This is great news for owners and enthusiasts anxious to keep their car’s identity after major restoration or conversion work. The Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has listened to genuine concerns highlighted by the Royal Automobile Club and other organisations on behalf of the historic car sector and reframed its policies, rewarding what Minister for the Future of Roads Lilian Greenwood calls the “love, time and effort” that goes into keeping veteran, vintage and classic vehicles on the road. The Club has engaged with the DVLA since 2020 and was a Founder member of the Historic Vehicle User Group (HVUG) that has been central in developing the new changes in policy.
For cars that have been repaired or restored back to their original working specifications, owners are no longer required to notify the DVLA of the work. This is on the condition that components or body panels are replaced on a strict like-for-like basis, and that the appearance of the car is faithful to how it was when brand new. It is also dependent on none of the Vehicle logbook (V5C) details being affected.
Meanwhile, cars that have received major modifications must still have these alterations – such as cutting into the structure, bodywork changes, non-standard engines, or conversion to using an electric drivetrain – notified to the DVLA. However, such vehicles will now be able to keep their original Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN) and registration numbers.
The new policies come into effect on Tuesday, 26 August, and are seen as a vote of confidence in the wider historic car industry and modern restoration techniques. The DVLA says the revised policies make it ‘significantly easier for enthusiasts to register repaired, restored and modified vehicles.’
“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,” added Lilian Greenwood. “It’s all about celebrating the UK’s amazing motoring heritage and helping the industry thrive well into the future.”
“The Royal Automobile Club is delighted that it can still support motorists 128 years after it was founded and welcomes these positive measures that will support the Historic Car movement”, said the Chairman of the Royal Automobile Club, Duncan Wiltshire.