V55/5 - Application for a Used Motor Vehicle Registration

Charlotte Green
Charlotte Green updated on October 5, 2020

The v55/5 is an official DVLA form used to register already used motor vehicles. It can involve vehicles that have already been registered before or rebuilds for example, although there are many circumstances and vehicles under which the v55/5 has to be sent.

Official used motor vehicles registration form

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Good to know

This form is the official document to register your vehicle.

What is a V55/5 form ?

The official DVLA V55/5 form is commonly used to register used motor vehicles, that have already been registered in the past. Typically, rebuilds and vehicles imported into the UK are concerned.

Where do I get a DVLA v55/5 form?

You can choose to go to one of the DVLA centres that can be found across the UK, and get there a paper version of the v55/5 form. However, the easiest way to get a v55/5 form is to download it from out website under the PDF format. Then you can fill it online if you have a PDF filler tool on your computer. Otherwise, you can print your v55/5 form and fill it with a pen.

Can I download a v55/5 form ?

Since a few years, the v55/5 is now available online. You can therefore download the v55/5 form on our website, and print it. Then, you will have to fill it properly, and send it to the DVLA.

Can I fill out a v55/5 form online?

In order to register an already used motor vehicle, the easiest way is to download the official V55/5 form online.

However, unless you have a PDF filler software on your computer, you will have to print the V55/5 download form and fill it in with a pen. Then you should send it by post the DVLA center in Swansea (see address below).

How to fill in a v55/5 form of the DVLA?

Through the v55/5, the DVLA will ask you to provide information related to yourself and the vehicle you want to register. So, before starting to fill in the v55/5 form, you should gather up all the information concerning your motor vehicle.

If ever you have a doubt when filling in your v55/5, consult the 'Guide to filling the v55/5' that is edited by the DVLA. Here below is a copy.

v355 guide

Which documents should I send along my v55/5 form?

Once you have correctly and completely filled in the v55/5, you should gather up the following documents, that are asked by the DVLA to register an already used car.

DocumentReference (when any)Status
Valid documentation confirming the vehicle keeper’s name and address details or a filled-in Notification of Name and Address CheckV959Compulsory
Payable dutyWhen applicable
Filled-in Declaration of entitlement to license at the basic goods rate of vehicle excise duty (Small Islands Goods Vehicles)V900When appropriate
Suitable evidence of revenue/unladen weightWhen appropriate
Original Certificate of EntitlementDLA404, WPA0442 or MHS330Disabled tax class only
Certificate of Initial Fitness or its equivalent or Pre Registration Inspection (PRI) CertificatePSV401, 408, 500, 506When appropriate
Filled-in Declaration of Off Road VehicleINF85When appropriate
European Community Whole Vehicle Type Approval Certificate of ConformityECWVTACompulsory
Individual Approval Certificate (IAC); Motorcycle Single Vehicle Approval (MSVA) Certificate or Mutual Approval CertificateWhere appropriate
A valid MoT CertificateWhere appropriate
Non-UK registration document or certificateIf available
Certificate of insurance or cover note valid on the date the tax comes into forceFor vehicles registered in Northern Ireland
Documents to be sent to the DVLA along the v55/5 form


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Where should I send my v55/5 form?

Once you you have downloaded, printed and completed your v55/5, you should send it by post to the DVLA centre at the following adress:

DVLA Swansea SA99 1BE.

Before sending your v55/5, double-check that you have completed all the blanks and that your information is accurate. Otherwise, your application could be invalidated.

Is the v55/5 application free ?

Apply to a motor vehicle registration under the v55/5 procedure will cost you a £55 application fee. You can pay it to the DVLA whether by cheque or via postal order (you should never send cash with your application).

Does the v55/5 form work to declare a vehicle import in the UK?

No, the v55/5 does not work to declare a motor vehicle import into the UK. In order to do so, you have to use the HMRC online dedicated service. Bear in mind that you have to complete this process within the 14 days following the entry of your vehicle on to the UK territory. Not doing so will expose you to penalties.

Check our complete list of DVLA official motor vehicles forms.

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Charlotte
Charlotte Green
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Charlotte is a finance content specialist with a sharp analytical mind and a strong academic background. She holds a degree in Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) from the University of Oxford and a Master’s in Behavioural Economics from the London School of Economics. Her academic training gave her the tools to make sense of complex financial systems—and to explain them in a way that’s both smart and relatable. Before joining HelloSafe, Charlotte worked in editorial roles for financial media and strategy firms, where she focused on personal finance, digital banking, and policy analysis. She is passionate about helping people make informed decisions about their money, especially in an age where the financial landscape is changing fast. At HelloSafe, she covers key topics such as insurance, tax, utilities, credit and budgeting tools. Her mission: provide clear, honest and actionable insights that empower readers to take control of their financial lives with confidence.