had one of the following:

  • a kit of new parts added to the existing vehicle
  • old parts added to a new kit

Keeping the current registration number

A kit converted tricycle cannot keep its original registration number if it does not retain an original unmodified motorcycle frame.

Allocation of new registration numbers

A vehicle will be given a new current series registration number if two major parts from the donor vehicle are used with the following:

  • a new tricycle frame from a specialist kit manufacturer

A Motorcycle Single Vehicle Approval (MSVA) certificate will be required to register the vehicle.

‘QNI’ prefix registration numbers

Kit converted vehicles will be given a ‘QNI’ prefix registration number if:

  • the original identity of the vehicle is unknown
  • not enough parts are used from a donor vehicle
  • the chassis, monocoque body shell or frame is cut (in certain circumstances)
  • a donor vehicle chassis or monocoque body shell has been issued with a CoD
  • appropriate documentary evidence (for example, receipts) are not available
  • build plans (for amateur builds) are not available

If your vehicle cannot pass IVA or MSVA, it cannot be registered.

If you are unsure if your kit converted vehicle needs a ‘QNI’ registration number, contact your local DVA office.

Documents needed to register your kit converted vehicle

To register a kit converted vehicle you will need:

  • form V55/5 – application for a licence for a used motor vehicle and declaration for registration
  • vehicle registration certificate
  • correct vehicle tax (where appropriate)
  • form V627/1 – built up vehicle inspection report (for completion prior to inspection)
  • IVA or MSVA certificate
  • insurance certificate
  • £55 first registration fee (if required)
  • official receipts for the vehicle and for any components used in the build
  • build plans (amateur builds)
  • documentation confirming your name and address

See also the information on:

It is your responsibility as vehicle keeper to ensure that your vehicle complies with the Motor Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1999 if used on the road.

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