Reclaim Old UK Number Plate
Review the year and part history link: http://www.oldclassiccar.co.uk/registrations/ye.htm
Point to note: When you reclaim a registration mark back, you can not sell the number. The DVLA reassign the number back to the Lambretta once evidence is provided and the log book it states: “Non Transferable Registration Mark”.
How To Reclaim A UK Number Back
The RF60 and VE60 are old style buff or green card log books that were phased out in the 1970’s and when vehicle records were computerised. If you have on of these, you can reclaim the number plate back. See the RF60 and VE60 page for further information in this area.
There is no fee with this, but I sent the standard £55 fee anyway and the DVLA sent it back after the Lambretta was re registered.
Check if its already registered
To check if the UK number is still on the DVLA database, enter the details and check these two links:
If the Lambretta exists, you are part way there. You still need to check the frame and engine number are the same as what the DVLA have listed on their records and this should correspond to the RF60 / VE60 paperwork.
You will need:
- Join the BLA and or the LCGB in preparation for your letter of authenticity
- A completed and signed V765 from the BLA
- A BLA or LCGB letter of authenticity (that needs to be used with the DVLA within one year of the date stamped on the letter)
- A completed and signed V765 from the BLA
- A photo copy of the RF60 or VE60 log book
- A recognised DVLA authorised club to review the original and sign your photo copy RF60 or VE60 log book.
- A V55 form + paperwork
- (Possibility) A DVLA Inspection (All mine required this. You may be lucky and not require an inspection)
- (Pre 1977) A V112 Form to declare why you do not need TAX (This replaces the TAX disc)
- A SORN form (Optional)
- A MOT if you do not SORN it (Note: Pre 1960 do not need this).
Action Before You Purchase
Read up on the model that you are buying on the LCGB website here:
Check the frame number (& Engine if applicable and related to your purchase). I use the BLA website here and Frame Number pages here:
Check the buyers guides here:
Step 1 Receipt – Action During Purchase
- The price paid
- The person name; address, contact number
- The frame number
- The engine number
- I also put the advertised year of manufacture as well, even if its approximate and until I have checked the frame number.
- You should both sign the receipt and both have a copy (print and sign two copies).
- Remember to obtain the original cardboard RF60 / VE60 log book.
Step 2 – BLA Letter of authentication (up to 21 days)
See this link for the BLA process: http://www.britishlambrettaarchive.co.uk/authentications-v765-1.html
In summary: Take photos of the Lambretta engine number and frame number (Note that the Lambretta does not need to be in working order or complete – they just need to see the engine and frame number clearly as will the DVLA Public Transport Unit later. I use the BLA, so will base this on BLA paperwork.
Send the £7 payment to the BLA via Paypal if possible. Other ways take longer to reach them. On the note in PayPal, mention your name and the frame number as a reference.
After payment, send the photos to the BLA email address blaauthentications@hotmail.co.uk and request a V765 from them to aid in claiming back the UK number
Photo copy in colour and send copies of the RF60 / VE60 log book.
Note: The pay-pal reference you send the £7 to starts with soulie66 (different to the hotmail address). Details can be found on the BLA website under the left menu – Authentications / V765
Await the BLA letter of authenticity and completed V765 from the BLA club. This can take up to 21 days. Note, for the DVLA paperwork, the BLA letter must be used within 1 year. Otherwise a new one is required.
Step 3 – Signed RF60 VE60 Documentation
Located a local recognised DVLA vehicle owners club that can sign photo copy RF60 VE60 paperwork and arrange for them to sign the photo copy. I visited Dave Burton of BSA Bantum Enthusiasts Club to get one of my original RF60 (photo copy) documents signed. Here is the list of recognised people:
Step 4 (V55 – 1 day turn around) (DVLA Updated this step on 01 Sep 2018)
Download Order your V55/5 paperwork to register your Lambretta for a UK number plate. The link is here: https://www.gov.uk/dvlaforms and the forms you need are:
- V55/5 (Actual form)
- V355/5 (Not required but may be handy – How to fill in the form)
- V890 (SORN document – Not required, but get one just in case)
- Notes: Information Only – Prior to September 2018, you could only order this form online and wait up to 10 days for it to arrive.The new form captures the Euro status (If applicable) and they no longer have an under-copy (Carbon copy) or serial numbers at the top of the form.
Step 5 Fill out V55 paperwork.
After V55 paperwork is received, complete the V55/5 Paperwork. See the Right Side / Registration / V55/5 for examples in this area. See image THREE for an example of a reclaim form and let me know if you need any further info.
When sending the V55, I took the following action. There are a few other options and these can be found on the V55 paperwork:
- V765 (Original) sent to DVLA
- Signed photo copy of RF60 sent to DVLA
- V112 filled out and sent to DVLA (Mot & Tax Exempt)
- V55/5 filled out and sent to DVLA (With old reg number being reclaimed)
- Photo copy of letter sent to DVLA
- BLA certificate of authenticity (Original) Sent to DVLA
- Pictures of Frame / Engine Number & Photo of Lambretta sent to DVLA
- Proof of name ID sent – Photo copy of Driving licence and photo copy of passport sent.
- Proof of address – internet download of telephone utility bill (within 3 months) sent..
- Payment to DVLA Fee £55 sent (Returned back with UK number assigned)
- Covering letter to DVLA
Step 6 – DVLA Inspection (1 week turn around)
This was not required for mine. If required, you will need to call the number the DVLA provided and book a home visit for the inspection people to visit your address to inspect each Lambretta. As long as it is complete, all should be OK.
Step 7 – Await V5C document to arrive (Up to 2 weeks turn around)
My V5C’s took around 21 days to arrive with all my paperwork I sent them, including the BLA original letter.
Step 8 – SORN if required (V890) (Or on-line. You may need to wait up to 3 months before DVLA publish your number on-line)
The Lambretta will come with 1 years TAX, even if it’s pre 1960 and does not require TAX. This is included in the £55 registration fee you send.
The DVLA SORN database is not updated very quickly, so doing a SORN online can take time before your Lambretta appears. Check these two links to see the status and wait until it appears in link 2 and then SORN it:
Note: I completed a few V890 forms and when checking the database up to three month later, my Lambrettas had not be SORN, but did start appearing via option 1 and 2 links above. I then completed the SORN
Step 9 – MOT if required or Exempt it via a(V112)
Pre 1960 – Form V112 is available for vehicle owners who run vehicles which are exempt from MOT testing, and must be produced in place of an MOT certificate with an application for a vehicle licence (tax disc) if applicable. The forms are available from selected Post Offices. I had to order mine form the local Post Office.
1960 Onwards – Book your Lambretta into a vehicle MOT station. You may only ride it on the road if you are booked into the test station and are taking the Lambretta their to have it’s MOT.
Note: You will see that your Lambretta is Tax Exempt using this link and inputting the information you have now acquired. https://www.gov.uk/check-mot-status
You should now have a UK number assigned and a Lambretta.
Happy travelling………