A registration document shows the registered keeper (the person who keeps the vehicle on a public road, not necessarily the legal owner) of the vehicle. It gives the keeper's name and address, the registration mark and other information about the vehicle. A new registration document is issued each time there is a change in the details printed on it.

The vehicle license shows that you have fulfilled your legal obligations as a vehicle keeper, including payment of your vehicle excise duty. It shows the registration mark and the date up to which duty has been paid, and it must be displayed on the left-hand side of the vehicle’s windscreen.

Licenses may be bought for 6 or 12 calendar months. If the vehicle is being registered for the first time in the UK it is also possible to license it for part of the month in which it is first registered, plus 6 or 12 months.

A license cannot be issued in Great Britain where the application is supported by a Northern Ireland registration document.

You are not allowed to transfer a license from one vehicle to another.

Further information is available on the UK Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency website.