VIC Check

Vehicle Identity and crime Check

Contact VOSA on 08706060440 and check to if you vehicle requires one.

If so heres the application Form Click Here

The VIC SCHEME: BACKGROUND INFORMATION

More information on the VIC test can be found at www.vosa.gov.uk

1. What is the Vehicle Identity Check, and how does it work?

The Vehicle Identity Check (VIC) has been introduced to help reduce vehicle crime. It is intended to deter criminals from disguising stolen cars with the identity of written off or scrapped ones. When an insurance company writes off a car, the registration document (V5 logbook) is surrendered to them and destroyed. The insurance company will then notify DVLA that the vehicle has been written off.

If a vehicle is subsequently repaired with the intention of returning the vehicle to the road, DVLA will no longer issue a new registration document or vehicle excise duty license until the car passes a VIC. The VIC is designed to help confirm that the vehicle being returned to the road has been repaired following accident damage and has not been stolen.

2. What vehicles will be affected?

Any car that is notified to DVLA on or after 7th April 2003 as having been written off (category C), regardless of the date of accident, will require a VIC before a replacement registration document can be issued. This notification will set a ?VIC marker? on the vehicle record on the DVLA database. Vehicles cannot be volunteered for a VIC; VOSA will only accept applications for vehicles that have a VIC marker.

3. Do written off vehicles ?category D? require a VIC?

No.

4. Are vehicles written off in Northern Ireland affected?

Yes. The VIC scheme also operates in Northern Ireland. Any vehicle that has been notified to DVLNI (Driver & Vehicle Licensing Northern Ireland) as having been written off by an insurance company and has not undergone a VIC in Northern Ireland will require a VIC in Great Britain if it is to be licensed and registered here. Firstly, an application for licensing and registration must be made to DVLA. They will confirm whether a VIC is required. If it is, a VIC application can then be submitted to VOSA.

5. What does the VIC involve?

The VIC will be carried out by VOSA. It will involve comparing the vehicle presented against information held by DVLA, such as the vehicle identification number, make, model, colour and engine number. The VIC will also compare the record of previous accident damage with evidence of damage repair as well as checking other components to confirm the age and identity of the vehicle.

6. Must repairs be carried out first?

Yes. Sufficient repairs must be carried out to support the intention of returning the vehicle to a roadworthy condition. The vehicle must be capable of being driven under its own power and should not be potentially hazardous to any person carrying out the VIC.

7. Does a vehicle require a MOT before a VIC can be carried out?

If a vehicle over 3 years old is driven to a VOSA test station for the VIC, it must have a current MOT.

8. Is insurance needed to drive a vehicle to a VIC?

Yes. The person driving the vehicle to the test station must have sufficient insurance.

9. Is road tax needed to drive a vehicle to a VIC?

No.

10. Must the vehicle presented have number plates?

No. However the registration mark must be known and declared when the VIC application is submitted. Also, without number plates the vehicle cannot be driven to the VIC.

11. What if the registration mark is not known?

VOSA cannot accept an application for VIC without a registration mark.

12. Can vehicles be taken to a VIC on a transporter?

Yes. However arrangements should be made in advance with the appropriate test station manager.

13. Can a vehicle be dropped off at a test station and collected later in the day?

The appropriate test station manager should be contacted regarding this. Their decision will depend on the availability of suitable car parking space.

14. Can someone else present the vehicle on the applicant?s behalf?

Yes.

15. How long will the VIC take to carry out?

The VIC will take approximately 30 minutes to complete.

16. What will happen at the test station?

On arrival at the test station the vehicle presenter will need to report to the reception desk with their appointment letter. They must bring along any evidence in support of their application such as vehicle repair receipts, MOT certificate, etc. After handing over the vehicle keys they will need to remain in the reception area whilst a trained inspector carries out the VIC. They will not be allowed to view the VIC. Following the VIC, they will be informed of the result and any necessary documents will be issued along with the vehicle?s keys.

17. Can VOSA refuse to carry out the VIC?

Yes. VOSA reserves this right. VOSA will refuse to carry out the VIC and the fee will be forfeited if:

a. The vehicle does not arrive at the appointed time or place.

b. The relevant fee has not been paid subject to the payment conditions stated on the application form.

c. The vehicle emits substantial quantities of avoidable smoke.

d. The vehicle or any part of it is so dirty that carrying out the check is unreasonably difficult. e. The vehicle or its contents is in such a condition that a meaningful check would involve danger to a person, or damage to the vehicle or any other property, or that current health and safety legislation cannot be followed.

f. Sufficient repairs have not been carried out to support the intention of returning the vehicle to a roadworthy condition.

g. A door, tailgate, boot lid, engine cover, fuel cap, floor covering or other device, capable of being opened or accessed is locked or fixed so that a thorough check cannot be carried out. h. The check cannot be completed due to a lack of fuel or oil, component failure, or for any other reason that will make completion unreasonably difficult or unsafe.

i. The conduct of the presenter is considered to be unreasonable.

j. The presenter refuses to or is unable to comply with the instructions given.

 Here is a download able copy of the VIC Check

18. Will the VIC confirm that the vehicle is roadworthy?

No. However if any defects that would make the vehicle unsafe to drive away are identified, the vehicle may be prohibited from being used.

19. Will the VIC endorse the quality of any repair work?

No.

20. What will happen if a vehicle fails the VIC?

You can appeal against the decision.

21. Will a refund be due if a VIC appointment is cancelled?

A fee will be only be refunded if an appointment is cancelled at least 3 working days before the appointment date. If an applicant wishes to move an appointment to a later date then they must contact VOSA as early as possible. If less than 3 working days notice is given, another appointment must be paid for.

22. What happens if a vehicle passes the VIC?

The owner can apply to DVLA for a registration document using a Vehicle Registration Document Application Form (V62).

23. How soon after a VIC can a V5 be issued?

DVLA must wait until they have received electronic notification of the result of the VIC from VOSA before they can issue a replacement V5. Under normal circumstances this will take 48 hours, however in a small minority of cases it may take longer than this.

24. Will any documentation be given to confirm the result of the VIC?

A pass certificate will be issued if a vehicle passes the VIC. If a vehicle fails, a failure notice will be issued which will provide a reason for the failure. An electronic notification of the result will also be forwarded to DVLA.

25. Will the pass certificate need to be presented to DVLA when applying for a registration document?

No. DVLA will only accept the electronic notification from VOSA as evidence that the vehicle has passed a VIC.

26. Can VOSA issue a replacement certificate?

Yes. A fee will be charged for this service, currently set at ?11.00.

27. If a vehicle passes the VIC, does this guarantee that the vehicle is genuine?

When issuing a pass result, VOSA are confirming that as far as can be determined, taking into account the evidence provided and within the scope of the check, that the vehicle is believed to be genuine.

28. Will the registration document show any indication that the vehicle has been written off or damaged?

Yes. It will be noted as "Accident damaged and/or substantially repaired; identity checked on dd/mm/ccyy".

29. If a vehicle is purchased with a VIC pass certificate, how can it be confirmed that it is genuine?

Although VOSA issues a certificate, it should not be relied upon as evidence that a vehicle has passed a VIC. If a pass certificate is offered as proof, VOSA should be contacted on 0870 6060 440. VOSA can then advise whether the vehicle quoted has actually passed a VIC.