Reclaiming Your Registration Number

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When Do You Need to Reclaim a Registration Number?

This guidance applies only to cars under the control of the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency, Swansea, UK).  For vehicles outside the UK, similar processes may exist, but the FSOC cannot directly intervene except to confirm date of manufacture for example. Consult fellow classic car owners locally before contacting authorities.

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You may never need to reclaim a registration number, but circumstances where it becomes necessary include:

• Vehicles last on the road before the DVLA computerised records (~1977).

• Special vehicles never registered since construction.

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DVLA advice for reclaiming original numbers can be inconsistent or confusing. Contact the FSOC for advice before approaching DVLA.

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Registering a Car Without a V5

If you purchased a car without a V5 registration document, you have two options:

1. Re-register with the original number – preserves the vehicle's originality; preferred if possible.

2. Apply for an age-related number – necessary if the original number cannot be reclaimed.

Use the Registration Flowchart (button/link on the page) to determine which option applies.

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Re-registering with the Original Number​

The DVLA uses the V765 scheme for clubs to validate vehicle authenticity. FSOC is a nominated club for Ford sidevalves.

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Evidence Required​

You must provide documentary evidence linking the registration number with the car. Simply having the car with plates is not sufficient.

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Primary accepted documents:

• Buff or green logbook, or old-style V5 (these are the sure way to re-claim).

• Registration listings from licensing county archives (with chassis numbers).

Supplementary evidence (which will considered on their merits):

• Original bill of sale quoting registration number & chassis number.

• Documentation from statutory bodies or archive departments.

Note: Copies must be validated by FSOC. DVLA does not accept unverified photocopies.

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Sequence of Events

1. Contact the relevant FSOC registrar for your vehicle type (See Contacts page)

2. Collect supporting documents (photocopies acceptable at inspection stage).

3. Take high-quality photographs of:

   • Stamped chassis & engine numbers

   • Full vehicle (front, sides, rear, engine bay, interior)

   • Registration number (if present)

4. Send documents & photos to FSOC registrar along with fees: £30 for members or £60 for non-members.      

5. FSOC verifies details and date of manufacture against our records.

6. Vehicle inspection arranged by registrar (at owner’s expense or at FSOC stores).

7. FSOC submits completed application to DVLA on your behalf.

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DVLA makes the final decision. Original registrations are non-transferable and cannot be sold.

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Non-members, please contact the chairman@fsoc.co.uk

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Model and identification number positions on an upright model or 100E/300E/107E (chassis number,

chassis bulkhead plate, engine and body number.        

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Applying for an Age-Related Number

If your vehicle cannot meet original registration requirements, DVLA may issue an age-related number:

• Vehicle must match claimed model (e.g., 1956 103E Popular) with correct major parts (chassis, engine, gearbox, axles).

• Vehicle must be roadworthy (MOT, engineer report, or declaration of exemption - Form V112).

• Evidence of insurance must reference the chassis number (most insurance companies will do this). FSOC inspection may be necessary should there be any doubt as to the identity of the vehicle.

Age-related numbers are also non-transferable.

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NOTES: If all above is complete the club will complete verification documents and sent the application to the DVLA on applicant’s behalf.  It can be time consuming so allow time. 

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Notification of Vehicle Arrivals (NOVA)

Introduced 15 April 2013 by HMRC and DVLA to prevent fraud on vehicles imported to the UK.

• Likely required if re-registering or relicensing a long-stored vehicle (“barn find”).

• Vehicle being imported or returning to the UK.FSOC can assist with NOVA applications for £25 administration.

The FSOC has experience with the NOVA applications to the HMRC.  Once you have a NOVA number the DVLA will process your application to re-register or re-licence your ‘barn find’ or import.  Contact chairman@fsoc.co.uk

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DVLA Guidance

"Applications for the reclaiming original marks or for the issue of age-related numbers should be processed with extreme caution. An inspection of the vehicle by someone independent of the applicant should be undertaken as the norm".