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What is the first registration fee?

Vehicles registered and taxed for the first time on Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) records will be required to pay a fee of £55.00. 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:

  • 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

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 DVA 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.

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 crime and other crime and it 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 & Customs advise that the first registration fee is outside the scope of paying VAT.

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