When you buy a car in London, you’ll need to register it immediately. You do this by filling in forms and sending them to DVLA. However, the form you send in depends is based on your personal circumstances, type of car, and whether or not it’s used. If you’re looking to register your vehicle in London completely, look no further than this article. We’ll walk you through the steps.
New Vehicles
Buying a new car in London from a dealership is the easiest way to register a vehicle. They usually follow the steps in front of you, and the car is registered before leaving the lot. However, if it’s a new heavy goods vehicle, you’ll also need a separate document during registration. If, for whatever reason, the car isn’t registered, you can do so yourself.
Registering a private number plate, should you want one from a website like Absolute Reg, is a separate process than the vehicle itself.
Application
There are two applications for a new car registration: the V55/4 (standard), or the V55/5 (rebuilt vehicles). Both forms are found on the GOV.UK website. V55/4 is also used for imported cars that haven’t been driven in London or previously registered in the UK.
Copies of Identification
Photocopy your personal information and send it with your application. If you can’t photocopy any or all of your identity documents, you need to send a document that proves your address, and another that shows your name.
The following documents are useable on the application to verify your name:
- Uk Paper Drivers Licence
- Birth Certificate
- Decree Absolute or Nisi
- Marriage Certificate
- Passport
The following documents are useable on the application to verify your address:
- Current Year Council Tax Bill
- Medical Card
- A Bank or Building Statement Issued in the Last 3 Months
- Utility Bill, whether it be water, electricity, landline or gas that was Issued in the Last 3 Months
Documents you May Need
Along with the documents that prove your identity, you need to send a payment for the vehicle tax, which varies based on admission standards. You’ll likely pay approximately £100 – £500 per car, but the charge can be as high as £2,165. After finding the money for this fee, you also need to pay an additional new registration fee of £55. Next, an MOT certificate – but only if the vehicle is a new car that’s unregistered and over three years old.
You may also need a certificate of newness, which is proof that the vehicle is brand new. If your car is used, this document isn’t necessary. A rebuilt, kit-converted, kit-built, or a radically altered vehicle will need to build plans and a cover note or insurance certificate. For classic cars or older vehicles (past 1983 as of writing this), you’ll need further documents verifying its purchase.
After the Application is Handed In
After applying, the DVLA may need to inspect your vehicle but only in exceptional circumstances. If the application is approved, the DVLA will send you a V5C registration certificate. Your certificate will hold important information like your name and address, registration number, and the car’s VIN. Then, the DVLA will return the documents by an unspecified date. If you don’t receive a response in 6 wells, contact the DVLA.