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Quick Start

Use V55/5 to register a used vehicle (previously registered abroad, rebuilt, etc.). Not for brand‑new vehicles (use V55/4) or dealer new old stock (usually handled by the dealer).

Costs: £55 + vehicle tax
Timeline: 4–6 weeks
Process: 6 main steps

60‑Second Checklist

HMRC NOVA completed and confirmed
Proof of identity and address
Foreign registration document
CoC or IVA/MSVA certificate
MOT (if >3 years old)
Payment for £55 + VED

💡 Tip: Our form pre‑fills vehicle data from the VIN and validates common DVLA checks before you print.

Before you begin: NOVA (imports)

You must notify HMRC within 14 days of the vehicle entering the UK. Use the online service and keep the confirmation. DVLA expects proof NOVA is complete before they register the vehicle.

Complete NOVA on GOV.UK →

What you'll need

Individuals

Send photocopies of:

Identity (choose one)

  • UK photocard licence (preferred)

  • Passport, birth, marriage, adoption, or GRC

Address (choose one)

  • Utility bill (≤3 months)

  • Council tax (current year)

  • Bank statement (≤3 months)

  • NHS letter

Businesses

Send two documents, one showing current business address:

Companies House certificate
VAT certificate
Utilities (≤3 months)
NNDR/rates bill
Bank statement (≤3 months)
Insurance certificate
HMRC letter with tax ref

Field‑by‑field guide (mapped to V55/5)

We group the boxes the way you'll see them in the app. Example values are illustrative; always use the Certificate of Conformity (CoC) or IVA/MSVA where stated.

Keeper details (Boxes 70–71)

  • Name, address, postcode, date of birth, phone/email (for contact)
  • Important: Use your current address—this prints on the V5C

Vehicle details (Boxes 5–69, 72–76)

Basic Information

5-7: Manufacturer "Volkswagen AG" / Make "Volkswagen" / Model "Golf" (from CoC/IVA)
8: Body type: "5‑door hatchback", "saloon", "motorcycle" (official DVLA description)
9: Wheel plan: "2‑AXLE RIGID" (cars), "2 WHEEL" (motorcycles)
10: Colour: basic colours. Two → "black and white"; ≥3 → "multi‑coloured"

Technical Details

32-34: VIN (exactly 17 chars) / Engine number / CC (cubic centimetres)
15/20/35/27: Dimensions in mm: length/width/wheelbase/track width (CoC/IVA)
21/23/45: Weights: unladen, max permissible, revenue (if >3,500 kg)
18: Max net power (kW) - round to whole kW, no decimals

Type Approval & Emissions

11: Type approval number/category from CoC. If exempt, leave blank and complete box 72
72: Type approval exemption reason (e.g., "Enduro Bike – MSVA provided")
36-37: CO2 (NEDC) & WLTP from CoC/IVA. For heavy duty, use specific CO2
39-44: Emissions (pm, CO, HC+NOx, HC, NOx) - copy exactly; leave blank if not shown

Dates & Registration

24: Original registration date (when first registered abroad)
25: Year of manufacture (year built)
26: Date of registration in UK (leave blank for first GB registration)
73: Current mileage in miles

Tax and fees (Boxes 1–4, 30)

Box 1: Registration number
DVLA fills this in automatically
Box 2: Tax class
Choose from DVLA classes (e.g., Petrol Car, Diesel Car, PLG). Our app suggests the class.
Box 3: Period of tax
6 or 12 months
Box 4: Total payable
£55 first registration fee (unless exempt per INF54/1) + VED due
Box 30: Tax start date
Today or first day of next month

Common rejections (fix before you print)

NOVA not completed/attached for imports
VIN length/characters wrong (I/O/Q not allowed) or different across documents
CoC/IVA data doesn't match form (units or values off)
Wrong tax class or missing reg fee
Type approval missing/incorrect; exemption explanation omitted
Identity/address proofs not acceptable (send photocopies only)

Supporting documents – printable checklists

Individuals

Businesses

After you post

1

DVLA processes your application

Allocates an age‑appropriate registration (or Q/QNI if age/identity not evidenced)

2

V5C arrives

4–6 weeks (typical). Keep copies of everything.

3

Possible inspection

DVLA may request inspection—respond promptly

📞 Still waiting? If nothing after 6 weeks: call 0300 790 6802 with your details.

FAQs

V55/5 vs V55/4?

V55/5 is for used/previously registered or rebuilt vehicles; V55/4 for brand‑new.

No CoC?

Use IVA/MSVA, or a manufacturer/approved body letter with the required data; explain in box 72.

Seriously damaged abroad?

DVLA will not register Cat A/B equivalents. Get written evidence from the foreign authority that it is not "statutory write‑off/scrapped/non‑repairable".

Why use v55‑5

VIN auto‑fill for make/model and codes
Real‑time validation mapped to the V55/5
DVLA‑ready PDF with your details and a print checklist

Ready to complete your V55/5 form?

Our professional service is launching soon. Get early access and pricing.

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This guide is general information and not legal advice. Always check the current DVLA guidance on GOV.UK for edge cases and the latest rules.

Need Help with Your V55 Form?

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