8 replies to this topic

[MaximMini]

Hi Everyone,

 

I wonder what the options are if you have the number plate and the VIN of a Mini but no documents. The reason I'm asking is my Mini Van (1981) which has never been registered in Germany. The Van has been brought from the UK by my friends late father who drove the Van on it's own power and never did anything to it once it arrived in his garage which is probably between 20 and 30 years ago.

 

The usual way here in Germany is to apply for new blank documents which will be issued as soon as the ownership has been proved. Unfortunately I wouldn't get the documents hand over before the Van has been proved to be roadworthy though. And this probably will take a while ..

 

Is there any way to get the GB documents reissued without showing the car?

 

 

Any information are appreciated.

 

Thanks from the Pied Piper's Town

[nicklouse]

May be a heritage certificate to start with.

[Curley]

I think it will come down to if the van was every officially exported from the UK or not. You say it was never registered in Germany so there is a good chance they just drove it over the boarder. Try a searching the DVLA database to see if it's still live https://vehicleenqui...uk/?locale=en. 

 

If the car comes back as SORN or otherwise still registered it should be relatively straight forwards to get a new V5. Especially if you have a UK address (parents/in-laws) you can use with the DVLA. No need for them to know that the car is in German

 

If however the car was officially exported then I suspect it will be a lot harder to get current UK paperwork.

 

Either way, as Nick says, a heritage certificate is a good place to start. Your 1981 van will become eligible for 'classic' status in the UK from 2021. The last time (before the new 40 year rule) I had to get a car changed to 'classic' status I needed to supply proof of age via a heritage certificate to DVLA. Something to think about if you plan to claim 'vintage' status in Germany.

Edited by Curley, 14 August 2020 - 07:44 PM.

[beardylondon]

Perhaps get someone you know with a UK address to apply for a V5C document for you?

[mab01uk]

Also check the Reg Number and it should give you the VIN as recorded by the DVLA in link below:-

https://www.checkmyreg.com/

 

This will hopefully confirm the VIN matches yours on the car, as sometimes the DVLA record is slightly wrong (eg. 5 instead of S, etc) and unless you apply for a V5 with the numbers/letters of VIN exactly as they have them recorded, they won't issue a V5.

 

[MaximMini]

Thank you very much for all the information. Unfortunately I have misplaced the note where I had written down the registration number but will hopefully be in the workshop again soon.

[MaximMini]

Hi Everyone,

 

Yesterday I had the chance to pay a short visit to the workshop to check the number plates. The information which the DVLA shows related to the registration do fit the Mini Van in all details.

 

It seems that in fact my friend's father bought the Van and then drive it directly home without SORN it. Is this a problem or can one apply for a new V5 with no issues?

 

 

Cheers from the Pied Piper's Town

[nicklouse]

Hi Everyone,

 

Yesterday I had the chance to pay a short visit to the workshop to check the number plates. The information which the DVLA shows related to the registration do fit the Mini Van in all details.

 

It seems that in fact my friend's father bought the Van and then drive it directly home without SORN it. Is this a problem or can one apply for a new V5 with no issues?

 

 

Cheers from the Pied Piper's Town

Not an issue. As the SORN regs may not have been around then. Jan 1998 is when that started.

 

when you apply for a new V5c the DVLA will most likely send notification to the registered keep that they have on their records.

[mab01uk]

If the car was already off road and untaxed before Sorn started (which it was) there is no Sorn requirement or issue when you apply for the new V5.

 

If the V5 is still registered to the previous owner the DVLA normally send them a letter giving them 2 weeks to prove they still own the car, if no reply DVLA send a new V5c to you in your name.