Vehicle registration: Vehicle identification number - GOV.UK

VEHICLE REGISTRATION Skip contents CONTENTS * Overview * New and used vehicles * New registrations * New registrations fee * Rebuilt vehicles * Kit-built vehicles * Kit-converted vehicles *

Radically altered vehicles * Old vehicles * Reconstructed classic vehicles * Vehicle identification number * 'Q' registration numbers VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER All vehicles

registered in the UK must have a unique, stamped-in vehicle identification number (VIN) and registration number. FIND YOUR VIN The VIN is usually stamped into the chassis of the vehicle. It

may be lost if you rebuild or modify your vehicle. WHEN YOU MAY NEED A NEW VIN OR REGISTRATION If you have a kit car, rebuild, or radically altered vehicle, DVLA will usually have to assess

it. You may be able to keep its original registration number if you can prove the vehicle’s original VIN. If you cannot, you’ll have to apply for a replacement identity number. DVLA will

give you an authorisation letter to get the vehicle stamped with the new VIN if your vehicle passes its assessment. You then need to register the vehicle - you can only do this when DVLA

receives confirmation it’s been stamped with the correct VIN. There’s a different way to get a new VIN if you’re a vehicle manufacturer. Previous : Reconstructed classic vehicles Next :

'Q' registration numbers View a printable version of the whole guide PART OF BUY A VEHICLE: STEP BY STEP * STEP 1: CHECK THE VEHICLE BEFORE YOU BUY IT You'll need the

vehicle's registration number, make, model and MOT test number. You also need to see the V5C vehicle registration certificate (log book). * Check the details you've been given

match DVLA's information * Check the vehicle's MOT history * Check if the vehicle has been recalled because of a safety issue * Check the log book is not for a stolen vehicle *

STEP 2: BUY AND REGISTER THE VEHICLE Once you've bought the vehicle, you have to register it. How you register it depends on whether it has a V5C registration certificate (log book). *

Find out how to register your vehicle * Get a vehicle log book if you do not have it £25 * AND REGISTER FOR MOT REMINDERS You must get an MOT for your vehicle every year once it's 3

years old. * Get a reminder when your MOT is due * STEP 3: INSURE THE VEHICLE You must have insurance before you can use your vehicle on the road. * Check if your vehicle is insured on the

Motor Insurance Database * Read about vehicle insurance * STEP 4: TAX THE VEHICLE You need to tax the vehicle before you can use it on the road. * Check how much you’ll have to pay to tax

your vehicle * Check when you do not have to pay vehicle tax * Tax your vehicle