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vin/chassis number
leew2 - 27/4/16 at 10:09 PM

Sorry if this has been asked before recently, Trying to figure out what the current situation is with vin/chassis numbers on one-off home-built cars.
Is it possible to just make one up? If so has anyone successfully done so recently, and does it need to be in any specific format, other than being 17 digits long and not containing I, Q or O?
If inventing a number is a no-no, how does one go about getting a number in 2016? I have done a quick search and found references to local offices which I believe have since gone the way of the dodo.

Many thanks, lee.

big-vee-twin - 27/4/16 at 10:17 PM

You have to write to kits and rebuilds at Swansea and request a VIN from DVLA. You cannot make one up anymore.

PaulM - 28/4/16 at 11:09 AM

What are you supposed to do about a factory etched VIN number then? I have an MK factory number etched into the top rail exactly where I would have liked to put the official VIN

VIN Location
VIN Location

leew2 - 28/4/16 at 08:03 PM

Thanks for the Replies, I phoned the DVLA earlier to enquire about the issue and have been told to send an email with my name and address requesting a chassis number to dvlavin@dvla.gsi.gov.uk so will do that and report back how I get on

leew2 - 13/5/16 at 05:27 PM

Ok, finally got a reply back from the DVLA with a VIN number, see letter below.
However they require a stamp and a signature from a "Dealer/garage" to confirm that the number has been stamped. Does anyone have any idea what constitutes a "Dealer/garage" in this context? Does the garage in my back garden where I am building the car count as a "garage"?

Toprivetguns - 13/5/16 at 05:33 PM

You must have a friendly mechanic who owns a garage ? I took a picture of the car and me next to the VIN, they took it to my friend.
Failing that ask a few garages if they are willing to help. Be honest and show some photos.

garyt - 13/5/16 at 05:36 PM

got mine checked and signed by a local garage when I put the car round for an emission check and headlight aim set up, prior to iva

loggyboy - 13/5/16 at 05:45 PM

Get VOSA to stamp it at IVA?
TBH that's what the process should need as standard between vosa/dvla.

leew2 - 13/5/16 at 06:55 PM

quote:
Originally posted by loggyboy
Get VOSA to stamp it at IVA?

Has anyone else successfully done that? Does the VOSA test place count as a "garage" for this purpose?
Also the letter does not say when it needs returning by, does it need returning before IVA/MSVA for example?
Or after MSVA but before I send off the registration paperwork, or could I send it off at the same time as the registration paperwork?

garyt - 14/5/16 at 01:07 PM

hi I sent mine back with all the registration papers, v5/55 , receits etc

coozer - 14/5/16 at 01:23 PM

Stamp the number on, take a photo, sign the sheet and send it back with the photo.

You are the manufacturer and if you ever sell the car become the dealer!

leew2 - 14/5/16 at 02:52 PM

quote:
Originally posted by Toprivetguns
You must have a friendly mechanic who owns a garage ? I took a picture of the car and me next to the VIN, they took it to my friend.
Failing that ask a few garages if they are willing to help. Be honest and show some photos.


I will try talking to the place where I get my tintop MOT etc, Maybe they will stamp it from a photo as you have suggested without me actually having to lug the car/chassis to the place.

gremlin1234 - 14/5/16 at 03:36 PM

quote:
What are you supposed to do about a factory etched VIN number then? I have an MK factory number etched into the top rail exactly where I would have liked to put the official VIN
you only need a dvla allocated one if the chassis doesn't have one already (in this case MK have allocated one) [but do make sure its in the right format ]