Morris Minor Owners Club

Hi all this year I have become the owner of a 1954 split screen which has been in my family since 1956. In 1979 it was parked up in a barn by my great uncle who was planning on restoring her but never got around to it and finally let me take on the task. Obviously it's not on the dvla database anymore. All I have for it so far is a tax disc and owners manual. My great uncle is sure he still has the original logbook somewhere but as he is in 80s he is struggling to remember where he put it. So my question is, is there anychance or way of retaining the original registration number? It's been mentioned on Facebook by brian Gostling that there is someone in the club who maybe able to help? It would be great to keep the reg as it's a local one to where the car still lives.
Many thanks

Yes the MMOC provides a DVLA advice service for members, the contact details are in the Club Services section of Minor Matters.

In a nutshell, if you have official documents that quote the chassis number and the registration number (in the same document) then you can reclaim the number with assistance from the MMOC. No document, then you have to have an age-related nuymber, again with assistance from the Club.

I think having an old tax disc displaying the registration number should be a great help.
That is what I was told by the DVLA when I purchased a car in a similar state - with no registration document.

Unfortunately, a tax disc on its own is useless these days. Criteria change over time, and I repeat that you need official documents showing both registration and chassis numbers, nothing else will do.

OK thanks for the reply. I will try to see if I can help find the logbook

What about registration records from the original issuing County? Does that still hold good? IF they still exist of course as is the case with some.

Kithead Trust

ManyMinors wrote: ↑Mon Dec 29, 2025 4:37 pm What about registration records from the original issuing County? Does that still hold good? IF they still exist of course as is the case with some.

Yes, where they exist and show both numbers, then they are official documents and will be accepted. Unfortunately, not all records exist and of those that do, not all show the chassis number.

simmitc wrote: ↑Mon Dec 29, 2025 6:07 pm

ManyMinors wrote: ↑Mon Dec 29, 2025 4:37 pm What about registration records from the original issuing County? Does that still hold good? IF they still exist of course as is the case with some.

Yes, where they exist and show both numbers, then they are official documents and will be accepted. Unfortunately, not all records exist and of those that do, not all show the chassis number.

In recent correspondence with DVLA I was told a chassis number from BMHT archives record was not on file with dvla, so no information could be supplied. End of conversation
At least they returned my fee

You can apply for an age related number for the car the cost is £55 to DVLA plus dating certificate etc from an approved Club (which they usually also charge a fee for) .....I think the car may need to be complete and roadworthy?

This will allow you to use the car with new numberplates.

You can still apply to DVLA in future for the original registration if you find the necessary (DVLA decide what they will accept) documentation showing the registration number and the Vin (chassis) number eg RF60 logbook/ local authority archive/ Insurance cert or MOT document / original bill of sale etc . Accepting an age related number dosent prejudice your claim to the original number.

Taupe