Skip to main content

How to register a vehicle with a NOVA certificate

Registering a vehicle with a NOVA (Notification of Vehicle Arrivals) certificate is an essential step in the process of importing a vehicle into the United Kingdom. The NOVA certificate is issued by HMRC (Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs) and indicates that the vehicle has been declared for tax purposes.

If you are importing your car to the United Kingdom we can assist with the entire process, including applying for your NOVA. We understand that it can be a complicated process and we aim to make it simple to import your car to the United Kingdom.

Here are the steps to register a vehicle with a NOVA certificate so you have an idea of the process but we recommend getting in touch for more information on the service that we offer.

Ensure Compliance with UK Regulations:

Before starting the registration process, we ensure that your imported vehicle complies with UK safety and environmental standards. It should meet the necessary vehicle requirements, such as lighting, seatbelts, and emissions standards.

If it doesn’t then components like lighting might require adjustments. When you get a quote to import your car we undertake all of this on your behalf.

Obtain a NOVA Certificate:

You should have already obtained a NOVA certificate when you notified HMRC of your vehicle’s arrival in the UK. Make sure you have this certificate on hand before proceeding.

If you need help to get one then we will do this for you.

Register with the DVLA:

The next step is to register your vehicle with the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency). We will complete the necessary paperwork on your behalf and use your NOVA certificate to get the car registered in the United Kingdom.

Pay Applicable Fees:

You will need to pay the relevant fees for vehicle registration. The exact amount will depend on the vehicle type, engine size, and other factors. You can typically find fee information on the DVLA’s website.

We will provide you with accurate information at the time of quotation.

Obtain Number Plates:

After your vehicle is registered, we arrange for the issuance of UK number plates. These plates must meet UK standards and should be properly affixed to your vehicle. Again, this is something that My Car Import take care of.

In some rare cases we can remotely register your vehicle and will post your number plates to your house.

Insurance:

It’s mandatory to have insurance for your vehicle. You need to secure an insurance policy from a reputable provider.

We can provide assistance in ensuring your paperwork is correct at the time of registration so you don’t have issues registering your vehicle.

Vehicle Excise Duty (VED):

Ensure you have paid the required Vehicle Excise Duty (road tax) for your vehicle. You can typically do this online through the DVLA’s website.

This is something that we undertake on your behalf.

MOT (if applicable):

If your vehicle is over three years old, it will require an annual MOT (Ministry of Transport) test. Ensure that the vehicle has a valid MOT certificate if it’s necessary.

Again, this is something that we will advise upon during the import process.

The specific requirements and fees for registration may vary depending on the type and age of the vehicle. If you encounter any difficulties or have questions during the registration process, consider consulting with My Car Import to help you navigate the complexities of importing and registering your vehicle in the UK.

We import hundreds of cars each month and a plethora of those fall into the NOVA category.

Get your no obligation free quote today

Will I pay import tax?

Are you moving to the UK?

If you are moving to the UK, have lived outside the UK for more than 12 months and have owned the car for more than 6 months, you will be eligible for a tax and duty free import.

To qualify, you will complete a Transfer of Residency application with HMRC. Customers of My Car Import have access to handy guides to complete this application.

Get a quote

Have you bought a car from the EU?

Vehicles registered in the EU attract 20% import VAT, based on the purchase price of the car and any associated transport costs to bring it to the UK. The import VAT is calculated on your purchase invoice for the car, or a recent valuation if the invoice is more than 3 months old.

Get a quote

Have you bought a car from outside the EU?

Vehicles registered outside the EU attract 20% import VAT and 10% import Duty, based on the purchase price of the car and any associated transport costs to bring it to the UK. The import VAT is calculated on your purchase invoice for the car, or a recent valuation if the invoice is more than 3 months old.

Get a quote

Have you bought a classic car?

Vehicles over 30 years old qualify for a special rate of taxation, due to their historical interest, similar to an antiquity.

You will pay 5% import VAT and no import Duty, based on the purchase price of the car and any associated transport costs to bring it to the UK. The import VAT is calculated on your purchase invoice for the car, or a recent valuation if the invoice is more than 3 months old.

Get a quote

Have you got a car that was formerly UK registered?

If you exported a car from the UK and are now returning with it, you may be able to import the car back into the UK tax free, as long as you can provide a UK purchase invoice when you acquired the car, along with a copy of your former UK V5C logbook.

Get a quote

For a no obligation quotation to import your car fill out our quote form.

We have imported thousands of cars from around the world into the United Kingdom and we have over 25 years experience doing so.

Get a quote
Get a quote