How do I register an Ex-MOD defender with no release papers

I have recently just bought a 110 landrover with 40,000 miles on the clock. It came from a wildlife park and it was used to transport items around the park therefore had no reason to be registered.

I bought it with no documents however it has a chassis number, that corrisponds to the number on the bulk head and a plate on the side of the drivers side seat box with information on the vehicles military registration, what make and model it is followed by two different serial numbers.

Since buying the Land Rover I had numerous people say to me that you cannot apply to register it as I don’t have a release documents for the military.

I have no idea how to go about registering it and would be greatful for any information on how to.
Many thanks, Izaac.

Have you asked the DVLA?

The history (including into service and release dates) should be traceable and therefore it should be possible to register it on the correct age related plate. Of course it is far easier with the release documentation but this shouldn't be a barrier to getting it done.
As already suggested, contact the DVLA to see what information they require and it may be that the information from the RLC archives could be all that is required ( http://www.rlcarchive.org/Welcome ). Another one that springs to mind is the Heritage Centre at Gaydon, they hold records and in many cases can provide a Heritage Certificate which I believe is accepted by the DVLA.

I have registered several bikes & LR's over the years and never had a moments problem. Most have been ex-military but not always.
For example- One of my bikes (a 1978 Laverda Jota) was wearing a 1980 plate when I bought it as it had sat unsold in the showroom for a couple of years. I contacted the importer who still held the import documents which proved the build date and also when was imported (in its crate) into the UK, this was sufficient for the DVLA to provide the correct age related plate.

As above, ask the DVLA. You will almost certainly need the receipt for your purchase too as it is likely to require a Police check to ensure its not stolen or built from stolen parts. It may require a vehicle inspection to confirm its road leagal as some ex-military vehiles do not have the correct road leagal lights but I don't think its an issue for Land Rovers, I know it is on some Unimogs as the Army lights are too high. I don't think you will have a problem and I don't think the release papers are critical, I would be more concerned to make sure you can prove you bought it and make sure you get an age related plate not a Q plate.