How to notify DVA if you buy a new or used vehicle

The seller will usually notify Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) that you have purchased your vehicle. The way in which the vehicle is registered to you will depend if it is new or used, if a registration certificate is available, or you may register it yourself.

If you buy a brand new vehicle

If you buy a new vehicle the dealer will usually apply on your behalf for the first vehicle licence at the same time as applying for the Registration Certificate. (You may need to produce documentation to confirm your identity). The vehicle should be licensed when you take delivery. In either case make sure that your full name, address and postcode and other details are stated clearly and correctly, as these details will be used to set up the vehicle record and will appear on the registration document.

If you purchase your new vehicle from a dealer who uses the new AFRL (Automated First Registration and Licensing) system this will link the dealers and manufacturers to DVA electronically so that they can register and license new vehicles. For some vehicles not covered by the AFRL system e.g. those involved in Cherished Transfers and goods vehicles over 3,500 kgs the dealer will need to apply on your behalf for your licence as stated above. When a dealer registers a vehicle using the AFRL system they will give you a confirmation of registration details document to sign. This document shows the details that we will use to set up the vehicle record. Before you sign the document, check that all the details are correct.

Licences may be bought for 6 or 12 calendar months. If the vehicle is being registered for the first time in Northern Ireland it is also possible to license it for part of the month in which it is first registered plus 6 or 12 months.

A fee of £55 is payable on the first registration and licensing of a motor vehicle in Northern Ireland.

The fee is designed to cover the administrative costs associated with registration of the vehicle throughout its life. The fee is applicable to all vehicles except those first registered and licensed in the "Disabled Exempt" taxation class.

If you buy a used vehicle with a registration certificate

Registration Certificate V5C(NI)

The person selling the vehicle must complete section 6 'new keeper or new name/new address details' of the V5C(NI). Both you and the seller need to sign the declaration in section 8. It is the responsibility of the person selling the vehicle to send it in to DVA. They should then hand you the V5C/2(NI) green section appropriately filled in. DVA must be notified as soon as the vehicle changes hands.

If you buy a used vehicle and the seller does not have a registration certificate

If the seller does not have a V5C(NI) registration certificate, you should register the vehicle in your name by using form V34(NI) 'application for a registration certificate'. You can get one by downloading it from the vehicle forms link below or from selected Post Office® branches or a DVA local office. DVA will then send you a new registration certificate in your name.

What will happen next?

DVA aims to deliver a registration certificate to you within two to four weeks of receiving the application. If you have applied on a V34(NI) application form, this may take up to six weeks as special checks have to be made. Please allow six weeks for the registration certificate to be delivered before contacting DVA.