What Happens After You Submit Your V55/5
You've filled in the V55/5 form, gathered all the documents, written the cheque for £55, and posted everything to DVLA Swansea. Now what? The waiting game begins — and it's often the most stressful part of the whole import process.
This guide explains exactly what happens inside DVLA after they receive your envelope, what the different outcomes look like, and what to do at each stage.
Stage 1: DVLA Receives Your Application
What Happens When Your Envelope Arrives
Your documents are logged and assigned to a processing team. DVLA handles thousands of V55 applications per week, so there's a queue.
A caseworker checks that all required documents are present: V55/5 form, NOVA confirmation, foreign registration document, CoC/IVA certificate, MOT (if applicable), ID, proof of address, and payment.
The caseworker cross-references your form against your supporting documents — VIN, engine number, make/model, dates, keeper details. Everything must match.
If everything checks out, your vehicle is entered into the DVLA database and a registration number is allocated. If something doesn't match or the caseworker has concerns, they'll either request an inspection or reject the application.
Pro tip: Send your application by Royal Mail Signed For or Special Delivery. It costs a few pounds more but gives you proof of delivery and a date you can reference if you need to chase DVLA later.
Stage 2: The Three Possible Outcomes
Your application will go one of three ways. Here's what each looks like and what to expect.
Outcome A: Approved (Most Common)
Application Approved
If your form is complete, all documents match, and DVLA has no concerns, your application is approved. Here's what you'll receive:
What DVLA Sends You
- V5C registration certificate (logbook) — the teal-coloured document showing you as the registered keeper
- Registration number — your new UK plate number, printed on the V5C
- Tax disc confirmation — vehicle tax starts from the date you requested on the V55/5
What DVLA Keeps
- Your original foreign registration document (carte grise, title, etc.)
- The V55/5 form itself
- Your cheque or postal order
DVLA retains the foreign registration document permanently. Make a photocopy before sending it.
Outcome B: Inspection Required
Vehicle Inspection Requested
DVLA may request a physical inspection of your vehicle. This is more common with classic cars, kit cars, rebuilt vehicles, and some imports. Don't panic — it's routine and usually straightforward.
What the Inspector Checks
The inspection is simple. The inspector answers two basic questions:
- Is the car substantially complete and genuine? — Not a shell, not made from stolen parts
- Does the car match its documents? — VIN plate, engine number, body type all match what's on the V55/5 and supporting docs
What to Expect
- DVLA writes to you with instructions on how to arrange the inspection
- The inspector photographs the VIN plate, engine number, and general condition
- They write a report that goes back to DVLA — usually the same day
- Total inspection usually takes 15-30 minutes
Outcome C: Application Rejected
Application Rejected
If DVLA can't process your application, they'll return your documents with a letter explaining what went wrong. Approximately 30% of first-time V55/5 applications are rejected, so this is more common than you might think.
What You'll Receive
- A rejection letter specifying the exact reason(s) your application was refused
- Your original documents returned (foreign registration, CoC, MOT, etc.)
- Your cheque — uncashed if the application never progressed
- A blank V55/5 form (sometimes) for your resubmission
Most Common Rejection Reasons
For a detailed breakdown of every rejection reason and how to avoid them, read our V55/5 rejection reasons guide.
How to Resubmit After a Rejection
Resubmission Checklist
DVLA will specify exactly what was wrong. Don't guess — address the specific issues they've raised.
Get the missing document, correct the VIN, obtain a new MOT — whatever is needed. Don't rewrite the entire form unless the rejection was for illegibility.
Include a short letter explaining what you've corrected. Reference the original rejection. This helps the caseworker process your resubmission quickly.
Before resubmitting, review the entire application one more time. A second rejection for a different reason is far more common than you'd think.
Send to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BE. Include all original documents again, the corrected form, your covering letter, and a new cheque for £55 if the previous one was returned.
Once Approved: Getting on the Road
Your V5C Has Arrived — Now What?
1. Check the V5C for Errors
As soon as it arrives, check every detail on the V5C: your name, address, VIN, make, model, colour, engine size, date of first registration. If anything is wrong, contact DVLA immediately — don't ignore errors as they cause problems when selling or insuring the car later.
2. Get Number Plates Made
Take your new V5C to a DVLA-registered number plate supplier (RNPS) to get your plates made. You'll need to show:
- Your V5C registration certificate
- Photo ID (driving licence or passport)
- Proof of address
Plates must meet BS AU 145e standard. Front plate: black characters on white. Rear plate: black characters on yellow. Cost: typically £20-40 for a pair.
3. Confirm Your Insurance
Update your insurance with the new UK registration number. Your insurer will need the registration number from the V5C to update your policy. Until you do this, you're technically driving without valid insurance even if you have a policy in place.
4. Verify Online
After a few days, check that your vehicle appears correctly on the DVLA vehicle enquiry service at gov.uk/check-vehicle-tax. It can take up to 5 days for new registrations to show. You should see your vehicle's tax status, MOT expiry date, and basic details.
Can You Drive While Waiting?
The Short Answer: No
While your V55/5 is being processed, you cannot legally drive the vehicle on public roads. The car is unregistered and untaxed.
Not Allowed
- Driving to the shops, to work, or for leisure
- Driving on foreign plates after the V55/5 is submitted
- Parking on a public road (even if stationary)
Exceptions
- Driving directly to a pre-booked MOT test
- Driving to a pre-booked IVA test
- The vehicle must be insured even for these trips
How to Chase Your Application
If you haven't heard anything after 6 weeks, it's time to follow up.
Contacting DVLA
By Phone
Have your name, address, and the VIN ready when you call. If you sent by tracked post, have the tracking reference too.
Online
You can check an existing application at contact.dvla.gov.uk
DVLA also posts current processing times on their website — worth checking before calling, as delays are sometimes system-wide rather than specific to your application.
Common Questions
My V5C arrived but there's an error on it — what do I do? Write to DVLA immediately with the incorrect V5C and a covering letter explaining the error. Common mistakes include wrong colour, incorrect engine size, or misspelled names. DVLA will issue a corrected V5C at no charge.
Can I sell the car before the V5C arrives? Technically yes, but it's extremely difficult. Most buyers (and insurers) want to see a V5C before purchasing. Wait for the logbook if at all possible.
My cheque hasn't been cashed after 4 weeks — is that normal? Yes. DVLA may not cash the cheque until processing is complete. If it hasn't been cashed after 8 weeks, contact them.
I need to tax the car urgently — can DVLA fast-track? DVLA does not offer an expedited service for V55/5 applications. The only way to speed things up is to ensure your application is perfect first time.
Can I get a temporary registration while I wait? No. DVLA does not issue temporary UK registrations. The car must remain off public roads until your V5C and registration number are issued.
What if my MOT expires while I'm waiting for DVLA? If your MOT expires during DVLA processing, you'll need to get a new one before you can drive. You can still drive to a pre-booked MOT without tax or registration. If DVLA rejects because of an expired MOT, you'll need to get the new MOT before resubmitting.
The Complete Timeline
V55/5 Processing: Best vs Worst Case
Best Case (Perfect Application)
Worst Case (Rejected + Resubmit)
The Best Way to Avoid All of This
The single best thing you can do is get the V55/5 right first time. A perfect application sails through DVLA in as little as 10 days. A rejected one can leave your car sitting unregistered for months.
Get Your V55/5 Right First Time
Our guided V55/5 tool validates every field before you submit — VIN format checking, tax class selection, document checklist, and real-time error prevention. No more guessing, no more rejections.
Information accurate as of February 2026. DVLA processing times vary and may be affected by seasonal demand, staffing, and system changes. Always check gov.uk for the latest guidance.