Can I submit a completed V55/5 online?

No. For private applicants, the completed V55/5 is a postal application. Print it, sign it, include the required documents and payment, and post the pack to DVLA.

Where do I send my completed V55/5?

Post the completed application pack to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BE.

Do I need to sign the downloaded V55/5?

Yes. After printing the completed form, sign and date the declaration by hand before posting it.

How do I pay the DVLA registration fee?

GOV.UK says payment can be made by cheque or postal order payable to DVLA. Do not send cash.

How long does DVLA take after I post the V55/5?

DVLA guidance says the V5C registration certificate is normally sent within 4 to 6 weeks of receiving the application, if the application is approved.

What to Do After Downloading Your Completed V55/5 Form (2026)

Short Answer

A downloaded V55/5 is not submitted online. Print it, sign it by hand, put it in an envelope with the right supporting documents and payment, then post it to DVLA in Swansea.

Downloading the completed V55/5 is only the form-preparation step. The official DVLA process still depends on a signed paper application pack, supporting evidence and payment.

This guide reflects the GOV.UK and DVLA guidance checked in July 2026. That matters because DVLA forms, fees, evidence rules, postal instructions and processing times can change. Treat this as a practical checklist, not a substitute for the latest official instructions.

Before you post anything, check the current GOV.UK V55/5 page and the latest DVLA V355/5 guidance PDF. If GOV.UK says something different, follow GOV.UK.

The Next Step After Downloading

Print the completed PDF

Use the completed PDF as your clean paper form. Before signing, check every detail against the vehicle documents: VIN, make, model, dates, fuel type, tax class, keeper details and any approval document values.

Sign and date the declaration

DVLA guidance says applications that are not signed or properly filled in will not be accepted. Sign the printed declaration by hand before you post it.

Add the supporting documents

The form is not enough on its own. DVLA expects evidence for the keeper, the vehicle, tax, MOT status where relevant, and import or approval status where relevant.

Include payment

Include the vehicle tax payment and the first registration fee if it applies. GOV.UK says cheque or postal order only, payable to DVLA. Do not send cash.

Post the pack to DVLA

Post the signed form, evidence and payment to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BE.

Where to Post It

DVLA Postal Address

DVLA

Swansea

SA99 1BE

Consider using a tracked postal service. DVLA may need original documents, and proof of delivery helps if you later need to chase the application.

Documents to Put in the Envelope

The exact evidence depends on the vehicle. For a normal V55/5 application, check the latest V355/5 notes and GOV.UK vehicle registration guidance before posting.

Common items include:

The completed, printed and signed V55/5.
Payment for vehicle tax.
The 55 GBP first registration fee, if your vehicle is not exempt.
Keeper identity evidence, normally a photocopy of a UK photocard driving licence. If you cannot provide that, GOV.UK lists alternative name and address evidence.
Proof of vehicle approval if the vehicle needs it, such as CoC, IVA, GB conversion certificate or MSVA evidence.
MOT evidence if the vehicle is over 3 years old, or over 4 years in Northern Ireland.
Any documents relating to the vehicle, such as build evidence for kit or rebuilt vehicles.
For a Northern Ireland registered address, an insurance certificate or cover note.

For imported vehicles, GOV.UK also says you must send extra supporting documents. This commonly includes the original foreign registration document or certificate, if available. DVLA says this document will not be returned.

Imported vehicle prerequisite

Before DVLA can register an imported vehicle, GOV.UK says you must notify HMRC, get confirmation that the NOVA application is processed, pay any VAT or duty owed, and get proof of vehicle approval where required.

Payment Checklist

What to Pay

Vehicle tax for the period you selected on the form.
The 55 GBP first registration fee, if it applies to your vehicle.
Cheque or postal order payable to DVLA. GOV.UK says not to send cash.

Before You Seal the Envelope

Do these checks before you post the application:

Make a copy or scan of the completed V55/5 for your records.
Make copies of important supporting documents before sending originals.
Check the VIN matches across the vehicle, V55/5, NOVA, foreign registration document and approval evidence.
Check the tax class and tax start date.
Check that the keeper name and address match your identity evidence.
If you want documents returned by special delivery, include a prepaid self-addressed special delivery envelope.

What Happens After DVLA Receives It

DVLA may inspect the vehicle. If the application is approved, DVLA assigns a registration number and sends the V5C registration certificate showing the registered keeper and vehicle details.

DVLA guidance says the V5C is normally sent within 4 to 6 weeks of receiving the application. You need the V5C to have number plates made.

DVLA returns supporting documents apart from the original non-UK registration document or certificate. If nothing arrives within the expected time, the V355/5 guidance gives the DVLA vehicle registration contact number as 0300 790 6802.

Need a cleaner V55/5 before you print?

Our V55/5 tool helps you complete the form digitally, check the required fields, then download a clean PDF to sign and post.

Start your V55/5

Official Sources

Check these sources before posting your application. Do not rely on an old saved copy of this guide, an old PDF, a forum post, or a previous application pack if the official GOV.UK pages have changed.