DVLA Current Services Guidance
Published: 04/06/2020
As we continue to receive many questions by telephone and email, we are updating our advice to member organisations.
DVLA has introduced guidance relative to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic which can be found here https://www.gov.uk/guidance/dvla-coronavirus-covid-19-update). As the Agency continues to focus on the needs of drivers and vehicles supporting the response to the virus including all aspects of the NHS, emergency services, delivery vehicles etc, DVLA are not accepting enquiries by post but advise that all online services are available.
Some requirements such as first registration of used vehicles, change of tax class and V765 applications cannot be progressed via online services.
Post Offices are generally open and providing their usual facilities but subject to varying opening hours and social distancing requirements. But of course, any transaction requiring input from the DVLA such as a replacement V5C may be delayed.
If you wish to register your vehicle as historic i.e. built before 1 January 1980, which is clearly stated on your log book, you can visit your Post Office to complete the task. Some of our members have provided some practical experience of a few Post Offices needing to view the government guidance. Therefore, if you do experience any difficulties, please be advised to show them the links to the Government websites below:
https://www.gov.uk/historic-vehicles
https://www.gov.uk/historic-vehicles/apply-for-vehicle-tax-exemption
Alternatively, you can find more information on our website here:
https://fbhvc.co.uk/dvla-mot-questions-answered
If you feel your vehicle was built before 1 January 1980, but your V5C does not state this, you will either need to wait for DVLA to re-open fully or to pay the Vehicle Excise Duty (VED). We have confirmation from DVLA that any full months remaining on the licence will be refunded once a successful application to change to historic tax class is achieved. However, it is worth mentioning it is not possible to back date/refund the licence fee to the date the historic tax rate became applicable.
