The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has confirmed major updates to the way classic and historic vehicles are registered, after years of campaigning by the classic car industry against an outdated process with deep, ‘systemic’ issues.
Two huge changes include like-for-like repairs and restorations no longer requiring notification to the DVLA, and vehicles that have been subject to significant structural modifications now being able to keep their original Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and registration number.
The updates come with additional requirements but bring much needed ‘clarity’ to the historic vehicle registration process which hasn’t changed since the 1980s.
Lilian Greenwood, Minister for the Future of Roads, made the announcment in response to a review of the ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ Call for Evidence last year – where classic vehicle industry, owners, and enthusiasts had their say on the previous outdated DVLA system. Some 1,350 responses were received in less than eight weeks.
The Historic and Classic Vehicles Alliance – the classic car alternative to the Countryside Alliance – says the ‘new policy will help to safeguard the future of the UK historic vehicles industry’ worth £4billion annually.
The updates policies will come into effect 26 August 2025.