Approval, CoC & IVA

Does a vehicle over 10 years old need IVA?

Reviewed 2026-07-10

Short answer

Often not, but check the exact vehicle category. GOV.UK says cars, small minibuses and light goods vehicles over 10 years old do not need vehicle approval.

Official position

GOV.UK exemptions say you do not need vehicle approval for cars and minibuses with 8 passenger seats or less, excluding the driver, over 10 years old, and light goods vehicles of 3,500kg maximum weight or less over 10 years old. If approval is needed, DVLA will not register without proof.

What to do

Confirm the vehicle age using first registration or manufacture evidence.

Confirm the vehicle category: car, light goods, motorcycle, heavy goods, bus, coach or specialist vehicle.

If exempt, explain the exemption clearly in the V55/5 approval area and keep age evidence.

Do not assume the 10-year rule covers every modified, rebuilt, damaged or specialist vehicle.

Common mistakes

Applying the 10-year car rule to every vehicle type.
Claiming exemption without age evidence.
Confusing approval exemption with exemption from MOT, NOVA, tax or DVLA registration.