DVLA Classic Car Policy Update with effect from next Tuesday
Posted: Fri Aug 22, 2025 3:43 pmDVLA announces new policies for registering repaired, restored and modified vehicles that will come into effect from Tuesday 26 August.
- DVLA has announced updated policies to modernise the process for notifying DVLA when a vehicle has been repaired, restored and modified.
- Like-for-like repairs and restorations will no longer need to be reported to DVLA, and more modified vehicles - including electric vehicle (EV) conversions - will be able to retain their original identities.
- Changes will take effect from Tuesday 26 August 2025.
DVLA has today (20 August) unveiled a major update to some of its vehicle registration policies, making it significantly easier for enthusiasts to register repaired, restored and modified vehicles.
The new guidance reflects modern restoration methods and simplifies the registration process, helping classic car owners keep their vehicles on the road while ensuring safety and accurate records.
These changes follow an extensive call for evidence, which received more than 1,350 responses from classic car owners, motoring clubs and the historic vehicle sector. In response, DVLA is replacing its existing policies on rebuilt and radically altered vehicles with 2 new sets of guidance that will apply to all vehicles, regardless of age.
Key changes include:
- like-for-like repairs and restorations will no longer require notification to DVLA, providing the vehicle’s appearance is the same as when it was originally manufactured and there are no changes to the log book (V5C)
- vehicles that have been subject to significant structural modifications will be able to keep their original Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and registration number, but the registered keeper must notify DVLA of the changes
- vehicles that have been converted to electric will also be able to retain their original identity, but the registered keeper must notify DVLA of the changes
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/dvla-backs-classic-car-industry-and-driving-enthusiasts-with-updated-registration-policies
- DVLA has announced updated policies to modernise the process for notifying DVLA when a vehicle has been repaired, restored and modified.
- Like-for-like repairs and restorations will no longer need to be reported to DVLA, and more modified vehicles - including electric vehicle (EV) conversions - will be able to retain their original identities.
- Changes will take effect from Tuesday 26 August 2025.
DVLA has today (20 August) unveiled a major update to some of its vehicle registration policies, making it significantly easier for enthusiasts to register repaired, restored and modified vehicles.
The new guidance reflects modern restoration methods and simplifies the registration process, helping classic car owners keep their vehicles on the road while ensuring safety and accurate records.
These changes follow an extensive call for evidence, which received more than 1,350 responses from classic car owners, motoring clubs and the historic vehicle sector. In response, DVLA is replacing its existing policies on rebuilt and radically altered vehicles with 2 new sets of guidance that will apply to all vehicles, regardless of age.
Key changes include:
- like-for-like repairs and restorations will no longer require notification to DVLA, providing the vehicle’s appearance is the same as when it was originally manufactured and there are no changes to the log book (V5C)
- vehicles that have been subject to significant structural modifications will be able to keep their original Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and registration number, but the registered keeper must notify DVLA of the changes
- vehicles that have been converted to electric will also be able to retain their original identity, but the registered keeper must notify DVLA of the changes
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/dvla-backs-classic-car-industry-and-driving-enthusiasts-with-updated-registration-policies