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Changing your vehicle details on your registration certificate

You’ll need to update your registration certificate V5C(NI) if you make any changes to your vehicle or if any of the details shown on your registration certificate are incorrect. The amount of vehicle tax you pay may be affected and you will need to produce documentary evidence of the changes.

Changes you need to update

You’ll need to tell the Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) about the following changes to your vehicle:

  • colour
  • engine
  • cylinder capacity
  • fuel type (propulsion)
  • replacing or modifying the chassis/monocoque bodyshell
  • seating capacity
  • weight of a goods vehicle

Regarding any changes to engine and cylinder capacity (engine size), the DVA will need written evidence which can be:

  • a receipt for the replacement engine
  • written evidence from the manufacturer
  • an inspection report provided for insurance purposes
  • written confirmation on headed paper from a garage of the engine number and size
  • an inspection report from an organisation such as AA or RAC

Regarding any change to fuel type, the DVA will need confirmation which can be:

  • if your existing engine is converted, the confirmation must be on headed paper from the garage that carried out the work
  • if a new engine is fitted, the receipt will be required as confirmation

A change to the number of seats including the driver's seat may affect the amount of vehicle tax you pay. For changes to the revenue weight you’ll need to produce a plating certificate or design weight certificate. You’ll need to produce the appropriate exemption certificate if you change the tax class of your vehicle to disabled.

Other changes

Your vehicle may need to be inspected by a DVA local office. You must contact your nearest DVA local office if you change:

  • wheel plan
  • body type
  • vehicle identification number (VIN)
  • chassis number
  • frame number for motorcycles

How to tell the DVA about the changes

Using your registration certificate you’ll need to:

  • notify any changes or corrections by completing section seven
  • sign and date the declaration box

For changes not listed in section seven you'll need to underline the vehicle details in section four, writing the new information next to them. You must also produce documentary evidence with a covering letter explaining the changes.

If the changes don’t affect your vehicle tax, then send the registration certificate and any additional documentation to DVA.

If the changes affect the amount of vehicle tax you pay, you’ll need to apply to your nearest DVA local office or to DVA in order to apply for an exchange licence (if your tax disc shows the old details), or to retax your vehicle if the vehicle tax has expired.

In both cases, you’ll need to include the registration certificate and any additional documentation with your application.
The postal address for the DVA is:

DVA
Coleraine
BT51 3TA

When to expect your registration certificate

The DVA will aim to deliver a registration certificate to you within two to four weeks of receiving your application. However, please allow up to four weeks before contacting the DVA.

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