Permanently exporting a car from the United Kingdom involves several steps to ensure a smooth and compliant process. Whether you’re relocating or selling your car abroad, here’s a general outline of the steps you need to take to export a car from the UK:
1. Notify the DVLA:
Before exporting your car, you need to inform the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) that you’re taking the car out of the country. You can do this by completing the V5C/4 section (yellow slip) of the car’s registration certificate (V5C) and sending it to the DVLA. This notifies them of the change in car ownership or export status.
2. Gather Documentation:
Collect all necessary documents related to the car, such as the car’s registration certificate (V5C), car history, and any relevant service records. These documents may be needed for customs clearance and registration in the destination country.
3. Cancel Insurance:
Cancel your car insurance policy in the UK once the car has been exported. You may need to provide evidence of the car’s export status to the insurance company.
4. Choose a Shipping Method:
Decide on the shipping method for transporting the car to the destination country. Common methods include container shipping, roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) shipping, and air freight. Choose a reputable shipping company and make arrangements for transportation.
5. Complete Customs Documentation:
Prepare the necessary customs documentation for exporting the car. This may include export declaration forms and any required certificates of origin.
6. Declare the Export to Customs:
Present the car and the required documentation to customs at the departure port. Customs officials will process the export declaration and may conduct inspections if necessary.
7. Pay Any Export Fees:
Be aware of any export fees or taxes that may apply. These can vary depending on the destination country and the value of the car.
8. Hand Over Vehicle:
If using a shipping company, hand over the car to them for loading onto the chosen mode of transportation.
9. Inform the Destination Country:
Research the import regulations and requirements of the destination country. Depending on the country, you may need to provide documents to customs upon arrival.
10. Notify the DVLA Again:
After the car has been exported, you need to complete the V5C/4 section (yellow slip) of the V5C again and send it to the DVLA to confirm the export. This helps finalize the export process and ensures you’re no longer responsible for the car’s UK-related obligations.
11. Register the Vehicle in the Destination Country:
Once the car arrives in the destination country, you’ll need to follow their procedures for registering the car and paying any applicable import duties or taxes.
12. Cancel Any UK Road Tax:
Ensure that any UK road tax related to the exported car is canceled to avoid unnecessary charges.
Keep in mind that the specific requirements and procedures for exporting a car can vary depending on the destination country and the type of car. It’s advisable to research the export regulations of both the UK and the destination country thoroughly, and consider seeking advice from professionals or organizations experienced in international car export.