HCVA Welcomes DVLA Policy Changes That Support The Future Of The UK Historic Vehicles Industry
- Historic and Classic Vehicles Alliance welcomes latest DVLA announcement confirming major changes to vehicle registration policies
- Previous polices, unchanged since 1980s, hindered some classic car registrations and posed risk to the restoration industry
- Success comes after Call for Evidence was announced at HCVA hosted event in May 2024
- New policy helps to safeguard the future of the UK historic vehicles industry and comes into effect on Tuesday 26th August 2025
EMBARGOED UNTIL 00.01 WEDNESDAY 20th AUGUST
The Historic and Classic Vehicles Alliance (HCVA) welcomes today’s announcement of pragmatic DVLA policy changes that bring much needed clarity for the repair and restoration of the UK’s historic and classic vehicle fleet.
The HCVA has been working with politicians, the DVLA and government for many years to bring certainty to the vehicle registration process, which has not been changed since the 1980s. In some instances, treasured classic cars were losing their original identification after restoration, and some were even refused registration.
These efforts were finally rewarded in 2024 when former Secretary of State for Transport, Mark Harper, announced a Call for Evidence while speaking at an HCVA hosted event on May 9th at Bicester Motion, a world-renowned automotive centre of excellence. This call encouraged the classic vehicle industry, owners, and enthusiasts to have their say on the previous DVLA system, and over 1350 responses were received in less than eight weeks.
As a result of the extensive evidence submitted, the DVLA reviewed the matter in depth, working with government officials including Minister for the Future of Roads, Lilian Greenwood, and has confirmed a major update to some of its vehicle registration policies, making it significantly easier for industry and enthusiasts to register repaired, restored and modified vehicles. Two new sets of guidance that will apply to all vehicles, regardless of age, have been announced with key changes, including:
- Like-for-like repairs and restorations will no longer require notification to the 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 the 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 the DVLA of the changes.
Dale Keller, CEO of the HCVA says: “The policy changes by the DVLA encapsulate how industry and government working collaboratively can deliver better outcomes. It is testament to the hard work of the HCVA, and others, that the government has listened and acted with pragmatic changes that place the retention of historic identity at the forefront of registration policy, a move that will be welcomed by all historic vehicle specialists, owners, and historians.”
Classic cars under scrutiny
“The DVLA should be applauded for its engagement and commitment to deliver new policies that now recognises new technologies, techniques, and improved materials.
“The positive impact these changes will have should not be underestimated in how they will support specialists and owners in protecting the UK’s historic vehicle industry, enabling over three million historic and classic vehicles to be kept roadworthy, relevant, and enjoyed by future generations.”
The vibrant UK classic vehicle industry not only keeps classic vehicles on our roads to be enjoyed by everyone, it keeps valuable skills alive in a sector supporting over 100,000 quality jobs and is also an export success story.
The Historic and Classic Vehicles Alliance is one of Britain’s leading automotive trade organisations known for advocating the preservation, promotion, and enjoyment of historic and classic vehicles Deep concerns by the UK’s world-leading specialist industry over UK government treatment of vehicle heritage was a major factor in the formation of the Alliance in 2021. The announcement confirming the new policies, which come into effect on Tuesday 26th August 2025, can be seen as a significant achievement for the entire classic vehicle industry.
About the HCVA
Established in 2021, the Historic and Classic Vehicles Alliance is a not-for-profit trade organisation founded to represent the collective voice of SMEs within the historic and classic vehicle sector, supported by hundreds of individual owners and enthusiasts.
Through collaboration, transparency, and proactive lobbying, the HCVA seeks to increase awareness and education of the sector’s economic and social benefits, to ensure those responsible for policy and regulation are challenged and held accountable, and to ensure the HCVA member community is engaged and confident their voices will be heard.
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