Vehicle registration

This chapter explains the registration documents, certificates, numbers and plates required by vehicles and trailers, including how to obtain and make changes to them.

Download the vehicle registration chapter of the Yearbook of Road Transport Law

Trailer registration.
Registering a vehicle as a Motor Trader.
Applying for a V5C.
Registration of vehicles using a V55/1 or V55/2.
Registering your vehicles using a V55/4 or V55/5.
Continuous registration.
Change of ownership.
Change of address or name.
Selling a vehicle to the motor trade.
Registration numbers and plates.
Green Number Plates.
Display of registration plates.
Registration of number plate suppliers.
Supplier registration fee.
Format.
Release of information.

Download the vehicle registration chapter of the Yearbook of Road Transport Law

Registration Explained

A vehicle which is used on the roads must in all but a few cases be registered. This involves the identification of the vehicle through a unique registration mark. The owner of the vehicle must provide DVLA with details of the vehicle and its keepers, and they in turn will issue a registration document or certificate which confirms that the registration has been effected. A registration document or certificate (V5C) shows the registered keeper of a vehicle. The registered keeper is the person who keeps the vehicle on a public road and it is important to note that this does not have to be the legal owner.