UPDATED 13 AUG 2026

How do I find my car's first registration date?

The date of first registration is printed on the V5C logbook, and it's also included in the vehicle details section of a history check report. It marks the date the car was first registered with the DVLA — not necessarily the date it was manufactured, which can differ, especially for cars that were held in stock before sale.

You can also check it for free on the DVLA's vehicle enquiry service using just the registration number.