RF60 / VE60 Information
The RF60 and VE60 are old style cardboard / buff or green card log books that were phased out in the 1970’s and when vehicle records were computerised.
If you have no documentation, although unlikely, you may be able to obtain a certified copy of the entry in the local authority register that was made when then number was first allocated. Many of these old records have been destroyed, some have been kept in archives or rescued by specialist organisations. One such charity is the Kithead Trust – https://kitheadtrust.org.uk.
Note on Fife Council / Archives. Files kept here for motorcycles are apparently pre 1948, so it is unlikely to have historic information for your Lambretta.
RF stood for Road Fund and VE stood for Vehicle Excise.
In summary:
An old style logbook (RF60 / VE60) is the strongest evidence that will allow you to obtain a previously used number plate, which was assigned to your Lambretta.
Other pre-1983 documents linking the make of vehicle to the registration number (such as old tax discs, MoT certificates) are usually also accepted.
DO NOT send the original RF60 / VE60 to the DVLA.
How to reclaim an old UK number back on a Lambretta
Requirements include:
- An original club dating letter of authenticity (To be used with the DVLA witin one year of the date you received it / stamped on the letter)
- A club signed V765
- A club signed photo copy of your RF60 old style log book
- A completed V55 form
- A cheque of £55 to send to the DVLA
- Photos of your completed Lambretta (Include the frame and engine number)
- Evidence of who you are (For example, a photo copy of driving license and copies of two utility bills)
Other information:
When you have a RF60, you can re register the old UK Lambretta number plate. To do so, you will need a signed and stamped V765 form, from your Lambretta Club (or a club recognised by the DVLA).
Before the club sends you completed and club signed V765 form, the club will need evidence that you have the original RF60. If you deceide not to use a Lambretta Club, any recognised DVLA club will be able to help in this matter. Simply visit the club, present the original and photo copy and once the club autheticates it, they will sign your photo copy to allow you to send your V765 to the DVLA.
Quick links
V765 link and information – V765 form link / download
V55 – Completing a V55 – V55/5 DVLA Registration page link.
List of vehicle owner clubs
The list below can aid in you finding a DVLA recognised club for your V765/1 form
Updated Jan20 – The DVLA seem to have stopped publishing the list. The list below was downloaded in 2019. You may need to check with the club that they can be used to authenticate your documents:
Jan20 DVLA List of recognised owners clubs – PDF download link
Old link – stopped working in 2020 – https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/list-of-vehicle-owner-clubs
Obtaining a V5C
Points to note:
- Information only – The £55 fee to the DVLA will cover your 1st years Tax. However, if the Lambretta is 30+ years old, you would not need it and there is no refund. See here and under the heading “Historic Vehicles”: https://www.gov.uk/vehicle-exempt-from-vehicle-tax
- V112 form if you do not SORN your Lambretta and if the Lambretta is older than 8th Jan 1977. See here: https://www.gov.uk/historic-vehicles/vehicles-exempt-from-vehicle-tax – You may need to apply for tax exemption. See here on what action to take: https://www.gov.uk/historic-vehicles/apply-for-vehicle-tax-exemption
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
If possible, obtain a receipt. If a receipt is not possible, ensure you get the persons name and address. If you are able to get a receipt (or create one yourself) it should include:
- 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).
Step 2 – LCGB Letter of authentication (up to 21 days) & signed (photo copy) of the RF60 / VE60 documents
Step 3 (V55 – 1 day turn around – forms download)
Action at any stage.
Download your V55/5 paperwork to register your Lambretta for a UK number plate.
- V55 link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/register-a-used-vehicle-for-the-first-time-v555
- V355/5 How to fill the form out link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/v3555-application-for-first-vehicle-tax-and-registration-of-a-used-motor-vehicle-v555
Step 4 Fill out V55 paperwork (4 week turn around)
See this link if you requrei assitance in completing this form: V55 Paperwork
When sending the V55 for one of my Lambrettas that I had a RF60 logbook, I took the following action.
There are a few other options and these can be found on the V55 paperwork:
- V55/5 filled out and sent to DVLA
- BLA certificate of authenticity (Original) Sent to DVLA
- BLA V765 form (With signed photo copy of RF60) 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 print out of my telephone utility bill (within 3 months) sent..
- Payment to DVLA Fee £55 sent.
- Covering letter to DVLA
Step 5 – DVLA Inspection (1 week turn around)
If you’re lucky, the DVLA will not request an inspection. All my imports were inspected. However, reclaiming back a number plate should not require an inspection
If an inspection is required, you simply call the number the DVLA provided and booked a home visit for the inspection people to visit your address to inspect the Lambretta. Inspectors varied on what they did. I have had people take a brief look, took some photos of the Lambretta, Frame and Engine number and left. One other time, a chap came and spent more time looking at it. In summary, as long as it is complete, all should be OK.
Step 6 – Await V5C document to arrive (Up to 2 weeks turn around)
The DVLA do not cash the cheque until the V5C has been provided.
My V5C’s took around 2 weeks to arrive after the inspection report.
Step 7 – 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 is 30+ years old. This is included in the £55 registration fee you send. Remember to apply for your tax exemption at a Post Office before the following years renewal is due: https://www.gov.uk/historic-vehicles/apply-for-vehicle-tax-exemption
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 8 – MOT Exempt (V112)
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.
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 the original UK number assigned and a Lambretta that is MOT and TAX Exempt.
Note: If you do not SORN it and forget to insure it, you will receive a letter from
If you require any further assistance in this area, please get in touch.
Happy travelling………
LZ – Update required Sep22