Importing a Car to the UK: Full Guide to Taxes, Registration, and Rules (2025)

Bringing a vehicle into the UK involves a series of steps, including notifying customs, paying the appropriate tax and duty, ensuring compliance with UK standards, and registering with the DVLA. This comprehensive 2025 guide from UKBloom.co.uk explains everything you need to know to legally Importing a Car to the UK

Types of Vehicle Imports

There are two main types of car imports into the UK:

Personal Imports

Imported by individuals for personal use. Often applicable when:

Relocating to the UK with your own car
Bringing in a classic or vintage car
Buying a car abroad for long-term UK use

Commercial Imports

Imported by companies or dealerships to sell within the UK. Commercial imports have stricter regulatory and compliance requirements.

Step 1: Prepare Before Shipping

Before importing your vehicle:

Ensure it meets UK safety and environmental standards
Check emissions compliance
Collect documentation:
Original vehicle registration certificate
Purchase invoice
Proof of ownership
Foreign licence plate details
Confirm the vehicle’s date of manufacture

If you’re moving from abroad, make sure the vehicle is registered in your name and part of your household belongings.

Step 2: Notify HMRC Using the NOVA System

Within 14 days of the vehicle’s arrival in the UK, you must notify HMRC using the NOVA (Notification of Vehicle Arrivals) system.

Register and file online here
No NOVA = No DVLA registration

Required Details:

Vehicle make, model, VIN
Importer details
Invoice or proof of value
Shipment date and point of entry

Step 3: Pay VAT and Duty (If Applicable)

Import tax depends on whether the vehicle comes from the EU or non-EU countries and your residency status.

Imports from the EU:

VAT may apply unless vehicle is over 6 months old and has over 6,000km on the odometer.
Otherwise, 20% VAT on the invoice value is due.

Imports from Non-EU Countries:

10% import duty on vehicle value
20% VAT on total value (vehicle + shipping + duty)

Use the UK Trade Tariff tool to calculate rates.

Tax Exemptions:

Transfer of Residence (ToR) relief available if:
You are moving to the UK permanently
Vehicle has been owned for over 6 months abroad
You’ve lived outside the UK for at least 12 months

Apply for ToR: Transfer of Residence relief form

Step 4: Vehicle Approval & Compliance Testing

Your car must meet UK standards before DVLA registration. Depending on the vehicle’s origin and age, you may need:

Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA)

Needed for cars under 10 years old
Apply through DVSA
Cost: ~£200–£500

Mutual Recognition

For EU-registered vehicles that meet European Whole Vehicle Type Approval
Minimal inspection required

MOT Test

Required if the vehicle is over 3 years old
Conducted at any approved UK MOT station

Step 5: Vehicle Insurance

Before you can register and drive the vehicle, you must obtain UK vehicle insurance. Options include:

Temporary import insurance (valid for 1–28 days)
Full UK insurance (once registered)

Comparison websites:

Step 6: Register the Vehicle with DVLA

After NOVA submission, tax payment, vehicle testing, and insurance, apply to the DVLA to get your UK registration number and V5C logbook.

Required Documents:

Completed V55/5 or V55/4 form
Proof of identity and UK address
Insurance certificate
MOT certificate (if applicable)
IVA or Mutual Recognition approval
NOVA reference number
Registration fee: £55
Original foreign registration certificate

Submit by post to:

DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BE

Step 7: Pay Vehicle Tax

All imported vehicles must be taxed before they can be legally used on UK roads.

Road Tax Rates:

Based on CO₂ emissions
VED rates by emissions

You can tax the car at the time of registration or online once you receive your registration number:
Tax Your Vehicle

Step 8: Get UK Licence Plates

Once DVLA issues your registration certificate (V5C), you can order UK licence plates from a DVLA-registered number plate supplier.

Must provide proof of ID and vehicle registration
Cost: £20–£35

Find a supplier: DVLA Plate Suppliers

Step 9: Optional Modifications for UK Roads

You may need to adapt your car for UK roads:

Speedometer must read in mph
Headlights must dip to the left
Rear fog light must be correctly positioned

These modifications are mandatory for MOT approval.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Missing the NOVA deadline (within 14 days)
Forgetting to pay VAT/import duty
Driving before registration and tax
Failing to modify headlights/speedometer

Penalties may include:

Vehicle seizure
Late payment fines
Inability to register the vehicle

Internal Links for UK Drivers

UK Driving Licence Guide
Car Taxes in the UK
Driving in the UK on a Foreign Licence
Buying a Car in the UK
UK Vehicle Insurance Guide

Summary Table: Importing a Car to the UK Process

Step	Description	Timeline
Notify HMRC (NOVA)	Within 14 days of arrival	Immediate
Pay Tax/Duty	After NOVA confirmation	Varies
Compliance Test (IVA)	If car < 10 years or from non-EU country	~2–4 weeks
MOT	If over 3 years old	Same day
Insurance	Must be valid before registration	1–3 days
DVLA Registration	V55 form, fee, and documents	4–6 weeks
Road Tax Payment	Based on CO₂ and value	Online/At reg
Licence Plate Fitting	After DVLA sends V5C	1–2 days

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I drive an imported car with foreign plates?

Yes, for up to 6 months in any 12-month period if you’re a visitor. If you become a UK resident, you must register the car within 6 months or after importing.

How long does DVLA take to register an imported car?

Usually 4–6 weeks from the date you send a complete application with correct documents.

Can I import a left-hand drive (LHD) vehicle?

Yes. LHD cars are legal in the UK but may require modifications for headlamps and speedometers.

What if I bring my car temporarily?

You may not need to register if:

You’re visiting for less than 6 months
Vehicle is fully insured and taxed in its home country

More info: Temporary Vehicle Imports

Final Thoughts from UK Bloom

Importing a car into the UK can be cost-effective and practical, but it requires attention to detail and legal compliance. Whether you’re relocating, buying a vehicle abroad, or importing a classic, follow every step to avoid costly delays or penalties.

Explore our UK Driving Resource Centre for tools, checklists, and guides tailored to vehicle owners and new arrivals.

Useful External Resources

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Always consult the UK Home Office, DVLA, or a customs adviser for personalised support.

© 2025 ukbloom.co.uk – This article is free for personal use. Do not copy or republish without attribution or permission.