Published: 19/08/2025
Following an extended period of lobbying and consultation by the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs (FBHVC) culminating in the Call for Evidence to which Members responded in record numbers,  the Federation can now share this Registration Policy Update from DVLA.
The Federation is very encouraged by these outcomes, not only with the revised policies but also with a clear change to a more sympathetic and pragmatic approach to the registration difficulties sometimes faced with older vehicles.
We also acknowledge the considerable time and effort Agency staff have obviously devoted to this matter and are grateful that they so carefully listened to our submissions.

OFFICIAL DVLA ANNOUNCEMENT - 20 August 2025 

• DVLA has announced updated policies to modernise the process for notifying DVLA when a vehicle has been repaired, restored and modified.
• Like-for-like repairs and restorations will no longer need to be reported to DVLA, and more modified vehicles - including electric vehicle (EV) conversions - will be able to retain their original identities.
• Changes will take effect from Tuesday 26 August 2025.

DVLA has today (20 August) unveiled a major update to some of its vehicle registration policies, making it significantly easier for enthusiasts to register repaired, restored and modified vehicles. 
The new guidance reflects modern restoration methods and simplifies the registration process, helping classic car owners keep their vehicles on the road while ensuring safety and accurate records. 
These changes follow an extensive call for evidence, which received more than 1,350 responses from classic car owners, motoring clubs and the historic vehicle sector. In response, DVLA is replacing its existing policies on rebuilt and radically altered vehicles with two new sets of guidance that will apply to all vehicles, regardless of age.
Key changes include:

• like-for-like repairs and restorations will no longer require notification to DVLA, providing the vehicle’s appearance is the same as when it was originally manufactured and there are no changes to the log book (V5C)
• vehicles that have been subject to significant structural modifications will be able to keep their original Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and registration number, but the registered keeper must notify DVLA of the changes. 
• vehicles that have been converted to electric will also be able to retain their original identity, but the registered keeper must notify DVLA of the changes.

Minister for the Future of Roads, Lilian Greenwood said: “We know how much love, time and effort goes into keeping classic cars – and we’re right behind the community.
“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. It’s all about celebrating the UK’s amazing motoring heritage and helping the industry thrive well into the future." 
DVLA Chief Executive, Tim Moss, said: "We recognise the time, passion and care that keepers of classic vehicles invest in keeping their cars on the road. That’s why we’ve worked closely with the community to shape these changes.
“These updated policies support historic vehicle keepers, and the wider industry, with clearer registration processes that reflect modern restoration and modification practices, helping safeguard the UK’s rich and wonderful automotive history. These changes will allow enthusiasts to focus on what they love most: preserving and enjoying these remarkable vehicles."
The new policies will come into effect on Tuesday 26 August 2025 with the full guidance to be published on GOV.UK on the same day, at: www.gov.uk/vehicle-registration
On Tuesday 26 August 2025, DVLA will replace its existing policies on rebuilt and radically altered vehicles with two new sets of guidance:

1. Repaired and restored vehicles  

There will be no requirement to notify DVLA where a vehicle has been repaired or restored back to its original working standard, providing:

• worn-out components or body panels are replaced on a like for like basis 
• the appearance of the vehicle is the same as when it was originally manufactured
• Vehicle log book (V5C) details are not affected.

1. Modified vehicles 

Vehicles that have had significant structural modifications will be able to keep their original Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and registration number, but the registered keeper must notify DVLA of the changes. 
This could include:

• cutting into the chassis monocoque or frame
• changing the vehicle’s appearance or dimensions from the original manufacturer’s specification
• conversions from an internal combustion engine to electric propulsion

These changes are based on engagement with industry and stakeholders along with feedback from a call for evidence which launched on 9 May 2024. DVLA published the summary of the responses to this on 9 December 2024 and the revised guidance will be published on Tuesday 26 August.

Westminster – good news!
Our political engagement has seen a recent uptick, following the recent Shadow Cabinet re-shuffle. Richard Holden MP has been promoted to be Shadow Transport Secretary, and this has been welcomed, thanks to his prior knowledge of the historic vehicle movement.
The move has been welcomed by the FBHVC, which previously worked with him when he was a Transport Minister, in Rishi Sunak's government, holding the ‘roads and local transport’ brief.
Says FBHVC Chairman David Whale: “The most recent re-shuffle of the Conservative Party holds in my opinion some good news with the appointment of the Rt. Hon. Richard Holden MP as Shadow Secretary of State for Transport.  
“We worked with Richard when he held the post of Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Transport and found him to be supportive of the historic vehicle movement.
“It is therefore a pleasure to work with him again; he represents the constituents of Basildon and Billericay.”

Clubs engaging with ifndautoparts.com
You’ll recall our recent email on the subject of ifndautoparts.com
David Whale says: “I know that the good folk at ifndautoparts.com have had some positive conversations with several clubs since our recent email went out and that is very encouraging.
“The Scottish Austin Seven Club, for example, have committed to featuring ifndautoparts.com in their newsletter, while the UK DAF Owners Club and members of the Riley and Austin Clubs have expressed interest in working with ifndautoparts.com to get their vehicles listed, enabling members to begin trading parts on the network. 
“If you haven’t thought about getting in touch, then I would highly recommend giving it serious thought, as it is likely to be of benefit for your club, its members and the vehicles we love. The more parts we have in circulation the more we can keep those vehicles roadworthy!”

Match-making now in progress
As well as listing your surplus parts for sale, buyers can also register their interest in parts they are looking for, and get notified when someone puts them on the site.
ifndautoparts.com says that since the last email, they’ve had a steady stream of ‘Match Me’ requests come through over the past few weeks, with people looking for specific parts.
And, it’s quite a list! We had a browse through and they range from someone looking for MG TF seats to Lamborghini Huracán bumpers, MG RV8 rear light clusters and Renault Clio window seals and rubbers.
So, if there’s an elusive part you’re after, simply register on the site and put in your ‘match me’ request.

Stop me a buy one!
Continues David Whale: “Since Mick, Ruby and Layla shared their ifndautoparts.com concept I have been keen to extend the opportunity to other aspects of the ‘Heritage Transport’ agenda!
“Many people who know me, know that that I’m interested in the wider heritage transport agenda and this includes veteran cycles.  
“In the early 1920s Walls Ice Cream started selling ice cream from their depots, a while ago I restored a 1924 tricycle; it was coach-painted by Fraser Clayton of HCVS and Sharon, Chris Spencer’s wife of Jowett fame, who just happens to be a BAFTA & OSCAR winning costumier and made me a Walls tunic.  
“Next we need a Walls Ice Cream cap and I would like to see if ifndautoparts.com can find one for me, it’s the badge (see image) we really need as I have a milliner, Marnie, who can make a cap in my size!”
Can your members help? If so, contact ifndautoparts.com or David (via the Secretary).

Mel Holley
Secretary, Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs Ltd

PO Box 1563
Peterborough
PE1 9AU

Tel: 01708 223111
Email: [email protected]

www.fbhvc.co.uk