The British classic car industry, enthusiasts and historians can breathe a huge sigh of relief, as the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) has today announced a new regime for classic vehicle registrations, applicable from 26 August.
Fundamental changes include the recognition of historical identity as absolute.
Where a vehicle has been modified, the DVLA now accepts that it is more useful to retain the original registration with a ‘modified’ marker on the vehicle’s log book (V5C), so that its history can still be traced, rather than erasing the original VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) and issuing a new registration number.
Only where original identity cannot be clearly verified will the possibilities of DVLA VIN, Q-plate and IVA (Individual Vehicle Approval) be considered.
From 26 August 2025, modified vehicles will retain their original registration and chassis numbers
Restoration is now accepted as a normal process that does not need to be reported to the DVLA and will not trigger suspension of registration numbers, inspections and so on.
