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Importing a vehicle into the United Kingdom

Common questions and scenarios

1. I wish to import a passenger car, or motorbike, that is under 10 years of age, into the United Kingdom for registration.

If the vehicle was constructed to full UK specification, and you have a European Certificate of Conformity confirming this, please contact the DVLA (page opens in a new window) to see if they are able to accept your application.

If the vehicle requires changes to be made to meet the UK legislation, for example some or all of these items; headlights, speedometer, rear fog light, then you will need additional approval from the UK.

• With an original European Certificate of Conformity (CoC) this can be via the Mutual Recognition scheme that VCA operates, details here: VCA Mutual Recognition Scheme.
• Without an original European Certificate of Conformity you will need to have the vehicle inspected under the Individual Vehicle Approval scheme (IVA) or Motorcycle Single Vehicle Approval scheme (MSVA). This testing will be carried out by the Vehicle Operator Services Agency (VOSA) - contact VOSA (page opens in a new window).

2. Obtaining a European Certificate of Conformity (CoC)

Depending on a number of factors, such as the build specifications and age, the vehicle manufacturer may be able to issue this document. Please note that VCA is not able to issue CoCs.

3. I am unable to obtain a European Certificate of Conformity

Depending on the age and type of vehicle you may be required to have the vehicle physically inspected by VOSA under the Individual Vehicle Approval scheme (IVA) or Motorcycle Single Vehicle Approval scheme (MSVA).

In some cases the vehicle may be built to a UK national approval scheme ("TAC" or "PMAC"). If this is the case, then the vehicle manufacturer may be able to issue the required documentation or you may also need to contact VCA (the manufacturer will advise you on this). If the manufacturer provides you with a "PMAC" number, you will need to complete the following application form, and submit it to us along with the requested paperwork and payment:

  Duplicate Submac application form (PDF 620.1KB). 

Duplicate Submac payment form (PDF 471.3KB). 

4. I wish to import a vehicle currently registered in Northern Ireland into England / Scotland / Wales

Please contact the DVLA (page opens in a new window).

5. I wish to import a right hand drive vehicle into England / Scotland / Wales from either the Republic of Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey, the Isle of Man

Please see item 01 above.

6. I wish to export my vehicle from the United Kingdom

In most cases VCA will have no involvement with this.

Contact the DVLA to discuss de-registration. You will also need to contact the registration authorities in the country you to which you are exporting the vehicle to understand what documentation they require. We regret that a list of contacts in other EC countries is not held by VCA.

7. I wish to import a car or motorcycle into the United Kingdom that is over 10 years of age

Please contact the DVLA (page opens in a new window) to discuss vehicle registration. You may also need to make changes to the vehicle for it to be compliant with the UK legislation. This may include having the lights and speedometer changed for UK roads.

8. I wish to register an agricultural vehicle into the United Kingdom

Please contact the DVLA (page opens in a new window).

9. I wish to register my vehicle in the UK on a temporary basis

Please contact the DVLA (page opens in a new window).

10. I wish to register a goods vehicle (truck) into the UK

If the vehicle is built to a full UK specification then you may be able to obtain evidence of type approval from the UK manufacturer.

If it has previously been registered in another European country then you may need to submit an application to VCA under the VCA Mutual Recognition Scheme. If it is coming from outside the European Union then you would need to contact VOSA (page opens in a new window).

11. I wish to import my car into the UK; however it does not have a catalytic converter and cannot be fitted with one.

Please contact VOSA (page opens in a new window) to find out if they are able to inspect the vehicle under the Individual Vehicle approval scheme.