Submission & DVLA pack

Do I need a covering letter with V55/5?

Reviewed 2026-07-10

Short answer

Not for a straightforward complete pack, but a covering letter is useful when you need to explain missing originals, mismatched details, exemptions, reimports or unusual evidence.

Official position

V355/5 specifically says imported vehicles should include a letter of explanation if the original non-UK registration document or certificate is not available, together with dating evidence from the manufacturer or another acceptable source. A covering letter does not replace required documents.

What to do

Use a covering letter for missing foreign documents, translations, identity mismatches, colour changes, engine changes or type approval exemptions.

Keep it factual and short: what is missing, why, and what evidence you enclosed instead.

List enclosed originals and copies so the pack is easy to audit.

Do not use a covering letter to paper over a missing NOVA, approval certificate or vehicle identity problem.

Common mistakes

Writing a long story but not enclosing the required evidence.
Using a covering letter instead of correcting a wrong VIN or chassis number.
Forgetting to explain why the original foreign registration certificate is missing.