Vehicle Excise and Registration Act 1994 section 22A

Vehicle identity checks

Section 22A sets out the framework for vehicle identity checks that may be required when a keeper applies for a new registration document, allowing the Secretary of State to refuse to issue one if not satisfied the vehicle is genuinely the one on the register.

• The Secretary of State may refuse to issue a new registration document if not satisfied the vehicle presented is the same vehicle recorded on the register.
• Regulations may require physical examinations of vehicles or the provision of other evidence to verify vehicle identity before a new registration document is issued.
• Detailed rules may cover examination procedures, certificates, fees, appeals, authorisation of examiners, training courses, and inspection of examination premises and equipment.
• The Secretary of State may cross-check information obtained through vehicle identity checks against existing registration and road traffic records, and may update either set of records where discrepancies are found.