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V55 Secure Registration Scheme and AFRL Web

This page is aimed at new vehicle manufacturers, sole or multiple import concessionaires of vehicles or VAT registered motor vehicle traders who are eligible to transfer from the V55/4 system non secure scheme following satisfactory 6 months of using the V55/4 scheme.

This must be read in conjunction with DVLA's guide book V355.

Two registration routes are currently available, referred to as "secure" and "non-secure".  The Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA) has been tasked with assessing the suitability of applicants by the Department for Transport policy team responsible for vehicle registration.  This assessment is based on answers supplied to a detailed questionnaire, which is intended to test an applicant's knowledge in a number of key areas. 

The "non-secure" option involves the completion of a V55/4 form and physical presentation of a number of key documents.

The "secure" scheme was introduced to speed up the process for regular users, such as vehicle manufacturers and import concessionaires. Once a company has been approved to join the "secure" scheme the presentation of much of the above documentation is no longer required. Instead, the company is placed on trust to accurately complete the registration process by the direct transfer of the required data from the European Community Whole Vehicle Type Approval certificate (CoC), to the V55/1 (or V55/2) registration form.

• Please follow this link for further information: Secure Registration leaflet (PDF 500KB) (An  Alternative text version of the leaflet is available here 129.6KB)

Certificate of Conformity

These are produced by the manufacturer and must comply with EC regulations. Of particular importance for registration in the UK is European Community Whole Vehicle Type Approval (ECWVTA). Unless they are exempt, only vehicles with valid Certificates of Conformity can be registered on the V55 Secure Registration System.

• Follow this link for more information about Type Approval

New vehicles that no longer comply with ECWVTA can only be registered for use on UK roads after passing the appropriate inspection conducted by VOSA (Vehicle and Operator Services Agency). According to the type of vehicle this can be an IVA (Individual Vehicle Approval), SVA (Single Vehicle Approval) or an MSVA (Motorcycle Single Vehicle Approval). Such vehicles can then only be registered with DVLA using a V55/4 form and the appropriate documents.

• For more information about IVA, SVA and MSVA please refer to the VOSA website (page opens in a new browser window).

Extensions to Approvals

Manufacturers can apply for an extension to the original type approval for new variants and versions, standard upgrades and other similar changes. The revised approval number should be reflected on the Certificate of Conformity of vehicles complying with the new approval. In this instance an extension to the original type approval certificate, (and hence a change to the ECWVTA number on the Certificate of Conformity), can make the vehicle acceptable for use on UK roads and it can then be registered under the Secure Registration Scheme using the appropriate V55/1 or V55/2 form.

Notes Regarding Transition to ECWVTA (EC Whole Vehicle Type Approval) for:

• Light Trucks N1 (PDF 153KB)
• Heavy Trucks N2 N3 (PDF 193KB)
• Buses, Coaches, Minibuses & Limousines M2 M3 (PDF 81.8KB)

Commission Notices

In certain circumstances an EC Certificate of Conformity may be insufficient for registration for use on UK roads using the Secure Registration system. An example of this is where a vehicle has been manufactured for use in mainland Europe but has been imported into the UK and has differences such as a speedometer that only shows kilometres per hour. Some changes would need to be made to the vehicle and an application for a Commission Notice will need to be made (this could be supplied by VCA or any other EU Member State). This commission notice document, together with the original COC, will enable valid registration in the UK using the appropriate form (V55/1 or V55/2).

More information about Commission Notices

Derogations

Over a period of time changes in legislation may invalidate an approval due to newer requirements or stricter limits, and you may have stocks of vehicles still unsold by the 'must comply' date. On application to VCA we can grant an end of series derogation in order to allow you a further period during which the vehicle can enter into service.

For more information about current End of Series provisions and derogations please refer to the following page on our Information Notices page.