FAQs

We only hold build records for the marques which appear on the list. If your marque isn’t included on the list then, unfortunately, we can’t produce a Heritage Certificate for you. We do, however, hold records for some additional models within these marques, especially in the later British Leyland era. Please email us on archive@britishmotormuseum.co.uk for further information about this.

The build records for Jaguars are looked after by the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust, who will be happy to help you.  Please go to their website for further details: www.jaguarheritage.com

Unfortunately the factory records kept between 1969 and 1977 are inconsistent and in some instances there is not sufficient information for us to produce a full Heritage Certificate. Where this is the case we can offer a Dating Letter, which shows the chassis number and a build date, as an alternative. If you have a Mini which falls in this period, place your order for a Heritage Certificate as normal and if we can only offer you a Dating Letter, then the difference in price will be refunded. If you specifically require a Heritage Certificate for tax exemption purposes regardless of the amount of detail recorded (since the official licensing or registration authorities will not accept Dating Letters) then please state this on your order form under ‘comments’.

If you would like us to research a single piece of information, please use the web Research Request  Please note, this information is provided by email and will not be accepted by official licensing or registration authorities.  If you require information in a formal manner, you will need to purchase a Heritage Certificate.

We strive to fulfil Heritage Certificate orders as quickly as possible. We do, however, experience periods of heavy demand, so there is a stated waiting period of 28 working days.

You can order your Heritage Certificate online or by requesting a paper order form. We can only accept payment in £ sterling by credit card, debit card or cheque. Please do not mail cash.

A Heritage Certificate lists all the information that was recorded by the factory when the vehicle was built, including the date of build. A Dating Letter will give you the date of manufacture only. Please be advised that if you require proof of your vehicle’s age, the DVLA has stated that it will now only accept a Heritage Certificate as minimum evidence.

On a Heritage Certificate we can only list details that are recorded in the official factory record. If details weren’t recorded we can’t include them because we’re unable to verify their originality. With certain cars, such as the MGA, the engine and body numbers were not recorded in the build records.

No, but we can research a single piece of information for you by a Web Research Request.  Alternatively we can produce archive material for you to conduct your own research. This is by prior appointment with our Reading Room, giving a week’s notice.  Our opening hours are Monday to Friday between 10am and 4.30pm.  To make an appointment, please visit the Reading Room or email us at history@britishmotormuseum.co.uk

Please give us the name of the person whose name you would like to appear on the Heritage Certificate Normally, this will be the name of the vehicle’s owner.

Our certificates were redesigned in September 2001 to reflect their purpose as a 'certified copy of our factory record'. If you have an old-style Certificate you can apply to have it re-issued. You can also purchase a re-issue if you would like to change the Certificate issued to. This offer only applies if you can supply a valid Heritage Certificate number. 

You will be asked for your vehicle’s chassis number if you purchase any of our archive products (including a Heritage Certificate). It is important to quote the chassis number from the vehicle itself as opposed to any documentation (including logbooks) as these often contain errors. We have created this guide to provide you with further information relating to chassis numbers, including where to find them. Click here to download our guide.

• Research is carried out on the basis of a chassis number supplied by the enquirer. Whilst every care is taken to ensure the correctness and accuracy of information supplied, neither BMIHT nor any of its associated Trusts or Companies will be held liable for any errors or omissions or the consequences thereof. BMIHT accepts no liability if incorrect numbers have been quoted by the enquirer.
• A Heritage Certificate in itself does not constitute verification of the present condition or actual identity of a particular vehicle.
• We reserve the right to demand proof of ownership of a vehicle before issuing a Heritage Certificate.
• If we are unable to fulfil your order for any reason, a full refund will be given.
• Your credit card will be debited when your certificate is ordered.
• Please allow 28 working days for delivery. 

If you have any enquiry regarding your Heritage Certificate, please e-mail archive@britishmotormuseum.co.uk.