So, you own a BSA motorcycle, but it did not come with any registration documents ….. What do you do?

To start - Is the frame number clear and unaltered from the original factory stamping? If it is not then you will probably need to go down the reconstructed classic route and have a new VIN issued by the DVLA. If you’re not sure (or can’t find it) then please contact the BSAOC Machine Dating Officers for advice (see below).

Do you think you know the registration number? If not then you have to go down the Age-Related registration route (or possibly the Reconstructed Classic Route).

You do (or think you do) know the registration number but no V5C document came with the bike.

Have you confirmed on the DVLA website (https://www.gov.uk/get-vehicle-information-from-dvla) that the number is not already allocated to your bike but you’ve lost (or never had) the logbook? If it is there, then you can apply for a replacement V5C (use form V62). If not allocated to your bike, is the number already registered to another machine or on retention (e.g. it’s been sold by a previous owner)? If not allocated, then you may be able to use the Retained Registration route.

To retain an original registration number, you must supply pre 1983 documentary evidence linking the frame and engine number. This includes such as an old log book or MoT or dealer receipts, showing the frame number AND the registration? Does the frame number on the documents match that on the machine? If it does then continue to Retained Registration route.

If you have no documents then you can check to see if any registration records remain from the original registration authorities. The first step is to check on the Kithead Trust website to see if the registration records exist (www.kitheadtrust.org.uk). If they do exist then you need to obtain a copy and it must show the frame number AND the original registration.

If the records do not exist, or they do not show the frame number, then you will probably need to apply for an Age-Related registration.

If you have an unaltered BSA and you need an age-related registration number, we can provide a dating certificate and vehicle report to support your application to DVLA. The motorcycle must consist of the original unaltered frame plus original type engine, gearbox, wheels/hubs and forks (Note: the DVLA do allow alternative cubic capacities of the same basic engine and alternative original equipment engines).

If you have built a motorcycle using parts from more than one motorcycle, the vehicle can be registered as a reconstructed classic. All parts must be at least 25 years old and to the original BSA specification and the bike must be a true reflection of the marque. Your bike will be issued with a new VIN number by DVLA and the year of manufacture will be based on the youngest component.

If the machine has been radically altered or if you have built your motorcycle using a mixture of new and used components, then it will probably be allocated a ‘Q’ plate registration. (By radically altered it means, for example, that it may have another make front forks, gearbox and/or wheels, so that the only original BSA parts are: the engine and altered BSA frame to accommodate the alterations). Please see www.gov.uk/vehicle-registration/q-registration-numbers for more information.

REMEMBER .....

If you are unclear of the best approach to getting a registration then please contact the Machine Dating Officers to discuss further at the earliest opportunity (and ideally before contacting DVLA).

-   by post to: BSAOC Machine Dating Officer, PO Box 111, Wirral, CH28 9DA

-   by email to: datinginfo@bsaownersclub.co.uk.

Please Note: These notes relate to machines to be registered in the United Kingdom only, other countries have their own specific requirements.

Please Note: The Club can only recommend that a registration is retained or an age-related registration is allocated it CANNOT instruct. The DVLA has the final say.

Updated 07/2026