Before registering an imported vehicle with the DVLA, you must clear the car through customs and obtain vehicle approval. For the V55/5 application, you need to submit customs clearances and identity documents to the DVLA. You must also pay the vehicle tax before approval.
To report your car to HMRC, we need the following documents from you:
- Commercial invoice or vehicle valuation
- Vehicle Log Book
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Vehicle Arrival Notification form (NOVA)
When to register a vehicle imported into the UK?
To use the vehicle in the UK, it must be approved as roadworthy by the DVLA. Once approved, the DVLA will issue a V5C vehicle log book, after which you can tax and drive your imported car on UK roads. Your car should not be used in the UK before this time.
Customs duty and VAT on vehicle imports to the UK
Unless you are importing vehicles as part of a transfer of residence, temporary import, or re-export, you are required to pay customs duty and VAT. Additional documentation will be required for temporary imports or re-exports.
- Re-export: Requires proof of export, including commercial documents and an export declaration.
- Temporary import: Requires submitting form C110 to declare that the vehicle will be only temporarily in the UK.