Italy → United Kingdom
Importing your car from Italy to the United Kingdom
If you are looking to import your car or motorbike from Italy to the United Kingdom we can assist in a plethora of ways.
- Cars and motorbikes
- Customs clearance handled in house
- IVA and MOT testing at our premises
- Number plates fitted or posted
Our services
If you are looking to import your car or motorbike from Italy to the United Kingdom we can assist in a plethora of ways.
Transporting your vehicle
Finding a reliable vehicle transporter can be tricky. We can assist with getting your car or motorbike to the United Kingdom safely.
Customs clearance
Our in-house team of experts can take care of getting your car through customs ensuring there are no delays.
Modifications
If your vehicle needs any modifications to ensure it is compliant, for example, changing the speedometer fascia.
Testing
We can IVA and MOT test at our premises in Castle Donington.
Registrations
We process the paperwork on your behalf to get the vehicle registered.
Number plates
Once registered we will fit your number plates or, in the case we are remotely registering, we will post them to you.
Why choose us?
Our quotes are fully inclusive and based entirely on your requirements
We are experts in logistics and can assist with getting your car into the United Kingdom from Italy safely.
If your car is already in the United Kingdom, you can bring it to our premises for the required works to be completed or we can remotely register your car if the necessary work has already been completed. However, if you require transportation of your car to the United Kingdom there are many different transport methods that can be used.
Depending on your requirements, the car can be transported inland to a port, or transported the entire way on a car transporter. Our car logistics solutions are bespoke to your car.
Once your car has cleared customs and is delivered to our premises, 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.
Checklist
What documents do you need to import a vehicle from Italy?
Exactly what is needed depends on the vehicle and on whether you are a transferring resident, but this is the paperwork we ask for on a typical Italian import. Italy also requires the vehicle to be formally deregistered for export (radiazione per esportazione) through the PRA before it leaves – send us photographs of whatever you have and we’ll tell you what is missing before any money changes hands.
Get these from the seller
- The Italian registration documentThe carta di circolazione (libretto) – the original, not a photocopy.
- Proof of ownershipThe certificato di proprietà. Since 2015 this is usually digital (CDPD) and held electronically by the PRA rather than issued as a paper certificate.
- The signed deed of saleThe atto di vendita or dichiarazione di vendita. In Italy the seller’s signature normally has to be authenticated (autentica di firma).
- Confirmation the car is clearA visura PRA shows any outstanding finance, lien (ipoteca) or administrative hold (fermo amministrativo) against the vehicle.
- The purchase invoice or bill of saleNeeded for the customs value – and for VAT if you are reclaiming.
- The Certificate of Conformity, if it has oneA CoC can keep a car under ten years old out of an IVA test. We can source one if it is missing.
- Photographs of the VIN and chassis plateTakes two minutes and settles most identity questions before you commit.
For the registration
- Proof of ownership
- Valid driving licence
- Passport or ID
- A valid insurance certificateYou will need UK insurance before the car can legally be driven here.
- The customs declarationWe raise and submit this for you as part of the import.
- For a Transfer of Residence claimEvidence you have lived outside the UK for more than 12 months and owned the car for more than 6 months.
Missing something? It is rarely fatal – we source Certificates of Conformity and dating evidence all the time.
Get your no obligation free quote today
Tell us where your car is and what stage you’re at, and we’ll price the whole job.
Frequently asked questions
Every vehicle is different. If yours isn’t covered here, just ask.
What is the process for importing cars under ten years old?
We do this using an IVA test. We were the first 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.
Italian 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.
What cars do we often import from Italy?
Italy is known for producing a wide range of cars that are popular among car enthusiasts worldwide. When it comes to car imports from Italy to the UK, some popular choices include:
Popular Italian imports
- FiatAn iconic Italian brand known for its stylish and compact cars. Models such as the Fiat 500, Panda and Tipo are popular choices.
- Alfa RomeoRenowned for elegant design, sporty performance and rich heritage. Models like the Giulia and Stelvio have gained popularity in the UK.
- FerrariSynonymous with luxury, speed and timeless Italian craftsmanship – the 488 GTB, F8 Tributo or the 812 Superfast.
- LamborghiniWith models like the Aventador and Huracán, Lamborghini offers breathtaking design and exceptional performance.
- MaseratiModels such as the Ghibli and Quattroporte showcase Italian elegance and craftsmanship.
- DucatiFrom superbikes like the Panigale to versatile models like the Multistrada, Ducati imports offer thrilling rides for motorcycle enthusiasts.
How long does it take to transport a car from Italy to the UK?
The duration can vary depending on the specific locations in both countries and the chosen method of transportation.
Estimated transit times
- Road transport – around 2 to 5 daysDepending on the distance and any potential delays at borders or during customs clearance.
- Ro-Ro (Roll-on/Roll-off) shipping – generally 2 to 7 daysDepending on the shipping company and the specific routes available.
- Container shipping – usually 7 to 14 daysDepending on the shipping company, availability of vessels, and potential delays at ports.
These timeframes are rough estimates and can be influenced by the specific departure and arrival points, weather conditions, customs procedures, and any unexpected delays.
What documents do I need to import my car from Italy?
From the seller you want the carta di circolazione, proof of ownership via the certificato di proprietà, the signed atto di vendita with the seller’s signature authenticated, a visura PRA confirming there is no outstanding finance or administrative hold, the purchase invoice, and the Certificate of Conformity if the vehicle has one.
The vehicle also needs to be deregistered for export (radiazione per esportazione) through the PRA before it leaves Italy.
For the registration itself you will need proof of ownership, a valid driving licence, passport or ID, and UK insurance before the car can be driven here. We raise the customs declaration for you.
Importing from somewhere else?
We collect from right across the EU. Pick a country for the guide to bringing a car home from there.
