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Registering a rebuilt vehicle

If you are rebuilding a vehicle it will need to meet certain criteria before it can be registered. The Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) local office will assign the original or 'QNI' registration number based on the evidence you provide. If the vehicle cannot pass the Individual Vehicle Approval test or Motorcycle Single Vehicle Approval test it cannot be registered.

Vehicles built from a mix of new or used parts

To keep the original registration number of a car or light van that has been rebuilt you will need to use either of the following:

  • the original unmodified chassis or unaltered body shell
  • a new chassis or monocoque body shell (that is, body and chassis as one unit) of the same specification as the original supported by evidence from the dealer or manufacturer (for example, receipt)

You will also need to have two other major components from the original vehicle.

These can be any of the following:

  • suspension (front and back)
  • steering assembly
  • axles (both)
  • transmission
  • engine

If a second-hand chassis or monocoque body shell is used, a car or light van must pass Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA). If your vehicle passes a 'QNI' prefix registration number will be allocated. If the vehicle fails it cannot be registered.

A donor vehicle with a Certificate of Destruction cannot be re-registered under the rebuild rules.

Motorbikes built from a mix of new or used parts

If you wish to keep the original registration number of your motorcycle, you will need to use an unmodified frame (original or new). You will also need two other major components from the original vehicle.

These can be any of the following:

  • forks
  • wheels
  • engine
  • gear box

If a second-hand frame is used the vehicle must pass Motorcycle Single Vehicle Approval (MSVA). If the motorcycle passes a 'QNI' prefix registration number will be allocated. If the motorcycle fails, it cannot be registered.

Vehicle Identification Number and 'QNI' registration numbers

A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and a registration number are legal requirements for all vehicles used onpublic roads. Find out more about the VIN and registration number and how to get replacements.

Vehicles that are allocated alternative registration numbers

Where registered vehicles are allocated alternative numbers they will need to pass an Individual Vehicle Approval scheme (IVA) or Motorcycle Single Vehicle Approval scheme (MSVA). The level and type of test required will depend on the vehicle.

What you will need to register your vehicle

The documents you’ll need to register your vehicle will depend on many things like if the vehicle needed an IVA test. You'll need to take to your DVA local office:

  • a completed form V55/5 – application for a licence for a used motor vehicle and declaration for registration
  • correct vehicle tax (where appropriate)
  • a completed form V627/1 – built up inspection report (for completion prior to inspection)
  • an IVA or MSVA certificate (if required)
  • an MOT certificate (if the vehicle is over four years old)
  • an insurance certificate
  • £55 registration fee (if required)
  • official receipts for the vehicle and any components used in the build
  • documentation confirming your name and address
  • the vehicle registration certificate (if a donor vehicle isused)

If the vehicle cannot pass IVA or MSVA it cannot be registered.

It is your responsibility as the 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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