I recently bought a car. I received my V5c registration certificate today but noticed there are some mistakes on the certificate. I made the correction on V5C and send to DVLA How long does it take to get a replacement certificate ?

When you receive your registration certificate, it’s your responsibility to check all the details are correct. If anything is incorrect, make the changes on the certificate and send it back to DVLA.

Vehicle registration

Overview

You have to register a car or any other vehicle as soon as you’ve:

bought it

built it

rebuilt or altered it

imported it

You do this by filling in forms and sending them to DVLA. The forms you have to send depend on your circumstances.

DVLA may need to inspect your vehicle to:

make sure the vehicle exists, has been assembled into a complete vehicle and the log book (V5C) is in your name

update their records because of changes you’ve made to the vehicle

They will send you a letter if they need to do this. You will not have to pay a fee.

Use the different registration schemes for the motor trade if you’re a vehicle manufacturer, importer or VAT-registered trader.

New and used vehicles

New vehicles

The dealer will usually register a brand new vehicle for you. If they do, you’ll get a V5C registration certificate (log book). It will take longer than usual to get this because of coronavirus (COVID-19).

If the dealer will not do it, you can register the vehicle yourself.

If your vehicle is a new heavy goods vehicle (HGV), you also need to record the details of your HGV with the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).

Used vehicles

You need to tax a used vehicle before you can use it on the road.

The way a used vehicle is registered to you depends on whether it has a V5C registration certificate (log book).

Vehicle has a registration certificate (V5C)

The seller can register the vehicle to you online or by post.

The seller must follow a different process if you’re buying a vehicle to take abroad including the Channel Islands (Jersey and Guernsey), Isle of Man or Ireland. They must give you the full log book (V5C) and not send it to DVLA.

Register online

The seller will need to:

register the vehicle to you online

fill in the green ‘new keeper’ slip and give it to you

destroy the V5C

DVLA will update the vehicle record immediately and they will aim to send out a new V5C to you within 3 to 5 days.

Register by post

If you cannot register the vehicle online, you can register it by post. The seller will need to:

complete section 2 if they have a new style log book (with multi-coloured numbered blocks on the front cover) or section 6 if they have the older style log book

sign the declaration in section 8 if they have the older style log book (you must sign the declaration too)

fill in the new keeper slip and give it to you

send the V5C to DVLA

DVLA aims to send out a new V5C to you as soon as possible, usually 4 weeks after getting the old V5C from the seller.  This may take longer because of coronavirus.

If you do not get it within 4 weeks:

complete form V62 - ‘Application for a vehicle registration certificate’

send it to DVLA with the new keeper slip given to you by the seller - if you do not send in the new keeper slip, you’ll have to pay a fee

Download form V62 or get it from any Post Office branch.

Contact DVLA if you do not receive anything 6 weeks after sending in form V62.

Vehicle does not have a registration certificate

DVLA advises that you should not buy a vehicle that does not have a registration certificate (V5C).

Register the vehicle in your name by using form V62 ‘Application for a vehicle registration certificate’. You’ll have to pay a fee. See the section above for how to get form V62.

Checking your new registration certificate

You’ll get the replacement certificate within 4 weeks.

New registrations

Your vehicle may not have been registered before with DVLA if it’s:

brand new

a kit car

imported

been rebuilt or radically altered

an old or classic vehicle

If you buy a brand new vehicle, the dealer will usually arrange for it to be registered. Otherwise, you need to follow the process below.

Making an application

Fill in form V55/4 or V55/5

For any type of newly registered vehicle, you must fill in either a:

V55/4 form to register a new vehicle, including new imported vehicles and newly-built (kit) cars

V55/5 form to register a used vehicle, including rebuilt vehicles, used imported vehicles and older vehicles that have never been registered

Provide copies of identity documents

Send in a photocopy of your photocard driving licence with your application form to prove your identity.

If you cannot do this, you must send in photocopies of one document that proves your name and another document that proves your address.

Documents you can use to confirm your name include:

passport

marriage certificate

decree nisi or absolute

birth certificate

current UK paper driving licence (not a paper counterpart)

Documents you can use to confirm your address include:

recent utility bill (within the last 3 months) - for example gas, electricity, water, landline

recent bank or building society statement (within the last 3 months)

medical card

council tax bill for current year

You can fill in form V959 - ‘Notification of name and address check’ instead of these documents to prove your identity if you’re a current DVLA trade plate holder.

Supporting documents needed for all vehicles

As well as documents to prove your identity, you must also send:

payment for the vehicle tax

the new registration fee of £55, if you have to pay it

a current MOT certificate, if the vehicle is over 3 years old (over 4 years old in Northern Ireland)

a certificate of newness (or declaration of newness for imported vehicles), if the vehicle is new

proof of vehicle approval if the vehicle is under 10 years old (unless it’s exempt from vehicle approval)

any documents you have relating to the vehicle, for example build plans if it’s a kit car

an insurance certificate or cover note (if you’re registering the vehicle to an address in Northern Ireland)

Supporting documents needed for some vehicles

You may have to send extra forms and documents if your vehicle is:

imported

kit-built, rebuilt, kit-converted or radically altered

an old vehicle

a reconstructed classic vehicle

After you’ve applied

DVLA might need to inspect your vehicle. If your application is approved, DVLA will send you a V5C registration certificate (sometimes called a log book).

Because of coronavirus (COVID-19) it’s taking longer than usual to get a new registration certificate.

Your V5C shows:

the vehicle’s registration number

the vehicle keeper’s name and address

other information about the vehicle (the make, vehicle identification number (VIN) and number of previous keepers)

DVLA will also return your identity documents.

You’ll need to provide a prepaid self-addressed, special delivery envelope if you want the documents returned by special delivery.

DVLA cannot guarantee the return of the documents by a specific date.

New registrations fee

You’ll have to pay a fee of £55 if you’re registering and taxing a vehicle for the first time with DVLA.

You can pay by cheque or postal order. You cannot send cash. Damaged or altered cheques will not be accepted.

You do not have to pay for some vehicles, including:

those first registered and licensed in the disabled exempt taxation class

historic vehicles previously registered with the old local authorities (late conversions)

vehicles previously registered in the United Kingdom

imported vehicles previously registered under the personal export scheme and new means of transport scheme

visiting forces vehicles

vehicles registered under the direct export scheme

vehicles registered for off-road use only

crown exempt vehicles

Rebuilt vehicles

Your vehicle must meet the road vehicles regulations if you use it on the road.

How to register

You must follow all the instructions for registering a new vehicle.

You must include the following with your application:

form V627/1 - ‘Built up vehicle inspection report’

evidence of type approval, if necessary

the vehicle registration certificate for the original vehicle

official receipts for any parts used

photographs of the vehicle

Contact DVLA if you’re not sure about what you need to provide.

Send your application to:

Vehicle type approval

You’ll have to get type approval if your vehicle does not qualify to keep its original registration number.

Keep a vehicle’s original registration number

A rebuilt vehicle can keep its original registration number if you can prove you’ve used:

the original unmodified chassis or bodyshell (car or light van)

a new chassis or monocoque bodyshell of the same specification as the original (car or light van)

the original unmodified frame (motorbike)

a new frame of the same specification as the original (motorbike)

You must also have 2 other major components from the original vehicle from the following lists.

For cars or light vans:

suspension (front and back)

steering assembly

axles (both)

transmission

engine

For motorbikes:

forks

wheels

engine

gear box

Get a Q registration number

DVLA will give your vehicle a ‘Q’ prefix registration number if you do not meet the conditions for keeping the original registration number.

Your vehicle must pass the relevant type approval test to get a Q registration number.

Vehicles with a Certificate of Destruction (CoD) must never reappear as complete vehicles or be presented for registration, though some components may be recycled. You cannot keep the original registration or vehicle identification number.

Kit-built vehicles

Your vehicle must meet the road vehicles regulations if you use it on the road.

A kit-built vehicle is one where all the parts are supplied new by the manufacturer.

How to register

You must follow all the instructions for registering a new vehicle.

You must include the following with your application:

form V627/1 - ‘Built up vehicle inspection report’

evidence of type approval – see ‘Vehicle type approval’ below

official receipts for the vehicle and any parts used

build plans

evidence that any ‘reconditioned’ part is to an ‘as new’ standard

Contact DVLA if you’re not sure about what you need to provide.

Send your application to:

Vehicle type approval

All kit-built vehicles have to get type approval.

Get a current registration number

You can register a kit-built car, motorcycle or tricycle with a current registration number if you can prove it’s all made from new parts supplied by the manufacturer.

You can also get a current registration number for a kit-built car, motorbike or tricycle built with one reconditioned part if:

you can show that the part has been reconditioned to an ‘as new’ standard, in line with the manufacturer’s guidelines

the part is not the chassis, monocoque bodyshell or frame

Get a Q registration number

DVLA will give your vehicle a ‘Q’ prefix registration number if you do not meet the conditions for getting a current registration number.

Your vehicle must pass the relevant type approval test to get a Q registration number.

Kit-converted vehicles

A kit-converted vehicle has had:

a kit of new parts added to an existing vehicle, or

old parts added to a new kit

The general appearance of the vehicle will change because of the kit.

How to register

You’ll need to include the following with your application:

the vehicle registration certificate for the original vehicle

evidence of type approval, if necessary – see ‘Vehicle type approval’ below

official receipts for any parts used

build plans

photographs of the vehicle

Send your application to:

Keep a vehicle’s original registration number

You can apply to keep a kit converted vehicle’s original registration number if you can prove you’ve used 2 original major parts along with the original unmodified:

chassis (car or light van)

monocoque bodyshell (car or light van)

frame (motorbike)

Get an age-related registration number

You can apply for an age-related number if you can prove you’ve used 2 original major parts along with:

a new monocoque bodyshell, chassis or frame from a specialist kit manufacturer

an altered chassis, monocoque bodyshell or frame from the original vehicle

The registration number will be based on the age of the original vehicle.

Your vehicle must pass the relevant type approval test to get an age-related registration number.

Get a Q registration number

DVLA will give your vehicle a ‘Q’ prefix registration number if you do not meet the conditions for getting an original or age-related registration number.

Radically altered vehicles

Your vehicle must comply with the road vehicles regulations if you use it on the road.

Radically altered vehicles are vehicles that have been altered from their original specification, but are not kit conversions.

How to register

You must follow all the instructions for registering a new vehicle.

form V627/1 - ‘Built up vehicle inspection report’

evidence of type approval, if necessary

the vehicle registration certificate

official receipts for any parts used

photographs of the vehicle

Contact DVLA if you’re not sure about what you need to provide.

Send your application to:

Get a vehicle registration number

DVLA uses a points system to decide what registration number to give a radically altered vehicle.

Keep the original registration number

Your vehicle must have 8 or more points from the table below if you want to keep the original registration number. 5 of these points must come from having the original or new and unmodified chassis, monocoque bodyshell or frame.

Part | Points

Chassis, monocoque bodyshell (body and chassis as one unit) or frame - original or new and unmodified (direct from manufacturer) | 5

Suspension (front and back) - original | 2

Axles (both) - original | 2

Transmission - original | 2

Steering assembly - original | 2

Engine - original | 1

Get a ‘Q’ registration number

You will not be able to keep your vehicle’s original registration number if one of the following applies:

it has fewer than 8 points

it has a second-hand or altered chassis, monocoque bodyshell or frame

there’s evidence that 2 vehicles have been welded together to form one (ie ‘cut and shut’)

Your vehicle must pass the relevant type approval test to get a ‘Q’ prefix registration number.

Old vehicles

Your vehicle must meet the road vehicles regulations if you use it on the road.

If you have a classic vehicle that has not been taxed since 1983, it might not be registered with DVLA.

If this is the case and you want to register it, follow all the instructions for registering a vehicle for the first time.

Get your vehicle’s original registration number

You may be able to register an old vehicle under its original registration number if either:

it’s never been registered at DVLA

it has an age-related registration number

To do this, you’ll have to:

follow the instructions for new registrations

fill in form V765 - ‘Application to register a vehicle under its original registration number’

get form V765 endorsed by a vehicle owners’ club

provide a recent photo of the vehicle and documentary evidence that links it to the original number, for example the original log book

Send the forms to ‘K and R’ at DVLA.

K and R
DVLA
SA99 1ZZ

After you’ve applied

DVLA will issue a V5C registration certificate and give you either:

the original registration number - if this happens, you will not be allowed to transfer it or put it onto retention at a later date

another number appropriate to the age of the vehicle - if this is a non-suffix or prefix number, it will also be non-transferable

Northern Ireland

Send a completed V62 form and the RF60 form if you want to register a historic vehicle in Northern Ireland.

DVLA will register the vehicle and issue a new V5C to the registered keeper. You should receive this within 4 weeks.

Reconstructed classic vehicles

Your vehicle must comply with the road vehicles regulations if you use it on the road.

How to register

You must follow all the instructions for registering a new vehicle.

You must include the following with your application:

written report from the appropriate vehicle owners’ club

form V627/1 - ‘Built up vehicle inspection report’

evidence of type approval, if necessary

official receipts for any parts used

Get an age-related registration number

DVLA can only recognise your vehicle as a reconstructed classic vehicle if it meets certain criteria. It must be:

built from genuine period components from more than one vehicle, all over 25 years old and of the same specification as the original vehicle

a true reflection of the marque

The appropriate vehicle owners’ club for the vehicle type (‘marque’) must inspect the vehicle and confirm in writing that it:

has been inspected

is a true reflection of the marque

is comprised of genuine period components all over 25 years old

They must also give manufacture dates for the major components.

DVLA will assign an age-related registration number to the vehicle based on the youngest component used.

New or replica parts

Your vehicle will not get an age-related registration number if it includes new or replica parts. DVLA will give your vehicle a ‘Q’ prefix registration number. Your vehicle must pass the relevant type approval test to get a ‘Q’ prefix registration number.

Vehicle identification number

All vehicles registered in the UK must have a unique, stamped-in vehicle identification number (VIN) and registration number.

Find your VIN

The VIN is usually stamped into the chassis of the vehicle. It may be lost if you rebuild or modify your vehicle.

When you may need a new VIN or registration

If you have a kit car, rebuild, or radically altered vehicle, DVLA will usually have to assess it.

You may be able to keep its original registration number if you can prove the vehicle’s original VIN. If you cannot, you’ll have to apply for a replacement identity number.

DVLA will give you an authorisation letter to get the vehicle stamped with the new VIN if your vehicle passes its assessment.

You then need to register the vehicle - you can only do this when DVLA receives confirmation it’s been stamped with the correct VIN.

'Q' registration numbers

DVLA issues ‘Q’ registration numbers to vehicles whose age or identity is in doubt.

If this happens, any original vehicle registration number will become invalid and you must not display it again.

To get a ‘Q’ registration number, your vehicle has to pass a type approval process.

You’ll get the replacement certificate within 4 weeks.

Vehicle registration

Overview

You have to register a car or any other vehicle as soon as you’ve:

bought it

built it

rebuilt or altered it

imported it

You do this by filling in forms and sending them to DVLA. The forms you have to send depend on your circumstances.

DVLA may need to inspect your vehicle to:

make sure the vehicle exists, has been assembled into a complete vehicle and the log book (V5C) is in your name

update their records because of changes you’ve made to the vehicle

They will send you a letter if they need to do this. You will not have to pay a fee.

Use the different registration schemes for the motor trade if you’re a vehicle manufacturer, importer or VAT-registered trader.

New and used vehicles

New vehicles

If the dealer will not do it, you can register the vehicle yourself.

Used vehicles

You need to tax a used vehicle before you can use it on the road.

The way a used vehicle is registered to you depends on whether it has a V5C registration certificate (log book).

Vehicle has a registration certificate (V5C)

The seller can register the vehicle to you online or by post.

Register online

The seller will need to:

register the vehicle to you online

fill in the green ‘new keeper’ slip and give it to you

destroy the V5C

DVLA will update the vehicle record immediately and they will aim to send out a new V5C to you within 3 to 5 days.

Register by post

If you cannot register the vehicle online, you can register it by post. The seller will need to:

sign the declaration in section 8 if they have the older style log book (you must sign the declaration too)

fill in the new keeper slip and give it to you

send the V5C to DVLA

If you do not get it within 4 weeks:

complete form V62 - ‘Application for a vehicle registration certificate’

Download form V62 or get it from any Post Office branch.

Contact DVLA if you do not receive anything 6 weeks after sending in form V62.

Vehicle does not have a registration certificate

DVLA advises that you should not buy a vehicle that does not have a registration certificate (V5C).

Checking your new registration certificate

You’ll get the replacement certificate within 4 weeks.

New registrations

Your vehicle may not have been registered before with DVLA if it’s:

brand new

a kit car

imported

been rebuilt or radically altered

an old or classic vehicle

Making an application

Fill in form V55/4 or V55/5

For any type of newly registered vehicle, you must fill in either a:

V55/4 form to register a new vehicle, including new imported vehicles and newly-built (kit) cars

Provide copies of identity documents

Send in a photocopy of your photocard driving licence with your application form to prove your identity.

Documents you can use to confirm your name include:

passport

marriage certificate

decree nisi or absolute

birth certificate

current UK paper driving licence (not a paper counterpart)

Documents you can use to confirm your address include:

recent utility bill (within the last 3 months) - for example gas, electricity, water, landline

recent bank or building society statement (within the last 3 months)

medical card

council tax bill for current year

Supporting documents needed for all vehicles

As well as documents to prove your identity, you must also send:

payment for the vehicle tax

the new registration fee of £55, if you have to pay it

a current MOT certificate, if the vehicle is over 3 years old (over 4 years old in Northern Ireland)

a certificate of newness (or declaration of newness for imported vehicles), if the vehicle is new

proof of vehicle approval if the vehicle is under 10 years old (unless it’s exempt from vehicle approval)

any documents you have relating to the vehicle, for example build plans if it’s a kit car

an insurance certificate or cover note (if you’re registering the vehicle to an address in Northern Ireland)

Supporting documents needed for some vehicles

You may have to send extra forms and documents if your vehicle is:

imported

kit-built, rebuilt, kit-converted or radically altered

an old vehicle

a reconstructed classic vehicle

After you’ve applied

Because of coronavirus (COVID-19) it’s taking longer than usual to get a new registration certificate.

Your V5C shows:

the vehicle’s registration number

the vehicle keeper’s name and address

other information about the vehicle (the make, vehicle identification number (VIN) and number of previous keepers)

DVLA will also return your identity documents.

DVLA cannot guarantee the return of the documents by a specific date.

New registrations fee

You’ll have to pay a fee of £55 if you’re registering and taxing a vehicle for the first time with DVLA.

You can pay by cheque or postal order. You cannot send cash. Damaged or altered cheques will not be accepted.

You do not have to pay for some vehicles, including:

those first registered and licensed in the disabled exempt taxation class

historic vehicles previously registered with the old local authorities (late conversions)

vehicles previously registered in the United Kingdom

imported vehicles previously registered under the personal export scheme and new means of transport scheme

visiting forces vehicles

vehicles registered under the direct export scheme

vehicles registered for off-road use only

crown exempt vehicles

Rebuilt vehicles

Your vehicle must meet the road vehicles regulations if you use it on the road.

How to register

You must follow all the instructions for registering a new vehicle.

You must include the following with your application:

form V627/1 - ‘Built up vehicle inspection report’

evidence of type approval, if necessary

the vehicle registration certificate for the original vehicle

official receipts for any parts used

photographs of the vehicle

Contact DVLA if you’re not sure about what you need to provide.

Send your application to:

Vehicle type approval

You’ll have to get type approval if your vehicle does not qualify to keep its original registration number.

Keep a vehicle’s original registration number

A rebuilt vehicle can keep its original registration number if you can prove you’ve used:

the original unmodified chassis or bodyshell (car or light van)

a new chassis or monocoque bodyshell of the same specification as the original (car or light van)

the original unmodified frame (motorbike)

a new frame of the same specification as the original (motorbike)

You must also have 2 other major components from the original vehicle from the following lists.

For cars or light vans:

suspension (front and back)

steering assembly

axles (both)

transmission

engine

For motorbikes:

forks

wheels

engine

gear box

Get a Q registration number

Your vehicle must pass the relevant type approval test to get a Q registration number.

Kit-built vehicles

Your vehicle must meet the road vehicles regulations if you use it on the road.

A kit-built vehicle is one where all the parts are supplied new by the manufacturer.

How to register

You must follow all the instructions for registering a new vehicle.

You must include the following with your application:

form V627/1 - ‘Built up vehicle inspection report’

evidence of type approval – see ‘Vehicle type approval’ below

official receipts for the vehicle and any parts used

build plans

evidence that any ‘reconditioned’ part is to an ‘as new’ standard

Contact DVLA if you’re not sure about what you need to provide.

Send your application to:

Vehicle type approval

All kit-built vehicles have to get type approval.

Get a current registration number

You can also get a current registration number for a kit-built car, motorbike or tricycle built with one reconditioned part if:

you can show that the part has been reconditioned to an ‘as new’ standard, in line with the manufacturer’s guidelines

the part is not the chassis, monocoque bodyshell or frame

Get a Q registration number

Your vehicle must pass the relevant type approval test to get a Q registration number.

Kit-converted vehicles

A kit-converted vehicle has had:

a kit of new parts added to an existing vehicle, or

old parts added to a new kit

The general appearance of the vehicle will change because of the kit.

How to register

You’ll need to include the following with your application:

the vehicle registration certificate for the original vehicle

evidence of type approval, if necessary – see ‘Vehicle type approval’ below

official receipts for any parts used

build plans

photographs of the vehicle

Send your application to:

Keep a vehicle’s original registration number

chassis (car or light van)

monocoque bodyshell (car or light van)

frame (motorbike)

Get an age-related registration number

You can apply for an age-related number if you can prove you’ve used 2 original major parts along with:

a new monocoque bodyshell, chassis or frame from a specialist kit manufacturer

an altered chassis, monocoque bodyshell or frame from the original vehicle

The registration number will be based on the age of the original vehicle.

Your vehicle must pass the relevant type approval test to get an age-related registration number.

Get a Q registration number

Radically altered vehicles

Your vehicle must comply with the road vehicles regulations if you use it on the road.

Radically altered vehicles are vehicles that have been altered from their original specification, but are not kit conversions.

How to register

You must follow all the instructions for registering a new vehicle.

form V627/1 - ‘Built up vehicle inspection report’

evidence of type approval, if necessary

the vehicle registration certificate

official receipts for any parts used

photographs of the vehicle

Contact DVLA if you’re not sure about what you need to provide.

Send your application to:

Get a vehicle registration number

DVLA uses a points system to decide what registration number to give a radically altered vehicle.

Keep the original registration number

Part | Points

Suspension (front and back) - original | 2

Axles (both) - original | 2

Transmission - original | 2

Steering assembly - original | 2

Engine - original | 1

Get a ‘Q’ registration number

You will not be able to keep your vehicle’s original registration number if one of the following applies:

it has fewer than 8 points

it has a second-hand or altered chassis, monocoque bodyshell or frame

there’s evidence that 2 vehicles have been welded together to form one (ie ‘cut and shut’)

Your vehicle must pass the relevant type approval test to get a ‘Q’ prefix registration number.

Old vehicles

Your vehicle must meet the road vehicles regulations if you use it on the road.

If you have a classic vehicle that has not been taxed since 1983, it might not be registered with DVLA.

If this is the case and you want to register it, follow all the instructions for registering a vehicle for the first time.

Get your vehicle’s original registration number

You may be able to register an old vehicle under its original registration number if either:

it’s never been registered at DVLA

it has an age-related registration number

To do this, you’ll have to:

follow the instructions for new registrations

fill in form V765 - ‘Application to register a vehicle under its original registration number’

get form V765 endorsed by a vehicle owners’ club

Send the forms to ‘K and R’ at DVLA.

K and R
DVLA
SA99 1ZZ

After you’ve applied

DVLA will issue a V5C registration certificate and give you either:

Northern Ireland

Send a completed V62 form and the RF60 form if you want to register a historic vehicle in Northern Ireland.

DVLA will register the vehicle and issue a new V5C to the registered keeper. You should receive this within 4 weeks.

Reconstructed classic vehicles

Your vehicle must comply with the road vehicles regulations if you use it on the road.

How to register

You must follow all the instructions for registering a new vehicle.

You must include the following with your application:

written report from the appropriate vehicle owners’ club

form V627/1 - ‘Built up vehicle inspection report’

evidence of type approval, if necessary

official receipts for any parts used

Get an age-related registration number

DVLA can only recognise your vehicle as a reconstructed classic vehicle if it meets certain criteria. It must be:

a true reflection of the marque

The appropriate vehicle owners’ club for the vehicle type (‘marque’) must inspect the vehicle and confirm in writing that it:

has been inspected

is a true reflection of the marque

is comprised of genuine period components all over 25 years old

They must also give manufacture dates for the major components.

DVLA will assign an age-related registration number to the vehicle based on the youngest component used.

New or replica parts

Vehicle identification number

All vehicles registered in the UK must have a unique, stamped-in vehicle identification number (VIN) and registration number.

Find your VIN

The VIN is usually stamped into the chassis of the vehicle. It may be lost if you rebuild or modify your vehicle.

When you may need a new VIN or registration

If you have a kit car, rebuild, or radically altered vehicle, DVLA will usually have to assess it.

DVLA will give you an authorisation letter to get the vehicle stamped with the new VIN if your vehicle passes its assessment.

'Q' registration numbers

DVLA issues ‘Q’ registration numbers to vehicles whose age or identity is in doubt.

If this happens, any original vehicle registration number will become invalid and you must not display it again.

To get a ‘Q’ registration number, your vehicle has to pass a type approval process.


I have been working in Germany since 2013 and I have settled here and have a good job. I am very scared about what BREXIT means for me. Have I lost my right to live and work in the EU since BREXIT?

If you were legally living in an EU country before 1 January 2021, your right to work will be protected as long as you carry on living there. This is because you are covered by the Withdrawal Agreement.

Work in an EU country

Overview

You’ll need a work permit to work in most EU countries if you’re a UK citizen.

In most cases, you’ll need a job offer from your chosen country so that you can get a visa to move there.

Check with the UK-based embassy of the country you want to work in to see what you need to do.

If you want to work in an EU country, check the country’s living in guide for updates.

If you moved to the EU before 1 January 2021

You’re also protected by the Withdrawal Agreement if you started working in one EU country and living in a different EU country or the UK, before 1 January 2021.

You’ll have the same rights as nationals of the country you’re working in when it comes to working conditions, pay and social security (for example, benefits).

Healthcare and insurance

You can use a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) if you’re working in an EU country for up to 3 months. Your EHIC or GHIC gives you access to free or cheaper state-provided medical treatment.

Some UK-issued EHICs may no longer be valid in Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein.

Find out more about the EHIC and GHIC, including who can get them, where they’re valid and how to apply.

If you’re planning to work in an EEA country or Switzerland for longer, you may need to:

register as a resident and pay social security contributions to use the state healthcare system in that country

take out private health insurance

Each country’s healthcare system is different and you may have to pay for treatment you’d get for free on the NHS.

Find out more in the country healthcare guides.

You usually have to pay for any medical treatment outside of the EEA, but you can get free or reduced cost treatment in some other countries.

Working abroad for a UK employer

If you are sent to work abroad temporarily, your employer must follow some of the employment rules of the country you’re sent to work in.

Find out about the employment rules for a country by contacting its UK-based embassy.

You can also read guidance for business travellers visiting Europe.

Tax

You might still have to pay UK Income Tax, depending on what your ‘residency status’ will be in the country you’re going to (for example, if you’ll be a temporary or permanent resident).

Fill in form P85 to tell HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) that you’ve left or are about to leave the UK to live or work abroad. Fill in the form and send it to HMRC.

HMRC will tell you how your tax will be affected.

National Insurance

You might be able to pay National Insurance while you’re working abroad, depending on where you’re working and how long for.

If you’re eligible, you can keep paying National Insurance to protect your State Pension and entitlement to other benefits.

Your circumstances change

Contact HMRC if your circumstances change when you’re abroad, for example if you move house or your marital status changes. You’ll need your National Insurance number.

Work in an EU country

Overview

If you moved to the EU before 1 January 2021

Healthcare and insurance

take out private health insurance

Find out more in the country healthcare guides.

Working abroad for a UK employer

You can also read guidance for business travellers visiting Europe.

Tax

HMRC will tell you how your tax will be affected.

National Insurance

Your circumstances change

Work in an EU country

Overview

If you moved to the EU before 1 January 2021

Healthcare and insurance

take out private health insurance

Find out more in the country healthcare guides.

Working abroad for a UK employer

You can also read guidance for business travellers visiting Europe.

Tax

HMRC will tell you how your tax will be affected.

National Insurance

Your circumstances change


I am a woman born in 1980. I relocated to Zambia from 2006 to 2016 and was not paying the National insurance.I am back to the UK and would like to pay. I don't want this to affect my state pension. Am I allowed to pay the gap? Can i pay the gap?

You may be able to pay voluntary contributions to fill any gaps if you’re eligible.

Voluntary National Insurance

Gaps in your National Insurance record

You may get gaps in your record if you do not pay National Insurance or do not get National Insurance credits. This could be because you were:

employed but had low earnings

unemployed and were not claiming benefits

self-employed but did not pay contributions because of small profits

living abroad

Gaps can mean you will not have enough years of National Insurance contributions to get the full State Pension (sometimes called ‘qualifying years’).

Check your record for gaps

Check your National Insurance record to find out:

if you have any gaps

if you’re eligible to pay voluntary contributions

how much it will cost

You may also be eligible for National Insurance credits if you claim benefits because you cannot work, are unemployed or caring for someone full time.

Contact HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) if you think your National Insurance record is wrong.

Decide if you want to pay voluntary contributions

Voluntary contributions do not always increase your State Pension. Contact the Future Pension Centre to find out if you’ll benefit from voluntary contributions.

You may also want to get financial advice before you decide to make voluntary contributions.

Why you might want to pay voluntary contributions

You may want to pay voluntary contributions because:

you’re close to State Pension age and do not have enough qualifying years to get the full State Pension

you know you will not be able to get the qualifying years you need to get the full State Pension during your working life

you’re self-employed and do not have to pay Class 2 contributions because you have low profits

you live outside the UK, but you want to qualify for some benefits

Self-employed people with specific jobs

Some people do not pay Class 2 contributions through Self Assessment, but may want to pay voluntary contributions. These are:

examiners, moderators, invigilators and people who set exam questions

people who run businesses involving land or property

ministers of religion who do not receive a salary or stipend

people who make investments for themselves or others - but not as a business and without getting a fee or commission

Eligibility

You must be eligible to pay voluntary National Insurance contributions for the time that the contributions cover.

You can usually only pay for gaps in your National Insurance record from the past 6 years.

You can sometimes pay for gaps from more than 6 years ago depending on your age.

Who can pay voluntary contributions

These tables explain who’s eligible to pay Class 2 or Class 3 contributions.

Your situation | Which class to pay

Employed but earning under £120 a week and not eligible for National Insurance credits | Class 3

Self-employed with profits under £6,515 | Class 2 or Class 3 - they count towards different benefits

Both employed and self-employed, with low earnings and small profits | Contact HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to check if you have a gap and how much you need to pay

Self-employed as an examiner, minister of religion or in an investment or land and property business | Class 2 or Class 3 - they count towards different benefits

Living and working abroad | Class 2 - but only if you worked in the UK immediately before leaving, and you’ve previously lived in the UK for at least 3 years in a row or paid at least 3 years of contributions

Living abroad but not working | Class 3 - but only if at some point you’ve lived in the UK for at least 3 years in a row or paid at least 3 years of contributions

Unemployed and not claiming benefits | Class 3

Married woman or widow who stopped paying reduced rates | Class 3

You cannot pay voluntary contributions if:

you’re eligible for National Insurance credits

you’re a married woman or widow paying reduced rates

If you’re over State Pension age

Your situation | Which class to pay

You’ve reached State Pension age and want to fill in gaps in your National Insurance record | Class 3

Rates

The rates for the 2021 to 2022 tax year are:

£3.05 a week for Class 2

£15.40 a week for Class 3

You usually pay the current rate when you make a voluntary contribution.

If you’re a man born after 5 April 1951 or a woman born after 5 April 1953

You can pay voluntary contributions by 5 April 2023 to make up for gaps between 6 April 2006 and 5 April 2016.

You’ll pay the current rate.

When you pay different rates

If you’re paying Class 2 contributions for the previous tax year or Class 3 contributions for the previous 2 tax years, you pay the original rate for those tax years.

Call HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) if you have questions about voluntary National Insurance.

How and when to pay

Find out how to:

pay Class 2 voluntary contributions

pay Class 3 voluntary contributions

If you’re living abroad, read leaflet NI38 and fill in form CF83 (found at the end). Send it back to HMRC using the address on the form.

Deadlines

You can usually pay voluntary contributions for the past 6 years. The deadline is 5 April each year.

You can sometimes pay for gaps from more than 6 years ago, depending on your age.

You’re a man born after 5 April 1951 or a woman born after 5 April 1953

You have until 5 April 2023 to pay voluntary contributions to make up for gaps between April 2006 and April 2016.

You must be eligible to pay voluntary National Insurance contributions for the time that the contributions cover.

Voluntary National Insurance

Gaps in your National Insurance record

employed but had low earnings

unemployed and were not claiming benefits

self-employed but did not pay contributions because of small profits

living abroad

You may be able to pay voluntary contributions to fill any gaps if you’re eligible.

Check your record for gaps

Check your National Insurance record to find out:

if you have any gaps

if you’re eligible to pay voluntary contributions

how much it will cost

Contact HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) if you think your National Insurance record is wrong.

Decide if you want to pay voluntary contributions

You may also want to get financial advice before you decide to make voluntary contributions.

Why you might want to pay voluntary contributions

You may want to pay voluntary contributions because:

you’re close to State Pension age and do not have enough qualifying years to get the full State Pension

you know you will not be able to get the qualifying years you need to get the full State Pension during your working life

you’re self-employed and do not have to pay Class 2 contributions because you have low profits

you live outside the UK, but you want to qualify for some benefits

Self-employed people with specific jobs

Some people do not pay Class 2 contributions through Self Assessment, but may want to pay voluntary contributions. These are:

examiners, moderators, invigilators and people who set exam questions

people who run businesses involving land or property

ministers of religion who do not receive a salary or stipend

people who make investments for themselves or others - but not as a business and without getting a fee or commission

Eligibility

You must be eligible to pay voluntary National Insurance contributions for the time that the contributions cover.

You can usually only pay for gaps in your National Insurance record from the past 6 years.

You can sometimes pay for gaps from more than 6 years ago depending on your age.

Who can pay voluntary contributions

These tables explain who’s eligible to pay Class 2 or Class 3 contributions.

Your situation | Which class to pay

Employed but earning under £120 a week and not eligible for National Insurance credits | Class 3

Self-employed with profits under £6,515 | Class 2 or Class 3 - they count towards different benefits

Unemployed and not claiming benefits | Class 3

Married woman or widow who stopped paying reduced rates | Class 3

You cannot pay voluntary contributions if:

you’re eligible for National Insurance credits

you’re a married woman or widow paying reduced rates

If you’re over State Pension age

Your situation | Which class to pay

You’ve reached State Pension age and want to fill in gaps in your National Insurance record | Class 3

Rates

The rates for the 2021 to 2022 tax year are:

£3.05 a week for Class 2

£15.40 a week for Class 3

You usually pay the current rate when you make a voluntary contribution.

If you’re a man born after 5 April 1951 or a woman born after 5 April 1953

You can pay voluntary contributions by 5 April 2023 to make up for gaps between 6 April 2006 and 5 April 2016.

You’ll pay the current rate.

When you pay different rates

Call HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) if you have questions about voluntary National Insurance.

How and when to pay

Find out how to:

pay Class 2 voluntary contributions

pay Class 3 voluntary contributions

If you’re living abroad, read leaflet NI38 and fill in form CF83 (found at the end). Send it back to HMRC using the address on the form.

Deadlines

You can usually pay voluntary contributions for the past 6 years. The deadline is 5 April each year.

You can sometimes pay for gaps from more than 6 years ago, depending on your age.

You’re a man born after 5 April 1951 or a woman born after 5 April 1953

You have until 5 April 2023 to pay voluntary contributions to make up for gaps between April 2006 and April 2016.

Voluntary National Insurance

Gaps in your National Insurance record

employed but had low earnings

unemployed and were not claiming benefits

self-employed but did not pay contributions because of small profits

living abroad

You may be able to pay voluntary contributions to fill any gaps if you’re eligible.

Check your record for gaps

Check your National Insurance record to find out:

if you have any gaps

if you’re eligible to pay voluntary contributions

how much it will cost

Contact HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) if you think your National Insurance record is wrong.

Decide if you want to pay voluntary contributions

You may also want to get financial advice before you decide to make voluntary contributions.

Why you might want to pay voluntary contributions

You may want to pay voluntary contributions because:

you’re close to State Pension age and do not have enough qualifying years to get the full State Pension

you know you will not be able to get the qualifying years you need to get the full State Pension during your working life

you’re self-employed and do not have to pay Class 2 contributions because you have low profits

you live outside the UK, but you want to qualify for some benefits

Self-employed people with specific jobs

Some people do not pay Class 2 contributions through Self Assessment, but may want to pay voluntary contributions. These are:

examiners, moderators, invigilators and people who set exam questions

people who run businesses involving land or property

ministers of religion who do not receive a salary or stipend

people who make investments for themselves or others - but not as a business and without getting a fee or commission

Eligibility

You must be eligible to pay voluntary National Insurance contributions for the time that the contributions cover.

You can usually only pay for gaps in your National Insurance record from the past 6 years.

You can sometimes pay for gaps from more than 6 years ago depending on your age.

Who can pay voluntary contributions

These tables explain who’s eligible to pay Class 2 or Class 3 contributions.

Your situation | Which class to pay

Employed but earning under £120 a week and not eligible for National Insurance credits | Class 3

Self-employed with profits under £6,515 | Class 2 or Class 3 - they count towards different benefits

Unemployed and not claiming benefits | Class 3

Married woman or widow who stopped paying reduced rates | Class 3

You cannot pay voluntary contributions if:

you’re eligible for National Insurance credits

you’re a married woman or widow paying reduced rates

If you’re over State Pension age

Your situation | Which class to pay

You’ve reached State Pension age and want to fill in gaps in your National Insurance record | Class 3

Rates

The rates for the 2021 to 2022 tax year are:

£3.05 a week for Class 2

£15.40 a week for Class 3

You usually pay the current rate when you make a voluntary contribution.

If you’re a man born after 5 April 1951 or a woman born after 5 April 1953

You can pay voluntary contributions by 5 April 2023 to make up for gaps between 6 April 2006 and 5 April 2016.

You’ll pay the current rate.

When you pay different rates

Call HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) if you have questions about voluntary National Insurance.

How and when to pay

Find out how to:

pay Class 2 voluntary contributions

pay Class 3 voluntary contributions

If you’re living abroad, read leaflet NI38 and fill in form CF83 (found at the end). Send it back to HMRC using the address on the form.

Deadlines

You can usually pay voluntary contributions for the past 6 years. The deadline is 5 April each year.

You can sometimes pay for gaps from more than 6 years ago, depending on your age.

You’re a man born after 5 April 1951 or a woman born after 5 April 1953

You have until 5 April 2023 to pay voluntary contributions to make up for gaps between April 2006 and April 2016.

Voluntary National Insurance

Gaps in your National Insurance record

employed but had low earnings

unemployed and were not claiming benefits

self-employed but did not pay contributions because of small profits

living abroad

You may be able to pay voluntary contributions to fill any gaps if you’re eligible.

Check your record for gaps

Check your National Insurance record to find out:

if you have any gaps

if you’re eligible to pay voluntary contributions

how much it will cost

Contact HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) if you think your National Insurance record is wrong.

Decide if you want to pay voluntary contributions

You may also want to get financial advice before you decide to make voluntary contributions.

Why you might want to pay voluntary contributions

You may want to pay voluntary contributions because:

you’re close to State Pension age and do not have enough qualifying years to get the full State Pension

you know you will not be able to get the qualifying years you need to get the full State Pension during your working life

you’re self-employed and do not have to pay Class 2 contributions because you have low profits

you live outside the UK, but you want to qualify for some benefits

Self-employed people with specific jobs

Some people do not pay Class 2 contributions through Self Assessment, but may want to pay voluntary contributions. These are:

examiners, moderators, invigilators and people who set exam questions

people who run businesses involving land or property

ministers of religion who do not receive a salary or stipend

people who make investments for themselves or others - but not as a business and without getting a fee or commission

Eligibility

You must be eligible to pay voluntary National Insurance contributions for the time that the contributions cover.

You can usually only pay for gaps in your National Insurance record from the past 6 years.

You can sometimes pay for gaps from more than 6 years ago depending on your age.

Who can pay voluntary contributions

These tables explain who’s eligible to pay Class 2 or Class 3 contributions.

Your situation | Which class to pay

Employed but earning under £120 a week and not eligible for National Insurance credits | Class 3

Self-employed with profits under £6,515 | Class 2 or Class 3 - they count towards different benefits

Unemployed and not claiming benefits | Class 3

Married woman or widow who stopped paying reduced rates | Class 3

You cannot pay voluntary contributions if:

you’re eligible for National Insurance credits

you’re a married woman or widow paying reduced rates

If you’re over State Pension age

Your situation | Which class to pay

You’ve reached State Pension age and want to fill in gaps in your National Insurance record | Class 3

Rates

The rates for the 2021 to 2022 tax year are:

£3.05 a week for Class 2

£15.40 a week for Class 3

You usually pay the current rate when you make a voluntary contribution.

If you’re a man born after 5 April 1951 or a woman born after 5 April 1953

You can pay voluntary contributions by 5 April 2023 to make up for gaps between 6 April 2006 and 5 April 2016.

You’ll pay the current rate.

When you pay different rates

Call HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) if you have questions about voluntary National Insurance.

How and when to pay

Find out how to:

pay Class 2 voluntary contributions

pay Class 3 voluntary contributions

If you’re living abroad, read leaflet NI38 and fill in form CF83 (found at the end). Send it back to HMRC using the address on the form.

Deadlines

You can usually pay voluntary contributions for the past 6 years. The deadline is 5 April each year.

You can sometimes pay for gaps from more than 6 years ago, depending on your age.

You’re a man born after 5 April 1951 or a woman born after 5 April 1953

You have until 5 April 2023 to pay voluntary contributions to make up for gaps between April 2006 and April 2016.

Voluntary National Insurance

Gaps in your National Insurance record

employed but had low earnings

unemployed and were not claiming benefits

self-employed but did not pay contributions because of small profits

living abroad

You may be able to pay voluntary contributions to fill any gaps if you’re eligible.

Check your record for gaps

Check your National Insurance record to find out:

if you have any gaps

if you’re eligible to pay voluntary contributions

how much it will cost

Contact HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) if you think your National Insurance record is wrong.

Decide if you want to pay voluntary contributions

You may also want to get financial advice before you decide to make voluntary contributions.

Why you might want to pay voluntary contributions

You may want to pay voluntary contributions because:

you’re close to State Pension age and do not have enough qualifying years to get the full State Pension

you know you will not be able to get the qualifying years you need to get the full State Pension during your working life

you’re self-employed and do not have to pay Class 2 contributions because you have low profits

you live outside the UK, but you want to qualify for some benefits

Self-employed people with specific jobs

Some people do not pay Class 2 contributions through Self Assessment, but may want to pay voluntary contributions. These are:

examiners, moderators, invigilators and people who set exam questions

people who run businesses involving land or property

ministers of religion who do not receive a salary or stipend

people who make investments for themselves or others - but not as a business and without getting a fee or commission

Eligibility

You must be eligible to pay voluntary National Insurance contributions for the time that the contributions cover.

You can usually only pay for gaps in your National Insurance record from the past 6 years.

You can sometimes pay for gaps from more than 6 years ago depending on your age.

Who can pay voluntary contributions

These tables explain who’s eligible to pay Class 2 or Class 3 contributions.

Your situation | Which class to pay

Employed but earning under £120 a week and not eligible for National Insurance credits | Class 3

Self-employed with profits under £6,515 | Class 2 or Class 3 - they count towards different benefits

Unemployed and not claiming benefits | Class 3

Married woman or widow who stopped paying reduced rates | Class 3

You cannot pay voluntary contributions if:

you’re eligible for National Insurance credits

you’re a married woman or widow paying reduced rates

If you’re over State Pension age

Your situation | Which class to pay

You’ve reached State Pension age and want to fill in gaps in your National Insurance record | Class 3

Rates

The rates for the 2021 to 2022 tax year are:

£3.05 a week for Class 2

£15.40 a week for Class 3

You usually pay the current rate when you make a voluntary contribution.

If you’re a man born after 5 April 1951 or a woman born after 5 April 1953

You can pay voluntary contributions by 5 April 2023 to make up for gaps between 6 April 2006 and 5 April 2016.

You’ll pay the current rate.

When you pay different rates

Call HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) if you have questions about voluntary National Insurance.

How and when to pay

Find out how to:

pay Class 2 voluntary contributions

pay Class 3 voluntary contributions

If you’re living abroad, read leaflet NI38 and fill in form CF83 (found at the end). Send it back to HMRC using the address on the form.

Deadlines

You can usually pay voluntary contributions for the past 6 years. The deadline is 5 April each year.

You can sometimes pay for gaps from more than 6 years ago, depending on your age.

You’re a man born after 5 April 1951 or a woman born after 5 April 1953

You have until 5 April 2023 to pay voluntary contributions to make up for gaps between April 2006 and April 2016.

Voluntary National Insurance

Gaps in your National Insurance record

employed but had low earnings

unemployed and were not claiming benefits

self-employed but did not pay contributions because of small profits

living abroad

You may be able to pay voluntary contributions to fill any gaps if you’re eligible.

Check your record for gaps

Check your National Insurance record to find out:

if you have any gaps

if you’re eligible to pay voluntary contributions

how much it will cost

Contact HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) if you think your National Insurance record is wrong.

Decide if you want to pay voluntary contributions

You may also want to get financial advice before you decide to make voluntary contributions.

Why you might want to pay voluntary contributions

You may want to pay voluntary contributions because:

you’re close to State Pension age and do not have enough qualifying years to get the full State Pension

you know you will not be able to get the qualifying years you need to get the full State Pension during your working life

you’re self-employed and do not have to pay Class 2 contributions because you have low profits

you live outside the UK, but you want to qualify for some benefits

Self-employed people with specific jobs

Some people do not pay Class 2 contributions through Self Assessment, but may want to pay voluntary contributions. These are:

examiners, moderators, invigilators and people who set exam questions

people who run businesses involving land or property

ministers of religion who do not receive a salary or stipend

people who make investments for themselves or others - but not as a business and without getting a fee or commission

Eligibility

You must be eligible to pay voluntary National Insurance contributions for the time that the contributions cover.

You can usually only pay for gaps in your National Insurance record from the past 6 years.

You can sometimes pay for gaps from more than 6 years ago depending on your age.

Who can pay voluntary contributions

These tables explain who’s eligible to pay Class 2 or Class 3 contributions.

Your situation | Which class to pay

Employed but earning under £120 a week and not eligible for National Insurance credits | Class 3

Self-employed with profits under £6,515 | Class 2 or Class 3 - they count towards different benefits

Unemployed and not claiming benefits | Class 3

Married woman or widow who stopped paying reduced rates | Class 3

You cannot pay voluntary contributions if:

you’re eligible for National Insurance credits

you’re a married woman or widow paying reduced rates

If you’re over State Pension age

Your situation | Which class to pay

You’ve reached State Pension age and want to fill in gaps in your National Insurance record | Class 3

Rates

The rates for the 2021 to 2022 tax year are:

£3.05 a week for Class 2

£15.40 a week for Class 3

You usually pay the current rate when you make a voluntary contribution.

If you’re a man born after 5 April 1951 or a woman born after 5 April 1953

You can pay voluntary contributions by 5 April 2023 to make up for gaps between 6 April 2006 and 5 April 2016.

You’ll pay the current rate.

When you pay different rates

Call HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) if you have questions about voluntary National Insurance.

How and when to pay

Find out how to:

pay Class 2 voluntary contributions

pay Class 3 voluntary contributions

If you’re living abroad, read leaflet NI38 and fill in form CF83 (found at the end). Send it back to HMRC using the address on the form.

Deadlines

You can usually pay voluntary contributions for the past 6 years. The deadline is 5 April each year.

You can sometimes pay for gaps from more than 6 years ago, depending on your age.

You’re a man born after 5 April 1951 or a woman born after 5 April 1953

You have until 5 April 2023 to pay voluntary contributions to make up for gaps between April 2006 and April 2016.

Voluntary National Insurance

Gaps in your National Insurance record

employed but had low earnings

unemployed and were not claiming benefits

self-employed but did not pay contributions because of small profits

living abroad

You may be able to pay voluntary contributions to fill any gaps if you’re eligible.

Check your record for gaps

Check your National Insurance record to find out:

if you have any gaps

if you’re eligible to pay voluntary contributions

how much it will cost

Contact HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) if you think your National Insurance record is wrong.

Decide if you want to pay voluntary contributions

You may also want to get financial advice before you decide to make voluntary contributions.

Why you might want to pay voluntary contributions

You may want to pay voluntary contributions because:

you’re close to State Pension age and do not have enough qualifying years to get the full State Pension

you know you will not be able to get the qualifying years you need to get the full State Pension during your working life

you’re self-employed and do not have to pay Class 2 contributions because you have low profits

you live outside the UK, but you want to qualify for some benefits

Self-employed people with specific jobs

Some people do not pay Class 2 contributions through Self Assessment, but may want to pay voluntary contributions. These are:

examiners, moderators, invigilators and people who set exam questions

people who run businesses involving land or property

ministers of religion who do not receive a salary or stipend

people who make investments for themselves or others - but not as a business and without getting a fee or commission

Eligibility

You must be eligible to pay voluntary National Insurance contributions for the time that the contributions cover.

You can usually only pay for gaps in your National Insurance record from the past 6 years.

You can sometimes pay for gaps from more than 6 years ago depending on your age.

Who can pay voluntary contributions

These tables explain who’s eligible to pay Class 2 or Class 3 contributions.

Your situation | Which class to pay

Employed but earning under £120 a week and not eligible for National Insurance credits | Class 3

Self-employed with profits under £6,515 | Class 2 or Class 3 - they count towards different benefits

Unemployed and not claiming benefits | Class 3

Married woman or widow who stopped paying reduced rates | Class 3

You cannot pay voluntary contributions if:

you’re eligible for National Insurance credits

you’re a married woman or widow paying reduced rates

If you’re over State Pension age

Your situation | Which class to pay

You’ve reached State Pension age and want to fill in gaps in your National Insurance record | Class 3

Rates

The rates for the 2021 to 2022 tax year are:

£3.05 a week for Class 2

£15.40 a week for Class 3

You usually pay the current rate when you make a voluntary contribution.

If you’re a man born after 5 April 1951 or a woman born after 5 April 1953

You can pay voluntary contributions by 5 April 2023 to make up for gaps between 6 April 2006 and 5 April 2016.

You’ll pay the current rate.

When you pay different rates

Call HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) if you have questions about voluntary National Insurance.

How and when to pay

Find out how to:

pay Class 2 voluntary contributions

pay Class 3 voluntary contributions

If you’re living abroad, read leaflet NI38 and fill in form CF83 (found at the end). Send it back to HMRC using the address on the form.

Deadlines

You can usually pay voluntary contributions for the past 6 years. The deadline is 5 April each year.

You can sometimes pay for gaps from more than 6 years ago, depending on your age.

You’re a man born after 5 April 1951 or a woman born after 5 April 1953

You have until 5 April 2023 to pay voluntary contributions to make up for gaps between April 2006 and April 2016.


We run a software company. We have recently merged with another software company. There is a trade mark registered on the merged company and we are the new owner of the trade mark Do we have to inform IPO about the change of owner ?

To use an existing trade mark you should contact the current owner.

Using somebody else's intellectual property

Overview

You can usually get permission to use someone else’s intellectual property (IP) by buying the rights from them or getting their permission to use it.

Using someone’s trade mark, patent, copyright or design without their permission is known as ‘IP infringement’ and could lead to a fine, prison or both.

Read about IP crime and enforcement for more information on the penalties.

Trade marks

Find the owner of a registered trade mark by searching the trade marks database.

Licensing

A licence is a formal agreement to use someone else’s trade mark. You and the owner must agree the terms of the licence, for example the cost or how long it will last.

When you’ve agreed a licence to use the trade mark, fill in the form to record a licensee and post it. The address is on the form.

Post an application to remove or amend the record of a licence when the licensing agreement ends or if you need to change it.

The owner must sign any form you send, or you must send proof of the agreement with your application.

Each application costs £50.

Buying

You must tell IPO if you become the new owner of a trade mark, for example by buying it or as the result of a company merger.

In some cases the owner may only sell you one part of a trade mark, for example they may not sell the right to register derivative marks. This is known as a ‘partial assignment’.

Use either:

‘Application to record a change of ownership’ form

‘Application to record a partial assignment of goods and/or services’ form

Each application costs £50.

Fill in the form and post it. The address is on the form.

Coexistence agreements

You may be able to use an identical trade mark (for example company name, logo) as someone else by making a coexistence agreement.

This means you agree that both of you can continue to use the trade mark.

Patents

Contact the owner of the patent to see if they’ll:

license it to you

sell it to you

Search the patent databases to find the current owner.

Licensing

Any licence arrangement, including cost, is made directly between you and the patent owner.

You can ask Intellectual Property Office (IPO) for help to resolve patent disputes if you can’t reach an agreement.

IPO can’t decide the exact terms of the licence (for example the price) but can decide:

what can and can’t be part of a licence

if the patent owner must grant you a licence (known as a ‘compulsory licence under a patent’)

Licence of right

A patent with ‘licence of right’, means that the patent owners will give anyone a licence to use it.

You must still agree with the owner on the terms of the licence before you can use the patent.

You can ask IPO for help if you can’t reach agreement.

Registering your licence

Register a licence agreement (or changes to an existing licence, for example cancellation) by filling in Patents form 21. Send it to the address on the form.

You can use the form to record licences on more than one patent. It costs £50 for each form you submit.

Buying a patent

When someone sells you a patent they must transfer ownership to you.

You need a written document to record the transfer. This is known as an ‘assignment’ and must be signed by the person selling the patent.

A solicitor can help you draw up this document.

Fill in Patents form 21 and return it to the address on the form. Include a copy of your assignment.

Copyright

You can’t copy or use copyright material without permission. For example, you can’t buy a painting and then use copies of it for a book cover, or buy a CD and use a track from it in a film.

To use something protected by copyright you must either:

agree a licence with the owner to use it

buy or acquire the copyright

confirm that your intended use falls within the exceptions to copyright

Finding a copyright owner

A person can give permission if they are:

the person who made it (the creator), or their family or heirs

the creator’s employer, if it was created it as part of the creator’s job

a person who bought, acquired or licensed the rights

an organisation representing the copyright owner

You may be able to find out who owns copyright from Writers, Artists and their copyright holders (WATCH).

If you can’t find out who the copyright owner is check if you need a licence to use the work.

Licensing

You must agree the terms of an agreement with the current owner to use all or part of copyright works.

The licence agreement may allow you to use it for one or more specified purposes and may apply only for a limited time or in specific places.

Exclusive use

You’ll be the only person able to use something for the duration of the agreement.

This includes the copyright owner, who won’t be able to use it themselves while the agreement is in place.

Limited use

You’ll only be given permission to use something for one or more specific reasons, for example publishing a photograph in one edition of a magazine or using a song as the theme for one series of a TV show.

You need to agree another licence if you want to use the material for something else.

Creative Commons licence

Some copyright owners release work under a Creative Commons licence.

You must check what kind of use the licence allows.

Buying copyright

When you buy copyright the person you’re buying from transfers the copyright to you.

Once you own the copyright to something you can use it for anything you like, without the creator’s express permission, as long as you respect their moral rights.

You must have a written agreement, signed by the copyright owner, stating that they have transferred ownership of the copyright to you.

Moral rights

The creator may still have certain rights regarding how their work is used even if you’ve bought the copyright.

Authors, playwrights, composers, artists and film directors have the moral right:

to be recognised as the creator of the work when copies are made available to the public

to object to the work being altered in a way that has negative effect on their reputation

to not have someone else’s work falsely attributed to them

Performers, such as actors or dancers, have the moral right:

to be recognised as the performer of the piece

to object to the performance being altered in a way that is damaging to their reputation

The creator or performer of a piece of work to which you own the copyright must tell you if they want to exercise these rights.

They can choose whether or not to use their moral rights.

Moral rights can’t be sold or transferred in the same way as copyright. They last for as long as the piece of work is covered by copyright.

Performers’ rights

Performers, for example in films or broadcasts, may still have ‘economic rights’ to some copyright material, even if you’ve bought the copyright.

For example, if you’ve bought the copyright to a filmed recording of a play you may still have to pay the actors if you broadcast it.

Permitted use of copyright works

You may not need permission if you’re using a copyright work for the following reasons:

non-commercial research and private study

criticism, review and reporting current events

teaching in educational establishments

helping disabled people

recording for use at a later date

You may not need permission if you only want to use a ‘less than a substantial’ part of a copyright protected work. This is decided on a case by case basis.

Generally something won’t be less than a substantial part if it could be seen as an important part of the work, for example a frame from a film or the conclusions of a report.

Get legal advice from an intellectual property professional before using copyrighted material, if you’re in any doubt.

Read the guidance on exceptions to copyright for detailed information.

Designs

To use a registered design you must contact the current owner and either agree a licence to use the design or buy it from them.

The licence between you and the design’s owner will tell you:

what you can do with the design

how long your licence will last

what you have to pay - if anything

You can do anything with a design that you’ve bought.

Fill in and send form DF12A to register a licence or transfer ownership of the design - the address is on the form.

There’s no fee.

Find the owner of a registered trade mark by searching the trade marks database.

Overview

Read about IP crime and enforcement for more information on the penalties.

Trade marks

To use an existing trade mark you should contact the current owner.

Licensing

The owner must sign any form you send, or you must send proof of the agreement with your application.

Each application costs £50.

Buying

Use either:

‘Application to record a change of ownership’ form

‘Application to record a partial assignment of goods and/or services’ form

Each application costs £50.

Fill in the form and post it. The address is on the form.

Coexistence agreements

This means you agree that both of you can continue to use the trade mark.

Patents

Contact the owner of the patent to see if they’ll:

license it to you

sell it to you

Search the patent databases to find the current owner.

Licensing

Any licence arrangement, including cost, is made directly between you and the patent owner.

You can ask Intellectual Property Office (IPO) for help to resolve patent disputes if you can’t reach an agreement.

IPO can’t decide the exact terms of the licence (for example the price) but can decide:

what can and can’t be part of a licence

if the patent owner must grant you a licence (known as a ‘compulsory licence under a patent’)

Licence of right

A patent with ‘licence of right’, means that the patent owners will give anyone a licence to use it.

You must still agree with the owner on the terms of the licence before you can use the patent.

You can ask IPO for help if you can’t reach agreement.

Registering your licence

You can use the form to record licences on more than one patent. It costs £50 for each form you submit.

Buying a patent

When someone sells you a patent they must transfer ownership to you.

A solicitor can help you draw up this document.

Fill in Patents form 21 and return it to the address on the form. Include a copy of your assignment.

Copyright

To use something protected by copyright you must either:

agree a licence with the owner to use it

buy or acquire the copyright

confirm that your intended use falls within the exceptions to copyright

Finding a copyright owner

A person can give permission if they are:

the person who made it (the creator), or their family or heirs

the creator’s employer, if it was created it as part of the creator’s job

a person who bought, acquired or licensed the rights

an organisation representing the copyright owner

You may be able to find out who owns copyright from Writers, Artists and their copyright holders (WATCH).

If you can’t find out who the copyright owner is check if you need a licence to use the work.

Licensing

You must agree the terms of an agreement with the current owner to use all or part of copyright works.

Exclusive use

You’ll be the only person able to use something for the duration of the agreement.

This includes the copyright owner, who won’t be able to use it themselves while the agreement is in place.

Limited use

You need to agree another licence if you want to use the material for something else.

Creative Commons licence

Some copyright owners release work under a Creative Commons licence.

You must check what kind of use the licence allows.

Buying copyright

When you buy copyright the person you’re buying from transfers the copyright to you.

Moral rights

The creator may still have certain rights regarding how their work is used even if you’ve bought the copyright.

Authors, playwrights, composers, artists and film directors have the moral right:

to be recognised as the creator of the work when copies are made available to the public

to object to the work being altered in a way that has negative effect on their reputation

to not have someone else’s work falsely attributed to them

Performers, such as actors or dancers, have the moral right:

to be recognised as the performer of the piece

to object to the performance being altered in a way that is damaging to their reputation

They can choose whether or not to use their moral rights.

Performers’ rights

Permitted use of copyright works

You may not need permission if you’re using a copyright work for the following reasons:

non-commercial research and private study

criticism, review and reporting current events

teaching in educational establishments

helping disabled people

recording for use at a later date

Get legal advice from an intellectual property professional before using copyrighted material, if you’re in any doubt.

Read the guidance on exceptions to copyright for detailed information.

Designs

The licence between you and the design’s owner will tell you:

what you can do with the design

how long your licence will last

what you have to pay - if anything

You can do anything with a design that you’ve bought.

Fill in and send form DF12A to register a licence or transfer ownership of the design - the address is on the form.

There’s no fee.

You must tell IPO if you become the new owner of a trade mark, for example by buying it or as the result of a company merger.

Overview

Read about IP crime and enforcement for more information on the penalties.

Trade marks

To use an existing trade mark you should contact the current owner.

Find the owner of a registered trade mark by searching the trade marks database.

Licensing

Post an application to remove or amend the record of a licence when the licensing agreement ends or if you need to change it.

The owner must sign any form you send, or you must send proof of the agreement with your application.

Each application costs £50.

Buying

Use either:

‘Application to record a change of ownership’ form

‘Application to record a partial assignment of goods and/or services’ form

Each application costs £50.

Fill in the form and post it. The address is on the form.

Coexistence agreements

This means you agree that both of you can continue to use the trade mark.

Patents

Contact the owner of the patent to see if they’ll:

license it to you

sell it to you

Search the patent databases to find the current owner.

Licensing

Any licence arrangement, including cost, is made directly between you and the patent owner.

You can ask Intellectual Property Office (IPO) for help to resolve patent disputes if you can’t reach an agreement.

IPO can’t decide the exact terms of the licence (for example the price) but can decide:

what can and can’t be part of a licence

if the patent owner must grant you a licence (known as a ‘compulsory licence under a patent’)

Licence of right

A patent with ‘licence of right’, means that the patent owners will give anyone a licence to use it.

You must still agree with the owner on the terms of the licence before you can use the patent.

You can ask IPO for help if you can’t reach agreement.

Registering your licence

You can use the form to record licences on more than one patent. It costs £50 for each form you submit.

Buying a patent

When someone sells you a patent they must transfer ownership to you.

A solicitor can help you draw up this document.

Fill in Patents form 21 and return it to the address on the form. Include a copy of your assignment.

Copyright

To use something protected by copyright you must either:

agree a licence with the owner to use it

buy or acquire the copyright

confirm that your intended use falls within the exceptions to copyright

Finding a copyright owner

A person can give permission if they are:

the person who made it (the creator), or their family or heirs

the creator’s employer, if it was created it as part of the creator’s job

a person who bought, acquired or licensed the rights

an organisation representing the copyright owner

You may be able to find out who owns copyright from Writers, Artists and their copyright holders (WATCH).

If you can’t find out who the copyright owner is check if you need a licence to use the work.

Licensing

You must agree the terms of an agreement with the current owner to use all or part of copyright works.

Exclusive use

You’ll be the only person able to use something for the duration of the agreement.

This includes the copyright owner, who won’t be able to use it themselves while the agreement is in place.

Limited use

You need to agree another licence if you want to use the material for something else.

Creative Commons licence

Some copyright owners release work under a Creative Commons licence.

You must check what kind of use the licence allows.

Buying copyright

When you buy copyright the person you’re buying from transfers the copyright to you.

Moral rights

The creator may still have certain rights regarding how their work is used even if you’ve bought the copyright.

Authors, playwrights, composers, artists and film directors have the moral right:

to be recognised as the creator of the work when copies are made available to the public

to object to the work being altered in a way that has negative effect on their reputation

to not have someone else’s work falsely attributed to them

Performers, such as actors or dancers, have the moral right:

to be recognised as the performer of the piece

to object to the performance being altered in a way that is damaging to their reputation

They can choose whether or not to use their moral rights.

Performers’ rights

Permitted use of copyright works

You may not need permission if you’re using a copyright work for the following reasons:

non-commercial research and private study

criticism, review and reporting current events

teaching in educational establishments

helping disabled people

recording for use at a later date

Get legal advice from an intellectual property professional before using copyrighted material, if you’re in any doubt.

Read the guidance on exceptions to copyright for detailed information.

Designs

The licence between you and the design’s owner will tell you:

what you can do with the design

how long your licence will last

what you have to pay - if anything

You can do anything with a design that you’ve bought.

Fill in and send form DF12A to register a licence or transfer ownership of the design - the address is on the form.

There’s no fee.


i have a disability that makes it hard to get around. i have made a booking to take the life in the uk test at a local test centre. Are rules the same to those with disabilities who want to take the test ?

You can make special requests when you book your test, for example if you have a disability and need extra equipment or help accessing the centre.

Life in the UK Test

Book the Life in the UK Test

This is the only official government service for booking the Life in the UK Test. You need to take the test as part of your application for British citizenship or settlement in the UK.

You must book your Life in the UK Test online at least 3 days in advance. It costs £50.

There are over 30 test centres in the UK. You can choose where to take your test when you book.

Prepare for the test

You’ll be tested on information in the official handbook for the Life in the UK Test. You should study it to prepare for the test. The handbook is available as a book, an eBook, an e-Learning subscription or in audio formats.

You’ll have 45 minutes to answer 24 questions about British traditions and customs.

Book the test

You need all of the following to book a test:

email address

debit or credit card

an accepted form of ID

Start now

Accepted forms of ID

You can use one of the following as ID to book the test:

valid passport

valid travel document with a photo (you cannot use an emergency travel document)

biometric residence permit

biometric residence card

Check the ‘Identification requirements’ document to make sure the ID you have is acceptable.

Email nationalityenquiries@homeoffice.gov.uk for help if you do not have any of these documents.

The name you give on your test booking must be an exact match with the name on the ID you use to book the test.

If you have a previous gender (including a different name) that you do not want the test centre staff to see or for it to show on your test result, email sensitivebookings@homeoffice.gov.uk before booking your test. They’ll tell you what you need to do.

If you have a disability

Get help

Contact the Life in the UK Test Helpline if you need help with your booking.

When you do not need to take the test

You do not need to take the test if you:

are under 18

are 65 or over

have passed it before - for example, if you’re applying to become a citizen and already passed it as part of your settlement application

have a long-term physical or mental condition - you must provide either a form or letter from a doctor confirming your physical or mental condition

If you’re an EU citizen and you were living in the UK by 31 December 2020, you can apply to the EU Settlement Scheme to continue living here after 30 June 2021. If you want to move to the UK from 1 January 2021, you may need to apply for a visa.

What happens at the test

You have 45 minutes to answer 24 questions based on the Life in the UK handbook.

You cannot bring children or other family members with you to the centre.

What to bring to your test

You must bring the same ID that you used to book the test. Your photo will also be taken on the day to confirm your ID.

You will not be able to take the test and you will not get a refund if you do not bring the correct ID or if you refuse to have your photo taken.

If you pass the test

You must score 75% or more to pass the test.

You’ll get a ‘unique reference number’. You’ll need this number to complete your citizenship or settlement application. The Home Office will use it to check that you’ve passed.

If you took your test before 17 December 2019, you’ll have a letter with a ‘test reference ID’ instead of a unique reference number.

If you have lost your letter, send a letter explaining that you have lost it with your citizenship or settlement application.

If you fail the test

You must wait 7 days before taking the test again, but you can take the test as many times as you need to. You need to book and pay again each time.

Cancellations, refunds and complaints

You must cancel your test if you cannot make it.

You’ll get a refund if you cancel your test at least 3 days (72 hours) before you’re due to take the test. You will not get a refund if you cancel or rearrange within 3 days of your test.

How to cancel

Sign into your Life in the UK account.

Select ‘Confirmed tests’.

Select ‘Cancel tests’.

If you’re eligible for a refund due to cancellation, the £50 fee will be refunded to the card you used to book the test - you do not need to contact UK Visas and Immigration.

You can then book a test on another date.

Ask for a refund

You can ask for a refund if the test centre cancels the test.

You cannot ask for a refund for any other reason, for example if you brought the wrong ID, you were ill, you were late, you did not bring the right documents or you refused to have your photo taken.

You must ask for a refund within 3 months of the test date. The fee will be refunded to the card you used to book the test.

Contact PSI to ask for a refund.

Or write to PSI e-Assessments.

Make a complaint

Contact PSI to make a complaint.

You’ll get a response within 10 working days.

You must make your complaint within 3 months of the test date.