Quick Answer
The rule is simpler than it looks: used or previously registered anywhere in the world → V55/5. Brand new and never registered anywhere → V55/4. Almost every import — from Japan, the USA or the EU — was registered abroad first, so almost every importer needs the V55/5.
Used vehicle, first UK registration. Imports previously registered abroad, rebuilt vehicles, classics with lost paperwork, kit cars with used parts.
Brand-new vehicle, never registered in any country. New personal imports, kit cars built entirely from new parts.
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Choosing between the V55/4 and V55/5 is the single most common point of confusion for private importers — and getting it wrong means DVLA returns the whole application. The good news: for the vast majority of people reading this, the answer is the V55/5. Here's how to be certain.
What each form is for
V55/4 — new vehicles
Application for first vehicle tax and registration of a new motor vehicle. "New" means never registered anywhere — not in the UK, not abroad.
- New car bought abroad before any registration
- Kit car built entirely from new parts
- New vehicles not registered by a UK dealer through the trade system
V55/5 — used vehicles
Application for first vehicle tax and registration of a used motor vehicle — one that has been registered before (usually abroad) or is otherwise not new.
- Any import previously registered abroad
- Classic cars with lost or expired registration
- Rebuilt vehicles and kit cars using used parts
The key word DVLA cares about is registered, not mileage or condition. A six-month-old car with 800 miles that was registered in Germany is a used vehicle in DVLA's eyes and needs the V55/5. Age and appearance are irrelevant — only registration history matters. See the official guidance at GOV.UK vehicle registration.
Which form for your scenario
| Scenario | Form | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Used import from Japan, USA or EU | V55/5 | Previously registered abroad = used |
| Brand-new car bought from a dealer abroad | V55/4 | Never registered in any country |
| Classic car with lost or expired registration | V55/5 | Used vehicle; dating evidence may be needed |
| Kit car built entirely from new parts | V55/4 | Treated as a new vehicle |
| Kit car with used or reconditioned parts | V55/5 | Donor parts make it a used vehicle |
| Rebuilt or radically altered vehicle | V55/5 | Used; may face inspection and Q-plate rules |
| Imported motorcycle | Same rules | Registered abroad → V55/5; brand new → V55/4 |
| Ex-military vehicle entering civilian use | V55/5 | Typically treated as used |
A few notes on the edge cases:
- Rebuilt and radically altered vehicles follow points-based rules. If not enough original components are retained, DVLA may issue a Q-plate and require an inspection or IVA test before registration — but the application still goes in on the V55/5.
- Motorcycles follow exactly the same new/used logic as cars. If your bike was registered in Japan or the EU, it's a V55/5. Our motorcycle V55 guide covers the bike-specific fields.
- Ex-military vehicles were generally not registered through the civilian system, but DVLA typically treats them as used vehicles registered on the V55/5, with service records or a dating certificate as evidence of age.
Why the distinction matters
Both forms carry the same £55 first registration fee plus the first vehicle tax payment, but DVLA expects different evidence with each — and the declarations you sign are different.
With a V55/4, DVLA expects
- Certificate of Conformity (CoC) or type approval evidence
- Evidence of newness — e.g. dealer invoice showing no prior registration
- NOVA confirmation if imported
With a V55/5, DVLA expects
- Evidence of previous registration abroad (foreign registration document)
- NOVA confirmation from HMRC
- Approval evidence: CoC, IVA or MSVA certificate
- Valid MOT if the vehicle is over 3 years old
The tax class and first registration date are also driven by which form you use — the V55/5 records the original registration date abroad, which affects how the vehicle is taxed and whether it needs an MOT.
Common mistakes
Using the V55/4 because the car "looks new"
A low-mileage import registered abroad last year is still a used vehicle. If it has ever been on foreign plates, it's a V55/5 — no exceptions.
Assuming the forms are downloadable
Neither the V55/4 nor the V55/5 is available as a fillable PDF on GOV.UK. You must order the paper form from the DVLA form ordering service and wait for it to arrive by post — or use a service that produces the printed form for you.
Sending the form without supporting documents
The form alone is never enough. Missing NOVA confirmation, missing approval evidence or missing identity documents are the top reasons applications bounce — see our full list of V55/5 rejection reasons.
V55/5 supporting documents checklist
If your answer above was V55/5 (most imports), this is what goes in the envelope:
If you're still earlier in the process — the vehicle hasn't landed yet, or you haven't done NOVA — start with our overview of the full UK import and DVLA registration process, then come back here when you're ready to pick the form.
Need the V55/5? Skip the guesswork
Our guided service covers the V55/5 specifically — the form nearly every importer needs. It pre-fills vehicle data from the VIN, validates every box against DVLA's checks, and produces a print-ready form with a posting checklist.
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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.