Import a vehicle into the UK
6 tasks in suggested order
1. Make an import declaration and pay VAT or customs duty where required
If applicable: For permanent imports: the GOV.UK sequence applies to Great Britain from anywhere and to Northern Ireland for imports from outside the EU; the exact step can vary by how the vehicle enters and its status.
If the vehicle is shipped to the UK, the customs/import declaration and any VAT or duty are normally dealt with at the border. If you bring the vehicle in yourself, make an import declaration if HMRC tells you that VAT or customs duty is due.
Complete this before DVLA registration or road use at the stage shown in the official import sequence.
HMRC/GOV.UK vehicle-import services.
Vehicle purchase/import evidence, customs or VAT information, foreign registration/VIN details, identity and any approval or insurance documents required for this stage.
Great Britain and Northern Ireland can follow different import/tax routes. Use the branch in the official guidance that matches where the vehicle is being imported from and where in the UK it is going.
Official source: GOV.UK
2. Tell HMRC about the vehicle within 14 days
If applicable: For permanent imports: the GOV.UK sequence applies to Great Britain from anywhere and to Northern Ireland for imports from outside the EU; the exact step can vary by how the vehicle enters and its status.
For a permanent import covered by the GOV.UK process, tell HMRC within 14 days of bringing the vehicle into the UK. You cannot register the vehicle until this step is complete.
Within 14 days of bringing the vehicle into the UK.
HMRC/GOV.UK vehicle-import services.
Vehicle purchase/import evidence, customs or VAT information, foreign registration/VIN details, identity and any approval or insurance documents required for this stage.
Great Britain and Northern Ireland can follow different import/tax routes. Use the branch in the official guidance that matches where the vehicle is being imported from and where in the UK it is going.
Official source: GOV.UK
3. Complete the NOVA notification where the HMRC route requires it
If applicable: For permanent imports: the GOV.UK sequence applies to Great Britain from anywhere and to Northern Ireland for imports from outside the EU; the exact step can vary by how the vehicle enters and its status.
Use the Notification of Vehicle Arrivals (NOVA) process or the HMRC route that applies to how the vehicle entered the UK and whether you are VAT-registered.
Complete this before DVLA registration or road use at the stage shown in the official import sequence.
HMRC/GOV.UK vehicle-import services.
Vehicle purchase/import evidence, customs or VAT information, foreign registration/VIN details, identity and any approval or insurance documents required for this stage.
Great Britain and Northern Ireland can follow different import/tax routes. Use the branch in the official guidance that matches where the vehicle is being imported from and where in the UK it is going.
Official source: GOV.UK
4. Get vehicle approval if the vehicle needs it
If applicable: For permanent imports: the GOV.UK sequence applies to Great Britain from anywhere and to Northern Ireland for imports from outside the EU; the exact step can vary by how the vehicle enters and its status.
Obtain the approval required to show the imported vehicle meets the applicable safety and environmental standards before registration.
Complete this before DVLA registration or road use at the stage shown in the official import sequence.
The vehicle-approval route that applies to the vehicle.
Vehicle purchase/import evidence, customs or VAT information, foreign registration/VIN details, identity and any approval or insurance documents required for this stage.
Great Britain and Northern Ireland can follow different import/tax routes. Use the branch in the official guidance that matches where the vehicle is being imported from and where in the UK it is going.
Official source: GOV.UK
5. Register and tax the vehicle with DVLA
If applicable: For permanent imports: the GOV.UK sequence applies to Great Britain from anywhere and to Northern Ireland for imports from outside the EU; the exact step can vary by how the vehicle enters and its status.
After the HMRC and approval steps that apply, register and tax the vehicle with DVLA so it can receive a UK registration number.
Complete this before DVLA registration or road use at the stage shown in the official import sequence.
DVLA.
Vehicle purchase/import evidence, customs or VAT information, foreign registration/VIN details, identity and any approval or insurance documents required for this stage.
Great Britain and Northern Ireland can follow different import/tax routes. Use the branch in the official guidance that matches where the vehicle is being imported from and where in the UK it is going.
Official source: GOV.UK
6. Insure the vehicle before driving it on UK roads
If applicable: For permanent imports: the GOV.UK sequence applies to Great Britain from anywhere and to Northern Ireland for imports from outside the EU; the exact step can vary by how the vehicle enters and its status.
The vehicle must be insured before you drive it on UK roads. Compare cover if useful, but the administrative requirement is to have valid insurance before driving.
Before driving the vehicle on UK roads.
An authorised motor insurer/provider.
Vehicle purchase/import evidence, customs or VAT information, foreign registration/VIN details, identity and any approval or insurance documents required for this stage.
You normally cannot use the vehicle on public roads until the import, approval, registration, tax and insurance steps that apply are complete; the official guidance provides a limited exception for travel to a pre-booked MOT or vehicle-approval test. Lili does not recommend a particular insurer.
Official source: GOV.UK
