Simply fill out the form for a no obligation quote to import your vehicle
Importing your car from France to the United Kingdom
Why choose My Car Import?
Are you looking for a company that can help to import your car from France to the United Kingdom? Google us and you’ll see that we have hundreds of reviews, all positive. Our quotes are fully inclusive and based entirely on your requirements. We have imported so many cars from France it is hard to keep track of!
But we are here to take care of everything for you. Whether they are former UK cars or those wanting to move to the United Kingdom under the TOR scheme.
So rest assured we can assist with the import of your car to the United Kingdom from France. When you fill in a quote form we will have all the details we need to give you a bespoke quotation to get your French car registered in the United Kingdom, even if it needs transporting.
You can find out more about the process of importation of your car on this page, but don’t hesitate to get in touch and speak with a member of staff.
What is the process for importing a car from France?
The process for importing cars from France to the UK is slightly different depending on your unique circumstances, but we find that most of the cars we register from France are driven to the UK by their owners and are already here, simply requiring the import registration paperwork to be processed with the DVLA.
Which of course we can undertake for you, and any work can be undertaken on your vehicle locally to you to make the vehicle compliant, and we can take care of the paperwork for you for an administration fee.
This is the course most of our customers take unless their vehicle is slightly newer and requires an IVA test. But for most vehicles over ten years old, we offer a remote registration service to assist with all of the paperwork.
Now, if you want us to take care of the entire process of getting your car from France into the United Kingdom, then to our facility, modified, and later registered – we can also do that.
Fill out a quote form with as many details as possible and we will tailor the quote exactly to your needs and specific requirements. We understand that not everyone will not want to drive from France, or perhaps they want it registered before driving it in the United Kingdom.
We don’t believe in a one size fits all approach and want to hear about your car.
Transport
Most of the cars we register from France are already in the United Kingdom. However, if you require transportation don’t hesitate to mention in your quote request that you need us to collect the car. All cars are fully insured during their transit to the United Kingdom and we take care of all the customs entry paperwork and organise all of the transport making it a simple process to import your car.
We have also recently invested in a euro multi car transporter that is in Europe every week collecting cars. So if you want us to handle the entire process for you including our own bespoke transportation, then don’t hesitate to get in touch.
DVLA registrations
As we successfully lobbied for our clients to have access to our own My Car Import dedicated DVLA Account Manager, on passing the testing phase, the registration can be approved far quicker ensuring that french car registrations are faster than alternative methods.
We can then fit your new UK number plates and have the car ready for either collection or delivery to a location of your choice.
A streamlined, convenient process that has been tailored over many years, importing a car from France to the UK couldn’t be easier. To run through your requirements and find out more about our offering, contact us today on +44 (0) 1332 81 0442.
Once your car has cleared customs and is delivered to our premises we modify the car
The car is modified and tested by ourselves for compliance in the United Kingdom.
After which all relevant testing is undertaken onsite at our privately owned IVA testing lane.
- We modify your car at our premises
- We test your car at our premises
- We take care of the entire process
What modifications might your car require?
When importing French cars into the United Kingdom, certain modifications may be required to ensure the cars comply with UK regulations and standards. The specific modifications depend on the car’s make, model, and the differences between French and UK specifications. Here are some common modifications that might be needed:
Headlights
The UK drives on the left-hand side of the road, so French cars with right-hand drive headlights may need to be converted to left-hand drive headlights for UK roads.
Additionally, the headlight beam pattern may need to be adjusted to avoid blinding oncoming traffic.
Stickers can be used for temporary conversions but they are less effective and we always advise adjustment or replacement depending on your circumstances.
Speedomoter
The speedometer may need to be changed or adapted to display speeds in miles per hour (mph) instead of kilometres per hour (km/h) used in France.
There are a few ways to do this ranging from replacing the full speedometer, to simply replacing the fascia.
This involves removing the face of the dials and changing the face of the speedometer.
Fog lights
French cars may have a single rear fog light on the left side, while the UK requires two rear fog lights (left and right). This means adding an additional rear fog light to comply with UK regulations.
It’s important to note that the specific modifications required may vary depending on the individual car and the changes needed to meet UK standards.
We take care of everything that is required to make your car legal to drive in the United Kingdom.
Frequently asked questions
What is the process for importing cars under ten years old?
We do this using an IVA test. We have the only privately operated IVA testing facility in the UK, meaning your car will not be waiting for a testing slot at a government testing centre, which can take weeks, if not months to obtain. We IVA test every week on-site and therefore have the fastest turnaround to get your car registered and on UK roads.
Every car is different and every manufacturer has different support standards for assisting their clients through the import process, so please get a quote so we can discuss the optimum speed and cost option for your circumstances.
We manage the whole process on your behalf, whether that is dealing with the homologation team of your car’s manufacturer or the Department for Transport, so you can relax in the knowledge that you will be legally registered with the DVLA in the shortest time possible.
Australian cars may require some modifications, including the speedo to display an MPH reading and the rear fog light positioning if it is not already universally compliant.
We have built an extensive catalogue of the makes and models of cars we have imported so can give you an accurate estimate of what your car will require to be ready for its IVA test.
What is the process for importing cars over ten years old?
Cars over 10 years old are type approval exempt but still require a safety test, called an MOT, and similar modifications to an IVA test prior to registration. The modifications depend on the age but are generally to the rear fog light.
If your car is over 40 years old it does not need an MOT test and can be delivered directly to your UK address ahead of it being registered.
How long does it take to transport a car from France to the United Kingdom?
When it comes to transporting a car from France to the United Kingdom by road, the transportation time can vary depending on factors such as the distance, route, road conditions, and any potential delays at border crossings or customs procedures.
On average, the journey from France to the United Kingdom by road can take approximately 1 to 3 days. However, it’s important to note that this is just an estimated timeframe and can be influenced by various factors, including the specific locations in France and the UK, the efficiency of the transport company, and any unforeseen circumstances during transit.
Often we use multiple transporters so you will have to get in touch for a more accurate answer.
Can you assist with registering a car was formerly registered in thee United Kingdom but is now registered in France?
At My Car Import, we can assist with the smooth transportation of your former UK car, unless it is of course already in the United Kingdom.
Whether you’re a UK resident relocating back home or a car enthusiast bringing your cherished car back to British shores, we are here to streamline the process for you. With our expertise in international car transportation, we handle all the logistics, paperwork, and customs requirements, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
Our dedicated team understands the intricacies of returning UK cars and works diligently to provide efficient and reliable services. Trust us to handle the journey from France to the UK, bringing your car safely back to its home.
We can also assist with the modification and registration of the car. Contact us today to discuss your specific needs.
Can I import a car that doesn't meet the emission standards in the UK?
Generally speaking you shouldn’t have an issue with importing your car. Most of the cars made in the EU will already conform to the same standards as the United Kingdom.
So unless there is an issue with your car or it has been modified to remove emission reducing components (like a DPF or Catalytic converter) it should be okay.
We would advise getting in touch using our quote form for more information and if your car is highly modified or changed please let us know.
How long does the import process typically take to register a car originally from France in the UK?
The import process duration can vary depending on factors such as customs clearance, paperwork processing, and transport logistics. It is advisable to allow several weeks for the entire process to be completed.
You might find it is longer depending on your unique circumstances. It is best to fill in a quote form for more information on the process.
Can you drive the car from France to the United Kingdom yourself?
Yes, it is possible to drive the car from France to the UK yourself. However, you will need to ensure that you have the necessary documentation, such as temporary insurance and a valid driving license.
You might have noticed that a lot of cars in the United Kingdom are driving on their own countries number plates and are not registered in the United Kingdom.
For a short period of time when you arrive in the United Kingdom you do not need to register the car.
It is only required if you plan on staying in the United Kingdom.
What are some of the modifications that are made to the majority of cars?
The car may require modifications or adjustments to meet UK standards, such as converting the headlights to the appropriate side or adapting the speedometer to display in miles per hour.
We will know what is required when you fill in the quote form.