Big win for classic vehicle owners

Extensive FBHVC campaign results in landmark DVLA policy update

Thanks to an extensive period of lobbying and consultation by the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs (FBHVC) culminating in the 'Call for Evidence' to which FBHVC members and clubs responded in record numbers,  we welcome the 'Registration Policy Update' by the DVLA in August 2025 (see below, by clicking here) and the second and final tranche of policy changes announced on 3 August 2026 (see here).

The Federation is very encouraged by these outcomes, not only with the revised policies but also with a clear change to a more sympathetic and pragmatic approach to the registration difficulties sometimes faced with older vehicles.

We also acknowledge the considerable time and effort Agency staff have obviously devoted to this matter and are grateful that they so carefully listened to our submissions.
 
The new guidance reflects modern restoration methods and simplifies the registration process, helping classic car owners keep their vehicles on the road while ensuring vehicle safety and accurate records. 

We thank everyone who supported our campaign and you can join the FBHVC to support our vital work to ensure that we can all continue to use our classics on the road without restriction.

The Federation represents more than 250,000 historic vehicle enthusiasts, from its 500 affiliated clubs, 50 museums plus individual and trade supporters. The FBHVC covers all vehicles, including motorcycles, vans, lorries, buses, coaches, military, agricultural tractors, road steam and cars.

The  Federation exists to maintain the freedom to use all historic vehicles in the UK.

In support of that aim, its Legislation Team, headed by the Legislation Director, monitor proposed and existing legislation and regulation. Read more about the Legislation Team's work here: https://fbhvc.co.uk/legislation-and-fuel

Looking for information about the '40-year rule', tax and MoT exemption? Click here: https://fbhvc.co.uk/mot-exemption-information

Archive: FBHVC campaign news

DVLA backs classic car industry and driving enthusiasts with updated registration policies (19 August 2025) .  Following an extended period of lobbying and consultation by the Federation, it is very encouraged by these outcomes, not only with the revised policies but also with a clear change to a more sympathetic and pragmatic approach to the registration difficulties sometimes faced with older vehicles. https://fbhvc.co.uk/news/article/dvla-backs-classic-car-industry-and-driving-enthusiasts-with-updated-registration-policies

Cabinet Office review: FBHVC welcomes DVLA report recommendations (19 November 2024). Having worked successfully for many years with the DVLA on a range of issues affecting the Historic Vehicle community, the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs (FBHVC) was chosen as a key stakeholder and one of a select number of organisations invited to participate in the Review, published today.  https://fbhvc.co.uk/news/article/fbhvc-welcomes-dvla-report-recommendations

DVLA Review report is “subject to new Ministers’ approval” (11 July 2024). In a message to the FBHVC updating it with progress, the Department for Transport (DfT) Review Team thanked the FBHVC for its “engagement with Janette Beinart and the DVLA Review team which has informed the recommendations of the final report.” https://fbhvc.co.uk/news/article/dvla-review-report-is-subject-to-new-ministers-approval

FBHVC calls on new Government to unlock the power of the historic vehicle movement (5 July 2024). On the day the new Labour government took office the FBHVC ensured that one of the first items waiting for newly-appointed ministers in their in-trays, was its 'manifesto', published that morning. The FBHVC Manifesto  outlines the historic vehicle movement's objectives, with a list of seven key areas that it calls on the government, and all politicians to support. https://fbhvc.co.uk/news/article/fbhvc-calls-on-new-government-to-unlock-the-power-of-the-historic-vehicle-movement

FBHVC calls for “pragmatic and constructive” historic vehicle registration regime (4 July 2024).  The FBHVC calls on the new Secretary of State for Transport to work with it to achieve, a “pragmatic and constructive” historic vehicle registration regime. The last three years have seen the FBHVC working hard to overcome a range of difficulties being faced by historic vehicle owners with the DVLA concerning vehicle registration. Extensive dialogue with the DfT and DVLA, has drawn attention to the current challenges and inconsistencies surrounding the historic vehicle community’s interaction with their policies. https://www.fbhvc.co.uk/news/article/fbhvc-calls-for-pragmatic-and-constructive-historic-vehicle-registration-regime

DVLA consultation on historic vehicle registration processes, how to answer it and ensure your voice makes a difference (17 May 2024). The DfT and DVLA launch a 'call for evidence' around the existing policies and registration processes for historic, classic, and rebuilt vehicles. It follows 18 months of dialogue between the FBHVC and DfT/DVLA representatives to draw attention to the current challenges and policy inconsistencies. FBHVC member clubs have the opportunity to shape the creation and evolution of these policies. https://fbhvc.co.uk/news/article/dvla-consultation-on-historic-vehicle-registration-processes-how-to-answer-it-and-ensure-your-voice-makes-a-difference

DfT and DVLA launch 'call for evidence' (9 May 2024). The DfT and DVLA launch a call for evidence around the existing policies and registration processes for historic, classic and rebuilt vehicles, on topics including: Historic/classic vehicles registration, rebuilt and restored vehicles, kit-built vehicles, vehicles converted to electric propulsion, Q registration numbers and the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). https://fbhvc.co.uk/news/article/dft-and-dvla-launch-call-for-evidence-around-registering-historic-classic-and-rebuilt-vehicles

DVLA Review update (24 January 2024). The Deputy Director of the Public Body Review, Shareholdings, Appointments & Inquiry (SAI) team updates the FBHVC on the progress of the DVLA Review. https://fbhvc.co.uk/news/article/dvla-review

FBHVC discusses historic vehicle owners' challenges at Westminster (19 October 2023). The Federation is at the Houses of Parliament, discussing the challenges that historic vehicle owners are currently experiencing and how the freedom to use yesterday's vehicles on tomorrow’s roads can be protected. https://fbhvc.co.uk/news/article/fbhvc-discusses-historic-vehicle-owners39-challenges-at-westminster

Government announces an independent review of DVLA (25 July 2023). The government launches an independent review of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), led by the Cabinet Office, assessing DVLA on efficiency, efficacy, accountability and governance. https://www.fbhvc.co.uk/news/article/government-launches-review-of-dvla-to-strengthen-agency-for-the-future

FBHVC work continues with DVLA to resolve historic vehicle owners’ concerns (11 February 2021). During the pandemic, the Federation has been pursuing five particular policy matters around classic vehicle registration, of significant concern to the interests of Federation members. https://fbhvc.co.uk/news/article/fbhvc-urge-patience-with-dvla-to-resolve-historic-vehicle-owners39-concerns

Note: In addition to the above, quarterly DVLA updates are provided in the FBHVC members' magazine HISTORIC https://fbhvc.co.uk/magazine

DVLA backs classic car industry and driving enthusiasts with updated registration policies

OFFICIAL DVLA ANNOUNCEMENT - 20 August 2025 

• 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
• New policy document INF318 issued 
• Changes take effect from Tuesday 26 August 2025.

DVLA has 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. 

The policy document Making changes to a vehicle and registering kit-built, kit-converted and reconstructed classic vehicles (INF318)  is available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/making-changes-to-a-vehicle-and-registering-kit-built-kit-converted-and-reconstructed-classic-vehicles-inf318/making-changes-to-a-vehicle-and-registering-kit-built-kit-converted-and-reconstructed-classic-vehicles-inf318

Telling DVLA of changes made to a vehicle: There is a legal requirement to notify DVLA of any changes made to a vehicle which affects the information shown on the V5C registration certificate (log book) such as replacing the engine. Policy document INF318 sets out the detail of this.

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 two 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.

The new policies came into effect on Tuesday 26 August 2025 with the full guidance available here: www.gov.uk/vehicle-registration

On Tuesday 26 August 2025, DVLA replaced its existing policies on rebuilt and radically altered vehicles with two new sets of guidance:

1. Repaired and restored vehicles  

There will be no requirement to notify DVLA where a vehicle has been repaired or restored back to its original working standard, providing:

• worn-out components or body panels are replaced on a like for like basis 
• the appearance of the vehicle is the same as when it was originally manufactured
• Vehicle log book (V5C) details are not affected.

2. Modified vehicles 

Vehicles that have had 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. 

This could include:

• cutting into the chassis monocoque or frame
• changing the vehicle’s appearance or dimensions from the original manufacturer’s specification
• conversions from an internal combustion engine to electric propulsion

These changes are based on engagement with industry and stakeholders along with feedback from a call for evidence which launched on 9 May 2024. DVLA published the summary of the responses to this on 9 December 2024 and the revised guidance was published on Tuesday 26 August.

Minister for the Future of Roads, Lilian Greenwood said: “We know how much love, time and effort goes into keeping classic cars – and we’re right behind the community.

“These changes are about cutting red tape and making life easier for enthusiasts, whether you’re restoring a vintage gem or converting it to electric. It’s all about celebrating the UK’s amazing motoring heritage and helping the industry thrive well into the future." 

DVLA Chief Executive, Tim Moss, said: "We recognise the time, passion and care that keepers of classic vehicles invest in keeping their cars on the road. That’s why we’ve worked closely with the community to shape these changes.

“These updated policies support historic vehicle keepers, and the wider industry, with clearer registration processes that reflect modern restoration and modification practices, helping safeguard the UK’s rich and wonderful automotive history. These changes will allow enthusiasts to focus on what they love most: preserving and enjoying these remarkable vehicles."