This glossary defines 136 terms used across UK number plates, DVLA records, MOT history, vehicle tax, SORN and used-car checks. Each entry gives a short definition and links to the guide that covers it in full.
3
- 3D number plate
- A 3D number plate has raised characters, often made from acrylic, rather than flat printed ones. It may be legal in Great Britain only if it still meets the legal standard for font, spacing, colour and reflectivity. Novelty styling is not allowed. Read the guide
4
- 4D number plate
- A 4D number plate has laser-cut raised characters, usually in acrylic, fixed on a base plate. Like 3D plates, it is acceptable on the road only if it meets the legal font, spacing, colour and reflectivity rules. Always check with a registered supplier. Read the guide
A
- Age identifier
- The age identifier is the two-digit number in a current-style plate showing when the vehicle was first registered. It changes twice a year: the year's last two digits from March, then the year plus 50 from September. Check the DVLA for exact dates. Read the guide
- Antique number plate
- An antique number plate is an old registration, often dateless or early-format, from a vehicle's early years. These plates may be valued by collectors. The vehicle receiving one must meet DVLA conditions, so check GOV.UK. Read the guide
- askMID
- askMID is the online service that lets people check whether a vehicle appears on the Motor Insurance Database. It is used to confirm insurance, and a standard DVLA or MOT record does not show insurance details. Read the guide
- Assign a registration
- Assigning a registration means the DVLA allocates a personalised registration number to a vehicle so it displays that number instead of its original one. The vehicle must meet DVLA conditions, such as being registered in the UK. Check the current rules on GOV.UK. Read the guide
B
- Balmoral test centre
- A Balmoral test centre is a DVA vehicle test centre in Belfast where vehicles in Northern Ireland are tested. Northern Ireland MOT-style tests are run by the DVA, not the DVSA, so check the DVA for booking details. Read the guide
- Benefit in kind
- Benefit in kind (BIK) is the tax charge on non-cash benefits from an employer, including the private use of a company car. It is assessed by HMRC using the car's list price, CO2 and fuel type, and reported by the employer. Read the guide
- BHP
- Brake horsepower (BHP) is a measure of an engine's power output. Official DVLA records do not usually show it, so it is typically found from the manufacturer's specification, the V5C or a car spec lookup. Read the guide
- BS AU 145e
- BS AU 145e is the British Standard for retroreflective number plates in the UK. Legal plates must meet it, and it is marked on the plate with the supplier's name and postcode. It covers materials, colours, font and character sizes. Read the guide
C
- Car tax refund
- A car tax refund is money returned for full unused months of vehicle tax when a vehicle is sold, scrapped, declared SORN or the tax is cancelled. The DVLA normally handles it automatically, so check GOV.UK if you expect one. Read the guide
- Category A
- Category A is a write-off category for vehicles that must be scrapped completely, with no parts allowed to be reused. A vehicle recorded as category A should not be put back on the road. Insurers report the category. Read the guide
- Category B
- Category B is a write-off category for vehicles that must be broken for parts, with the shell crushed. A category B vehicle cannot be repaired and put back on the road. Insurers record the category on the MIAFTR database. Read the guide
- Category N
- Category N is a write-off category for a vehicle with non-structural damage that can be repaired and returned to the road. It replaced the former category D. The label may still affect value and insurance, so check the vehicle's history. Read the guide
- Category S
- Category S is a write-off category for a vehicle with structural damage that has been repaired and can return to the road. It replaced the former category C. A history check can show whether a vehicle was recorded as category S. Read the guide
- Certificate of entitlement
- A certificate of entitlement is the DVLA document, called a V750, showing you have the right to assign a bought registration number to a vehicle. It records the entitlement rather than the number plate itself, which is made by a registered supplier. Read the guide
- Chassis number
- A chassis number is the number stamped on a vehicle's frame, often the same as the VIN on modern vehicles. Older vehicles may have shorter chassis numbers. It identifies the individual vehicle and should match the V5C. Read the guide
- Cherished number
- A cherished number is a registration that someone values for its meaning, shortness or rarity, and often keeps on a retention certificate between vehicles. It may be a dateless or age-related registration and is usually held rather than shown on a vehicle. Read the guide
- Clean air zone
- A clean air zone is an area in which local authorities limit or charge more polluting vehicles. Rules vary by city, so use the official GOV.UK clean air zone vehicle checker with your registration to see whether a charge may apply. Read the guide
- Clocked car
- A clocked car is a vehicle whose odometer has been altered to show a lower mileage than it has really travelled. Clocking is illegal. Comparing odometer readings in MOT history can help show readings that fall between tests. Read the guide
- Cloned car
- A cloned car is a vehicle given the identity of another genuine vehicle, using copied number plates and sometimes documents. It is a crime. Checking vehicle details, VIN and records before buying helps spot a mismatch. Read the guide
- Cloned number plate
- A cloned number plate is a plate showing the registration of another genuine vehicle, usually to disguise a stolen or illegal vehicle. Cloning is a crime. Victims may receive unexpected penalty notices, and should contact the police and DVLA promptly. Read the guide
- CO2 emissions
- CO2 emissions are the carbon dioxide a vehicle produces, usually measured in grams per kilometre. They are recorded for many vehicles and affect vehicle tax and company car tax. Check the vehicle's record for the figure. Read the guide
- Commercial vehicle tax
- Commercial vehicle tax is the vehicle excise duty that applies to vans, lorries and other commercial vehicles. The rate and class depend on the vehicle type and weight, so check the current rules on GOV.UK. Read the guide
- Comprehensive insurance
- Comprehensive insurance is motor cover that includes third party liability and also protects against damage to your own vehicle, such as accidents, theft or fire, subject to policy terms. Check your policy to see what is covered. Read the guide
- Congestion Charge
- The Congestion Charge is a daily charge for driving in a zone in central London, set and run by Transport for London. Operating hours and exemptions change, so check Transport for London. Cameras use the registration number to apply it. Read the guide
- Continuous Insurance Enforcement
- Continuous Insurance Enforcement is the DVLA scheme that checks the Motor Insurance Database for vehicles that are registered but have no insurance and are not SORN. Keepers of uninsured vehicles may face penalties, so insure or declare SORN. Read the guide
- Costliest number plate
- The costliest number plates are the registrations that have sold for the highest sums, with the most expensive widely reported to reach six or seven figures. Short, dateless plates with simple numbers are often among them. See DVLA and auction records for details. Read the guide
- Current-style number plate
- A current-style number plate is the Great Britain format used since September 2001: two letters, two digits, a space and three letters, such as AB25 CDE. The letters and digits carry a regional memory tag and an age identifier, with the final three letters chosen at random. Read the guide
D
- Dangerous defect
- A dangerous defect is the most serious MOT fault grade, meaning it is a direct and immediate risk to road safety. The vehicle fails and should not be driven until repaired. Check GOV.UK for the current rules. Read the guide
- Dateless number plate
- A dateless number plate is a registration with no year letter or age identifier, so it does not reveal how old the vehicle is. Examples include short combinations of one to four letters and numbers. Many are valued as cherished registrations. Read the guide
- Decoding a VIN
- Decoding a VIN means reading its parts, which identify the manufacturer, vehicle attributes and serial number. A VIN can reveal model details but not owner information. Compare it with the V5C and the vehicle itself. Read the guide
- Direct debit for car tax
- Direct debit for car tax is a way to pay vehicle excise duty by regular instalments or an annual payment from a bank account. Rules on payment options and changing details are set by the DVLA, so check GOV.UK. Read the guide
- Disabled vehicle tax exemption
- A disabled vehicle tax exemption is a DVLA concession that can remove vehicle tax for eligible disabled keepers. It is not transferable, so a new keeper who is not eligible must tax the vehicle. Check GOV.UK for conditions. Read the guide
- Donor vehicle
- A donor vehicle is the vehicle that currently carries a registration number that is being moved to another vehicle. When the number is transferred, the donor usually reverts to its original or a replacement number, and DVLA records are updated. Read the guide
- Driving licence
- A driving licence is the document showing you may drive certain vehicle categories. In Great Britain the DVLA issues it, and photocard licences must be renewed every 10 years, with extra rules for older drivers. Check GOV.UK. Read the guide
- DVA
- The Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) is the Northern Ireland agency that runs vehicle testing and driver licensing. Vehicle registration and tax in Northern Ireland remain with the DVLA, while MOT-style tests are carried out under the DVA. Read the guide
- DVLA
- The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) is the UK government agency that registers vehicles, collects vehicle excise duty and issues driving licences in Great Britain. It also keeps V5C records and sells and transfers personalised registrations. Read the guide
- DVLA number plate auction
- A DVLA number plate auction is a sale run for the DVLA at which personalised registrations are offered to bidders. The winning bidder is entitled to assign the number to a vehicle. Results are public and vary, so check the DVLA and auction details. Read the guide
- DVSA
- The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is the government agency that runs the MOT scheme in Great Britain and publishes MOT history. It also oversees driving tests and vehicle standards enforcement. Check GOV.UK for services. Read the guide
E
- Euro status
- Euro status is the emissions standard a vehicle meets, shown as a Euro number such as Euro 6. It can affect zone charges and tax. It is recorded for many vehicles, but check the official record to confirm. Read the guide
- Expensive car supplement
- The expensive car supplement is an additional vehicle tax charge for cars above a certain list price, applied for a set number of years. The thresholds and rules change, so check the current position on GOV.UK. Read the guide
F
- First-year rate
- The first-year rate is the vehicle tax rate paid when a new vehicle is first registered, usually linked to its CO2 emissions. After the first year, a different standard rate normally applies. Check GOV.UK for the current rules. Read the guide
- Flip plate
- A flip plate, or number plate flipper, is a device that hides or changes the displayed registration, for example by rotating or switching panels. It is illegal to use on the road, and using one can lead to prosecution. Check GOV.UK for the rules. Read the guide
- Front number plate
- A front number plate is the white plate displayed at the front of most road vehicles in Great Britain, showing the registration in black characters. Some vehicles, such as many motorcycles, only need a rear plate. Check GOV.UK for your vehicle type. Read the guide
G
- GB identifier
- A GB identifier is the letters GB, UK or a country name shown on the left side of a number plate, sometimes with a national flag. It is optional on plates in Great Britain, but rules apply to how it must look, so check GOV.UK. Read the guide
- Gel number plate
- A gel number plate has characters covered by a domed, glossy resin or gel layer. It can be legal if it meets the British Standard for colours, font, spacing and reflectivity, but gel plates that distort or hide characters may be treated as illegal. Read the guide
- Ghost plate
- A ghost plate is a number plate treated or designed to make it harder for cameras to read, for example with a coating or cover. It is illegal to obscure or alter plates to avoid cameras, and using one can lead to prosecution. Read the guide
- GOV.UK
- GOV.UK is the UK government's official website for public services. It hosts the DVLA and DVSA vehicle services, such as checking MOT history, taxing a vehicle, declaring SORN and the rules on number plates and registrations. Read the guide
- Green flash
- A green flash is a green strip on the left of a number plate that may be used on zero-emission vehicles, such as battery electric cars. It is optional and set by regulations, so confirm the current rules for your vehicle on GOV.UK. Read the guide
- Grey import
- A grey import is a vehicle brought into the UK outside the manufacturer's official distribution, for example a car from Japan. It must be registered and may need approval or modification. History records before arrival may be limited. Read the guide
H
- Hire purchase
- Hire purchase (HP) is a finance agreement where you pay in instalments and become the owner once the agreement ends. Until then the finance company may still own the vehicle, so selling it early without clearing the finance can cause problems. Read the guide
- Historic vehicle exemption
- The historic vehicle exemption allows many older vehicles to skip the MOT and, in some cases, pay no vehicle tax, provided they meet age and modification conditions. The rules and dates change, so check GOV.UK to see if your vehicle qualifies. Read the guide
- HMRC
- His Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is the UK tax authority that collects income tax and administers benefit-in-kind charges for company cars. It does not handle vehicle excise duty, which is the DVLA's role. Read the guide
- HPI check
- An HPI-style check is a commercial vehicle history report that may show outstanding finance, write-off records, stolen markers and mileage flags. It is run by a private provider, not the DVLA, and details vary by supplier. Read the guide
I
- Imported vehicle
- An imported vehicle is one brought into the UK from abroad and registered here with the DVLA. Import rules, tax and checks may apply, so check GOV.UK for how a vehicle is registered and what records exist for it. Read the guide
- Irish number plate
- An Irish number plate is a registration from the Republic of Ireland, which uses a year code, a county code and a serial number. It is a different system from Great Britain, and Irish records are not held by the DVLA or DVSA. Read the guide
- Irish reg check
- An Irish reg check is a search for a vehicle registered in the Republic of Ireland. Irish plates are not covered by DVLA or DVSA records, so a Great Britain lookup will not return their details. Read the guide
L
- Legal number plate font
- The legal number plate font is the standard typeface required on UK road plates, a version of Charles Wright 2001. Character height, width and spacing are also set by rules, so changing the style or look of characters can make a plate illegal. Read the guide
- Logbook
- A logbook is the common name for the V5C registration certificate issued by the DVLA. It lists the registered keeper, vehicle details and the identification number. It shows who is responsible for the vehicle, not necessarily who legally owns it. Read the guide
M
- Major defect
- A major defect is an MOT fault serious enough to affect safety or the environment, which means the vehicle fails the test. It must be repaired and retested before the vehicle can pass and be driven normally on the road. Read the guide
- Memory tag
- The memory tag is the first two letters of a current-style registration. The first letter shows the DVLA region and the second a local office within it. It helps show where a vehicle was first registered, though the vehicle may now be anywhere. Read the guide
- Metal number plate
- A metal number plate is made from aluminium or similar metal rather than plastic. It can be legal if it meets the British Standard and carries the required markings, though some motoring or show uses are not road legal. Check GOV.UK before fitting. Read the guide
- MIAFTR
- MIAFTR is the Motor Insurance Anti-Fraud and Theft Register, a database in which insurers record write-offs and some theft information. A commercial history check can reveal an entry, but a free MOT and tax lookup does not. Read the guide
- Mileage
- Mileage is the distance a vehicle has recorded on its odometer, shown in miles in the UK. MOT history records the reading at each test, which makes it easier to spot readings that go down and may suggest clocking. Read the guide
- Minor defect
- A minor defect is a fault found during an MOT that does not affect safety but is recorded on the test result. The vehicle can still pass. It is worth fixing early, and it appears in the vehicle's MOT history. Read the guide
- MOT advisory
- An MOT advisory is a note from the tester about something that is not a fail but may need attention soon, such as wear on a tyre or brake component. Advisories appear on the MOT history but do not stop a vehicle passing. Read the guide
- MOT certificate
- An MOT certificate is the record that a vehicle passed its MOT test. It is usually valid for 12 months, and details are stored in the national MOT database, so a replacement certificate can be obtained if the paper copy is lost. Read the guide
- MOT expiry date
- The MOT expiry date is the day the current MOT certificate stops being valid, normally 12 months after the test. There is no grace period afterwards, so a vehicle generally needs a new MOT to be driven legally, with limited exceptions. Read the guide
- MOT grace period
- An MOT grace period would be extra time to drive after the certificate expires, but in Great Britain there is none. You can test up to a month before expiry and keep the renewal date, and certain journeys to a pre-booked test are allowed. Read the guide
- MOT history
- MOT history is the official record of a vehicle's past MOT tests, including pass or fail results, advisories, defects and odometer readings. It is published by the DVSA and can be viewed using the registration number. Read the guide
- MOT retest
- An MOT retest is a second test carried out after a vehicle has failed, once the faults have been repaired. Rules on timing and whether a partial or full retest applies depend on where the vehicle is left, so check GOV.UK. Read the guide
- MOT test
- An MOT test is the annual roadworthiness and emissions inspection for most vehicles in Great Britain, usually required from the third anniversary of first registration. It checks safety items and is run under the DVSA scheme at approved test centres. Read the guide
- MOT test centre
- An MOT test centre is a garage or site authorised by the DVSA to carry out MOT tests. Prices are set by the centre, within the legal maximum. You can usually find nearby centres and book online through GOV.UK or the garage. Read the guide
- MOT test class
- An MOT test class is the category that decides which test a vehicle takes, based on type, such as cars, motorcycles or larger vehicles. The class affects what is checked and the maximum fee, so confirm the correct class with the test centre. Read the guide
- Motor Insurance Database
- The Motor Insurance Database (MID) is the central record of insured vehicles in the UK, kept by the motor insurance industry. It is used for enforcement, and the public can look up a vehicle on askMID. Read the guide
- Motorbike number plate
- A motorbike number plate is the registration plate on a motorcycle, which in Great Britain is normally a rear plate only. Size and layout rules differ from cars, with shorter or two-line formats permitted. Missing or illegal plates can cause problems at MOT and with the police. Read the guide
- MPG
- Miles per gallon (MPG) is a measure of fuel economy, showing how far a vehicle can travel on a gallon of fuel. Official figures are tested figures, and real-world results usually differ. Check the vehicle specification for details. Read the guide
N
- National flag on a number plate
- A national flag on a number plate is the Union flag or the flag of England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland displayed on the left side, usually with a country identifier. It is permitted only in the way set by the regulations. Check GOV.UK. Read the guide
- New plate day
- New plate day is the day a new age identifier takes effect for current-style plates, in March and September. Dealers often see a rush of registrations on that day. Check the DVLA for the exact dates for each change. Read the guide
- Northern Ireland number plate
- A Northern Ireland number plate uses a different format from Great Britain, typically with letters including I or Z followed by numbers. The DVLA registers vehicles in Northern Ireland, while the DVA runs vehicle testing. Read the guide
- Number plate
- A number plate, also called a registration plate, reg plate or licence plate, is the board or sticker-backed plate fixed to a vehicle showing its registration number. In Great Britain most road vehicles must display legal plates at the front and rear. Read the guide
- Number plate broker
- A number plate broker is a business that sells a personalised registration for its owner and usually takes a commission. Terms, fees and timing are set by the broker, so read the agreement and confirm how the DVLA transfer will be handled. Read the guide
- Number plate dealer
- A number plate dealer is a business that buys and sells personalised registrations, often from a stock it holds. Dealers set their own prices and fees and are separate from the DVLA, so compare terms and check how the transfer will be handled. Read the guide
- Number plate on finance
- A number plate on finance is a personalised registration bought through an agreement, with payments spread over time. The terms are set by the lender and seller, so check how ownership, transfer and any security over the registration work. Read the guide
- Number plate spacing
- Number plate spacing is the set gap between characters and groups of characters on a plate. In Great Britain the gaps are regulated so the registration reads clearly, and spacing that makes characters look different or blends them together may make a plate illegal. Read the guide
- Number plate valuation
- A number plate valuation is an estimate of what a personalised registration might sell for. It depends on factors such as length, readability, rarity and demand, so values change with the market and differ between estimates. Read the guide
O
- Odometer
- An odometer is the instrument in a vehicle that records the total distance travelled. Its reading is recorded at each MOT. Tampering with an odometer is illegal, and mileage that falls between tests can point to a problem. Read the guide
- Outstanding finance
- Outstanding finance means money is still owed on a vehicle under a credit agreement, so the finance company may have a claim on it. Buyers can check for it through a commercial history check, as free records do not show it. Read the guide
P
- PAYE
- Pay As You Earn (PAYE) is the system by which employers deduct income tax and National Insurance from pay and pass it to HMRC. It uses a tax code issued by HMRC. Check GOV.UK for how it applies to you. Read the guide
- PCP
- Personal contract purchase (PCP) is a vehicle finance agreement with lower monthly payments and a final optional payment to keep the vehicle. The finance company usually owns the vehicle until that payment is made. Check the agreement terms. Read the guide
- Police National Computer
- The Police National Computer (PNC) is the national police database holding information about vehicles and people, including stolen vehicle reports. The public cannot search it directly, though commercial history checks may include police data. Read the guide
- Prefix number plate
- A prefix number plate is a registration used from 1983 to 2001 that begins with a letter showing the year, followed by up to three digits and three letters, for example A123 BCD. It sits between the older suffix format and the current style. Read the guide
- Previous keepers
- Previous keepers are the people or organisations who were previously registered with the DVLA as responsible for a vehicle. A free number plate check does not show this, and personal details are protected, so ask the seller or use the V5C. Read the guide
- Private number plate
- A private number plate, also called a personalised registration, is a registration number bought or held separately from a vehicle's original number and assigned to a vehicle by the DVLA. It is an entitlement recorded by the DVLA, not property in the usual sense. Read the guide
- Provisional licence
- A provisional licence is a first driving licence that allows you to learn to drive under conditions, such as displaying L plates and supervision. In Great Britain you can usually apply from 15 years and 9 months old. Check GOV.UK. Read the guide
R
- Random letters
- Random letters are the final three letters of a current-style registration, such as CDE in AB25 CDE. The DVLA allocates them so that each registration is unique. Some letters, including I and Q, are not used in this position. Read the guide
- Rear number plate
- A rear number plate is the yellow reflective plate fixed to the back of a vehicle, showing the registration in black characters. It must be clean, legible and made to the current standard. Motorcycles and some other vehicles have their own display rules. Read the guide
- Recipient vehicle
- A recipient vehicle is the vehicle that receives a registration number in a transfer or assignment. It must meet DVLA conditions, for example being registered in the UK and not being older than the number suggests. Check current conditions on GOV.UK. Read the guide
- Reflective number plate
- A reflective number plate has a retroreflective surface so the registration shows up in headlights and camera flashes. Legal plates in Great Britain must be reflective, and non-reflective novelty or show plates are not acceptable for road use. Read the guide
- Registered keeper
- A registered keeper is the person or organisation recorded by the DVLA as responsible for a vehicle. It is not necessarily the legal owner, as a finance company or another person may own it. The V5C shows the keeper. Read the guide
- Registered number plate supplier
- A registered number plate supplier is a business on the DVLA register that is allowed to make and sell road number plates in Great Britain. It must see proof of your identity and your entitlement to the registration before supplying plates. Read the guide
- Registration number
- A registration number, often called a reg, is the unique combination of letters and digits the DVLA assigns to a vehicle and shows on its number plates. It is linked to the vehicle's record and is used to look up MOT, tax and other details. Read the guide
- Remove a private plate
- Removing a private plate means taking a personalised registration off a vehicle, either to keep it or to put it on another vehicle. The DVLA must be told, and the vehicle usually returns to its original or a replacement number. Check GOV.UK. Read the guide
- Retain a registration
- Retaining a registration means taking a number off a vehicle so you can keep it and use it later. The DVLA records the entitlement and issues a retention document. The vehicle usually goes back to its original or replacement number. Check GOV.UK. Read the guide
- Road tax
- Road tax is the everyday name for vehicle excise duty, the tax that must be paid for vehicles used or kept on public roads. It is not transferable between keepers, so a buyer must tax a vehicle before driving it. Read the guide
S
- Scrapped vehicle
- A scrapped vehicle is one recorded as destroyed through the DVLA or an authorised treatment facility. It should not return to the road under that registration. A vehicle history check may show whether it has been recorded as scrapped. Read the guide
- Service history
- Service history is the record of maintenance carried out on a vehicle, usually in a service book or garage invoices. It is not held on official DVLA or DVSA records, so ask the seller for the paperwork. Read the guide
- Show plate
- A show plate is a plate made for display at events, in photos or on a wall, rather than for road use. It is not legal to use on a public road in place of proper number plates, even if the registration is correct. Read the guide
- SORN
- A Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN) is a declaration to the DVLA that a vehicle is not used or kept on a public road. Once declared, the vehicle should be kept off the road, and the declaration stays until the vehicle is taxed or sold. Read the guide
- SORN insurance
- SORN insurance is optional cover for a vehicle that is declared off the road and kept on private land, usually against fire, theft and damage. Insurance is not legally required for a SORN vehicle kept off the road, but check your own situation. Read the guide
- Standard rate
- The standard rate is the usual annual vehicle tax charge paid after the first-year rate has ended, which applies to most cars. It can differ by vehicle type and registration date, so check the current figure on GOV.UK. Read the guide
- Stolen vehicle marker
- A stolen vehicle marker is a flag on police and industry records showing a vehicle has been reported stolen. A commercial history check or the police may confirm it, while free MOT and tax lookups do not show stolen status. Read the guide
- Suffix number plate
- A suffix number plate is a registration from roughly 1963 to 1983 that ends with a year letter, with three letters first and then up to three digits, for example ABC 123A. It is an earlier, age-coded format that preceded the prefix system. Read the guide
T
- Tax code
- A tax code is a combination of numbers and a letter issued by HMRC that tells an employer how much tax-free pay to allow under PAYE. It is separate from vehicle tax. Check GOV.UK or your payslip to confirm your code. Read the guide
- Tax rebate
- A tax rebate is a refund of tax paid in error or overpaid. Vehicle tax refunds come from the DVLA, while income tax rebates come from HMRC. The two are separate, so check which body applies to your situation. Read the guide
- Third party insurance
- Third party insurance is the minimum motor cover required by law for vehicles used or kept on public roads. It covers damage or injury you cause to others but not damage to your own vehicle, unless you add other cover. Read the guide
- Trade plate
- A trade plate is a plate issued by the DVLA to eligible motor traders so they can drive unregistered or untaxed vehicles under strict conditions. It is not meant for a private individual's general use, and trade plate holders must follow the DVLA rules. Read the guide
- Trailer number plate
- A trailer number plate is the plate displayed on a trailer or caravan. It normally shows the registration number of the towing vehicle, and some trailers have rules requiring their own plate. Check GOV.UK for how plates apply to your trailer. Read the guide
- Transfer a registration
- Transferring a registration means moving a personalised number from one vehicle to another through the DVLA. Both vehicles must meet the conditions, and the records and V5C are updated. A number that makes a vehicle look newer than it is is not allowed. Read the guide
U
- ULEZ
- The Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) is a London zone where vehicles must meet emission standards or a charge may apply. Rules and boundaries are set by Transport for London and can change, so use the official checker for your registration. Read the guide
- Uninsured driving
- Uninsured driving is using a vehicle on a public road without valid motor insurance, which is an offence. Penalties can be serious, so check insurance status through your insurer or askMID, and check GOV.UK for guidance. Read the guide
V
- V317
- V317 is the DVLA form used for transferring or retaining a registration number. Online routes are also offered on GOV.UK. The form or service records the number moving to or from a vehicle, so check GOV.UK for the current process. Read the guide
- V5C
- A V5C is the vehicle registration certificate, commonly called the logbook, issued by the DVLA. It records the registered keeper and vehicle details but is not proof of legal ownership. A new V5C is issued when keeper details change. Read the guide
- V5C issue date
- The V5C issue date is the date the DVLA last issued a registration certificate for the vehicle. It can help show whether a certificate is genuine and recent, and it appears in the official vehicle enquiry record and on the document itself. Read the guide
- V5C new keeper slip
- A V5C new keeper slip is the part of the registration certificate given to the buyer when a vehicle is sold. It confirms the seller has told the DVLA and helps the new keeper tax the vehicle. Check GOV.UK for the current steps. Read the guide
- V750
- V750 is the certificate of entitlement the DVLA issues when a personalised registration number is bought from it. It shows you have the right to assign the number to a vehicle, and it is used when applying to put the number on one. Read the guide
- V778
- V778 is the retention document the DVLA issues when a registration number is taken off a vehicle and kept. It proves your right to assign the number to a vehicle later, so keep it safe and note its renewal conditions on GOV.UK. Read the guide
- Vehicle Enquiry Service
- The Vehicle Enquiry Service (VES) is the official GOV.UK service that shows basic vehicle details, tax status and MOT status from a registration number. It does not show owner details, insurance, finance or accident or stolen data. Read the guide
- Vehicle excise duty
- Vehicle excise duty (VED) is the tax paid to the DVLA for using or keeping a vehicle on public roads, commonly called road tax or car tax. Rates vary by vehicle and change, so check the current rate on GOV.UK. Read the guide
- Vehicle identification number
- A vehicle identification number (VIN) is a 17-character code that identifies an individual vehicle. It is stamped on the chassis and shown on the V5C, and it is usually not shown by a free registration lookup. Read the guide
- Vehicle tax status
- Vehicle tax status shows whether a vehicle is currently taxed, untaxed or SORN, and when tax is due. The official vehicle enquiry service shows it, though it cannot show insurance or ownership. Check GOV.UK for the latest record. Read the guide
- VT20
- VT20 is the MOT pass certificate issued when a vehicle passes its test in Great Britain. It was historically the paper form given to the keeper. Test results are now held on the national MOT record, and a replacement can be obtained. Read the guide
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- Wheelplan
- A wheelplan is the vehicle's wheel and axle layout, such as a two-axle rigid layout, recorded in vehicle data. It forms part of the official vehicle details shown for some vehicles in the DVLA enquiry service. Read the guide
- Write-off category
- A write-off category is a label used by insurers when a damaged vehicle is not economic to repair. The current categories are A, B, S and N, replacing older C and D categories. A history check can show them. Read the guide
Official Sources
Rules, fees and deadlines change. Confirm anything that affects your money or legal position with the official service.