Private Car

Importing Your Own Car

A vehicle that is permanently imported for use in Great Britain (GB) must be registered and taxed as soon as possible after it arrives in the country. The vehicle should not be used or kept on public roads until the registration and vehicle tax formalities have been completed.

However, if the vehicle needs to have a single vehicle approval (SVA) or MOT test in order to be registered, the vehicle may be driven to and from the pre-arranged test appointment. Thereafter, the vehicle must be kept off the road until the registration formalities have taken place.

Application for registration should be made to your nearest Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) local office. It is not possible to offer an 'over the counter service', registration usually takes between 48 and 72 hours.To import your own car or motorcycle into the UK, it is best to contact:

To import your own car or motorcycle into the UK, it is best to contact:

Her Majesty's Customs and Excise
CDE5 Southbank
Dorset House
Stanford Street
London, SE1 9PY

www.detr.gov.uk

Customs and Excise will be able to tell you what forms need to be completed and how to determine if your car needs any modifications in order to comply with British regulations.

The following documents will be required in order to import your car:

1. Proof of how long you have owned your car. If you have owned your vehicle longer than six months, then it can be imported free of duty and tax.
2. The vehicle's registration document (from your home country) showing you as the owner.
3. The bill of sale, invoice, receipt, etc. completed in your name.
4. An international insurance certificate or green card, completed in your name.

After clearing customs, you will be given documents to take to your local Vehicle Registration Office in order to get your car both registered and licensed.