Motorcycle Quick Start
The V55/5 is the same form for all vehicle types, but filling it in for a motorcycle is simpler than for a car. You can skip entire sections (dimensions, emissions, most weights) and focus on what matters: your keeper details, bike specs, and tax class.
Motorcycle Checklist
Tip: Our V55/5 tool auto-detects motorcycles from the VIN and hides irrelevant sections, so you only see the fields that matter for your bike.
When Do You Need a V55/5 for a Motorcycle?
You need the V55/5 form whenever you are registering a motorcycle in the UK for the first time. This includes:
- Imported motorcycles - bought from Japan, the USA, Europe, or anywhere else
- Rebuilt motorcycles - assembled from parts of different machines
- Kit-built motorcycles - custom or kit bikes never previously registered
- Previously scrapped motorcycles - bikes that were SORN'd and had their registration cancelled
- Recovered stolen vehicles - where the original registration was voided
If the bike already has a UK V5C (logbook), you do not need a V55/5. Use a V62 to apply for a replacement logbook instead.
Motorcycle vs Car: What's Different on the V55/5?
The V55/5 is one universal form for all vehicle types. But motorcycles are significantly simpler to complete because many boxes don't apply.
Boxes You Can Skip for Motorcycles
That's 15+ boxes you can leave blank. For older or historic motorcycles without a Certificate of Conformity, you can skip even more of the technical boxes.
Step 1: Choose the Right Body Type and Wheel Plan
These two fields are where most motorcycle-specific mistakes happen. Getting them wrong will delay your application.
Body Type (Box 8)
Write the text description, not the numeric code. DVLA uses the codes internally.
| DVLA Code | Body Type | Use For |
|---|---|---|
| 18 | Motorcycle | Standard solo motorcycle of any engine size |
| 19 | Motorcycle Combination | Motorcycle with sidecar attached |
| 72 | Moped | Max 45 km/h, engine 50cc or under (or 4kW electric) |
| 09 | Tricycle | Three-wheeled motor vehicle (e.g. Morgan, Can-Am) |
| 10 | Goods Tricycle | Three-wheeled commercial vehicle |
Write "Motorcycle", not "Motorbike", "Motor Cycle", or "Bike". DVLA expects the exact term. Similarly, write "Moped" not "Scooter" for vehicles meeting the moped definition.
Wheel Plan (Box 9)
| DVLA Code | Description | Use For | |-----------|-------------|---------| | A | 2 Wheels | Solo motorcycles and mopeds | | B | 3 Wheels | Motorcycle combinations (sidecar), tricycles |
Write "2 WHEEL" or "3 WHEEL" on the form. Do not use "2-AXLE RIGID" - that's for cars and vans.
Step 2: Get the Tax Class Right
Motorcycle tax is based on engine size, not CO2 emissions like cars. This makes it much simpler.
Tax Class 17: Motorcycle (with or without sidecar)
| Engine Size | 12 months | 6 months | Monthly DD (12m) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zero emission | £26 | N/A | £27.30 |
| Up to 150cc | £26 | N/A | £27.30 |
| 151cc - 400cc | £57 | £31.35 | £59.85 |
| 401cc - 600cc | £87 | £47.85 | £91.35 |
| Over 600cc | £121 | £66.55 | £127.05 |
Rates from 1 April 2025. Bikes up to 150cc and zero-emission: 12-month only (no 6-month option). Monthly direct debit costs 5% more than annual.
Tax Class 50: Tricycle (not over 450kg unladen)
Tricycles have a simpler rate structure: £26 for zero emission or up to 150cc, £121 for everything else. Tricycles weighing over 450kg unladen are taxed as Private Light Goods (PLG), not TC50.
Historic Vehicles: Free Tax
Motorcycles built before 1 January 1985 are exempt from VED entirely (the rolling 40-year exemption). Use tax class "Historic Vehicle" on the V55/5. You will need a dating certificate to prove the year of manufacture.
Tip: If the exact build date is unknown but the motorcycle was first registered before 8 January 1985, it also qualifies for historic exemption.
Step 3: MSVA - The Motorcycle Approval Test
Cars need an IVA test. Motorcycles need MSVA (Motorcycle Single Vehicle Approval). These are completely separate schemes - you cannot use IVA for a motorcycle.
When Is MSVA Required?
MSVA Required
- - Motorcycle is under 10 years old
- - No valid Certificate of Conformity
- - Not previously UK-registered
- - Radically altered or built from mixed parts
MSVA NOT Required
- - Motorcycle is over 10 years old (age exemption)
- - Has a valid Certificate of Conformity / type approval
- - Was previously registered in the UK
MSVA Test Fees
| Vehicle Type | Full Test | Out-of-Hours | Retest | |-------------|-----------|--------------|--------| | Low-power moped (under 1kW, under 25 km/h) | £55 | £79 | £17 | | Two-wheeled motorcycle (including sidecar) | £85 | £109 | £17 | | Three or four-wheeled vehicle | £104 | £128 | £17 |
There is also a Partial MSVA for £12. This only checks headlamp dip pattern, speedometer (must show mph), and mirror position. It is used when a bike has a Certificate of Conformity but is not equipped for UK roads (e.g. a European import with left-dipping headlamps).
What Does MSVA Test?
The test covers:
- Lighting and reflectors - headlamp dip must be correct for left-hand traffic
- Speedometer - must display mph (or dual mph/km/h)
- Mirrors - must be correctly positioned
- Brakes - must meet minimum standards
- Steering - lock-to-lock check
- Structure and stability - frame integrity
- Exhaust noise levels
- Sharp edges and projections
If the bike passes, DVSA issues a Minister's Approval Certificate (MAC). Submit this with your V55/5.
Step 4: Type Approval Categories for Motorcycles
If your motorcycle has type approval (Box 11 on the V55/5), these are the L-category codes you will see:
| Category | Description | Key Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| L1e | Two-wheel moped | Max 45 km/h, engine 50cc or under (4kW electric) |
| L2e | Three-wheel moped | Max 45 km/h, engine 50cc or under (4kW electric) |
| L3e | Two-wheel motorcycle | Engine over 50cc or speed over 45 km/h |
| L4e | Motorcycle with sidecar | L3e motorcycle with sidecar fitted |
| L5e | Motor tricycle | 3 symmetrical wheels, over 50cc, mass under 1,000kg |
L3e sub-categories: L3e-A1 (up to 125cc/11kW), L3e-A2 (up to 35kW), L3e-A3 (over 35kW). These match the A1/A2/A licence classes.
If your motorcycle does not have type approval (common for older bikes and imports without a CoC), tick the type approval exemption box and state the reason - for example, "Historic vehicle" or "MSVA approved".
Step 5: Power-to-Weight Ratio (Box 48)
This is the one field that only applies to motorcycles and tricycles. Cars do not need it.
How to Calculate Power-to-Weight Ratio
Divide the engine's maximum net power (in kW) by the kerb mass (in kg). The result is in kW/kg.
Power-to-Weight = Max Power (kW) / Kerb Mass (kg)
Take this figure from your Certificate of Conformity or MSVA certificate. For example, a 100kW motorcycle weighing 200kg = 0.50 kW/kg.
If you do not have documentation stating the power-to-weight ratio and cannot calculate it, leave Box 48 blank. DVLA will accept the form without it for older bikes without technical documentation.
Step 6: Field-by-Field Guide for Motorcycles
Here are the key fields with motorcycle-specific guidance:
Page 1 - Vehicle Details
| Box | Field | What to Write | |-----|-------|---------------| | 1 | Registration number | Leave blank (DVLA assigns it) | | 2 | Tax class | 17 (Motorcycle) or 50 (Tricycle) or Historic | | 3 | Tax period | 12 months or 6 months (6m not available for 150cc and under) | | 5 | Manufacturer | Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki, Harley-Davidson, etc. | | 6 | Make | Same as manufacturer for most bikes | | 7 | Model | e.g. CBR600RR, YZF-R1, GSX-R750 | | 8 | Body type | Motorcycle (or Motorcycle Combination, Moped, Tricycle) | | 9 | Wheel plan | 2 WHEEL (or 3 WHEEL for sidecar/trike) | | 10 | Number of seats | 1 or 2 (including pillion) | | 31 | Fuel type | Petrol (vast majority) or Electric | | 32 | VIN/Frame number | 17-character VIN (post-1981) or frame number (older bikes) | | 33 | Engine number | Stamped on the engine casing | | 34 | Engine capacity | In cc (e.g. 599, 998, 1170) | | 48 | Power-to-weight ratio | In kW/kg from CoC or MSVA (motorcycles/tricycles only) |
Page 2 - Keeper Details and Declaration
Fill in your name, address, and contact details exactly as you would for any vehicle type. Sign the declaration in black ink - digital signatures are not accepted.
Importing a Motorcycle: Extra Steps
Import Process: Key Differences for Motorcycles
NOVA - Notify HMRC within 14 days of the bike entering the UK. Exception: motorcycles with engines of 48cc or less (or 7.2kW or less if electric) are exempt from NOVA.
Customs Duty and VAT - 6% duty + 20% VAT on the declared value (including shipping and insurance). Motorcycles fall under tariff heading 8711, which has a lower duty rate than cars (8703 at 6.5%).
MSVA - Required if the bike is under 10 years old and has no Certificate of Conformity. Book via GOV.UK. Over 10 years old? You're exempt.
MOT - Required if the bike is between 3 and 40 years old. You can get an MOT using the frame/VIN number before the bike is registered. Historic bikes (40+ years) are exempt.
Submit V55/5 - Post to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BN with all documents. Processing takes 4-6 weeks. DVLA issues an age-related registration number based on the proven year of manufacture.
Japanese Motorcycle Imports
Japan is the single biggest source of imported motorcycles in the UK. The strict Japanese vehicle inspection system (shaken) means many serviceable classic bikes are exported, and JDM-only models (never sold in the UK) are highly sought after.
What you need to know:
- Dating certificate - For Japanese imports without original UK documentation, get a dating certificate from the Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club (VJMC) or the relevant marque club. DVLA accepts dating certificates from recognised owners' clubs.
- Foreign registration document - The original Japanese registration document serves as proof of age but will not be returned by DVLA. Photocopy everything before posting.
- Speedometer - Must read in mph (or dual mph/km/h). Japanese-spec instruments may need converting or replacing.
- Headlamp - Dip pattern must be correct for left-hand traffic (beam dipping to the left). Japanese domestic bikes often dip to the right.
- Mirrors - Must be correctly positioned for UK roads.
- Reflectors - May need adding to meet UK requirements.
Good news for classic imports: If your Japanese motorcycle is over 10 years old, you skip MSVA entirely. And if it's over 40 years old, you also skip the MOT and pay zero road tax. A 1984 Honda CB750 ticks both boxes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using the wrong form version
DVLA no longer accepts old serial-numbered carbon copy V55/5 forms. Download and print the current version (marked "9/23") from GOV.UK. Print both sides - it is a two-sided form.
VIN/Frame number from paperwork, not the bike
The frame number must be taken directly from the motorcycle frame itself, not copied from an old logbook or foreign document. DVLA compares what you write to what's physically stamped on the bike. Include all prefixes and suffixes.
Wrong body type or wheel plan
Write "Motorcycle" not "Motorbike" or "Motor Cycle". Use "2 WHEEL" not "2-AXLE RIGID". These must match DVLA's expected terminology exactly.
Wrong tax class
Use TC17 for motorcycles (solo and sidecar). Use TC50 for tricycles under 450kg. TC50 tricycles over 450kg go in PLG class. Historic bikes over 40 years old use the Historic tax class (free).
Forgetting NOVA for imports
NOVA must be completed within 14 days of the bike arriving in the UK, before you submit the V55/5. DVLA will reject applications without NOVA confirmation.
Not keeping copies
Photocopy everything before posting. The original foreign registration document will NOT be returned. Send documents by Royal Mail Special Delivery early in the week (avoid Friday arrivals).
Documents Checklist: What to Send with Your V55/5
Required Documents
Completed V55/5 form - Current version, printed double-sided, signed in black ink
Registration fee - £55 cheque payable to "DVLA"
Proof of age - Foreign registration document, dating certificate from a recognised club (e.g. VMCC, VJMC), or manufacturer's certificate
Proof of identity - Copy of driving licence or passport
Proof of address - Utility bill (within 3 months) or council tax bill
MOT certificate - If the motorcycle is between 3 and 40 years old. Over 40 years: exempt (submit V112 declaration instead)
Additional for Imports
NOVA confirmation - HMRC Notification of Vehicle Arrivals
Customs duty/VAT evidence - Proof that applicable duties have been paid
MSVA certificate (MAC) - If the motorcycle is under 10 years old and has no Certificate of Conformity
Post to: DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BN. Use Royal Mail Special Delivery. Allow 4-6 weeks for processing.
Age-Related Registration Numbers
When DVLA registers an imported motorcycle with no previous UK registration, they issue an age-related registration number based on the proven year of manufacture. This means your 1978 Honda CB400 gets a registration number from the 1978 era, not a 2026-prefix plate.
This is automatic - you do not need to request it. DVLA determines the age from your dating certificate, foreign registration document, or manufacturer documentation.
How v55-5 Makes This Easier
Our online tool is built with motorcycles in mind:
Enter your VIN and we auto-detect that it's a motorcycle, hiding all irrelevant fields immediately.
Tax class auto-calculated as TC17, body type and wheel plan pre-filled, emissions and dimensions sections hidden.
Real-time checks on VIN format, engine capacity ranges, and power-to-weight ratio to prevent DVLA rejections.
Professional PDF output that matches the official DVLA V55/5 layout, ready to print, sign, and post.
Ready to Register Your Motorcycle?
Enter your VIN and we'll handle the rest. Motorcycle mode activates automatically.
Start Your V55/5 Form
Summary
Registering a motorcycle with the V55/5 is simpler than a car - you skip dimensions, emissions, and most weight fields. The key things to get right are:
- Body type: "Motorcycle" (not "Motorbike")
- Wheel plan: "2 WHEEL" (not "2-AXLE RIGID")
- Tax class: TC17 for motorcycles, TC50 for tricycles under 450kg, Historic for 40+ years
- MSVA: Required if under 10 years old with no CoC (not IVA - that is for cars)
- Power-to-weight ratio: The one motorcycle-only field (Box 48) - from CoC or MSVA cert
- VIN/Frame number: Copy from the bike frame itself, not from paperwork
For imports, complete NOVA first, get your MSVA (if needed) and MOT (if 3-40 years old), then submit everything to DVLA Swansea by Special Delivery.