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Service level agreement with the DVLA
DVLA Registrations
Registering your vehicle can be a tiresome process with lengthy waiting times, but our longstanding relationship with the DVLA allows us to expedite the process and handle all required paperwork.
- Service level agreement with the DVLA
- Imported passenger cars in 10 working days
- V55 and all DVLA paperwork completed for you
- IVA and MSVA applications handled end to end
- Certificate of Conformity and compliance declarations
- Classic car documentation sourced through our network
10working days
Our DVLA account
Registered in ten working days, not weeks
Due to a longstanding relationship with the DVLA, as well as close ties to motoring organisations, My Car Import have a service level agreement with the DVLA to register imported passenger cars within 10 working days. My Car Import customers benefit from a significantly reduced lead time to get their car registered and on the road due to our fast track service.
Find your route
Which route does your car take?
Two questions. You get the route, the test and a realistic timescale – the full version of each is further down the page.
1Where is it registered now?
2How old is it?
Answer both questions and your route appears here.
Your route
Certificate of Conformity route
- Test
- A CoC, plus an MOT
- How long
- 7–14 working days once we submit your V55
European cars under 10 years old will require a Certificate of Conformity in order to be registered via the GB Conversion IVA scheme.
Vehicles that we can register with a Certificate of Conformity – we will usually register remotely, without the vehicle ever needing to come here which saves a bit of time as the work can be done locally to you.
Under three years old? It may need an IVA test instead – we’ll confirm when we quote.
Your route
IVA or MSVA test
- Test
- IVA (cars) or MSVA (motorcycles)
- How long
- Quoted per vehicle
Vehicles from outside of Europe will typically require an IVA or MSVA test to be registered. We handle all paperwork relating to IVA and MSVA test applications, and all DVLA paperwork after a successful test.
A vehicle from the USA might need a day’s worth of work to get the lighting compliant for the test, but a right hand drive car from Japan might just need a speedo and a fog.
Your route
Over ten years old
- Test
- An MOT
- How long
- A few weeks
Vehicles that are over ten years old are significantly easier to import than modern vehicles and we usually require your registration document, and an MOT carried out on the vehicle. Once submitted, you should have your V5C in the post within a few weeks.
The process can be more lengthy depending on if you have the original registration document for your vehicle.
Your route
Classic – over 40 years
- Test
- Declarations to become MOT and road tax exempt
- How long
- Can stretch into months
For classic vehicles within this age group, we recommend getting in touch due to the amount of registration documentation required.
In this case the entire process can stretch into the months whilst we await requests for additional information or requests to inspect the vehicle.
Over 30 years old? That’s the threshold for the reduced 5% import VAT rate – a separate rule from the 40 years here.
Your route
Returning UK car
- Test
- Depends on its age – we’ll tell you
- How long
- Quoted per vehicle
We provide comprehensive car import assistance services for customers across the world, and we successfully import and register previously UK-registered cars.
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.
Which route applies
We're highly experienced in dealing with any type of vehicle registration within the UK
The route to registration is slightly different depending on the year the vehicle was manufactured. Registration varies from one car to another based on a number of factors, so we can provide you with up to date guidance.
Under ten years old
Vehicles under ten years old have a slightly more complicated route to registration. Our vast experience means that we can speed up the process.
My Car Import specialises in expert car registration services for imported cars under 10 years old. We work closely with the DVLA, and our team possesses in-depth knowledge of the DVLA regulations and requirements for registering imported cars under 10 years old. We remain updated with the latest guidelines and procedures.
The process differs from registering a car over ten years old, but we simplify the entire process. We take care of all necessary documentation on your behalf, meticulously assess the compliance of your imported car with UK regulations, and guide you on any modifications or adaptations necessary to meet the safety and environmental standards set by the DVLA.
European registered vehicles
European cars under 10 years old will require a Certificate of Conformity in order to be registered via the GB Conversion IVA scheme. We ensure vehicle paperwork satisfies UK compliance and undertake any necessary physical modifications. The compliance declaration is essential and requires specific formatting and wording. It is highly advisable to seek professional assistance.
Vehicles registered outside of Europe
Vehicles from outside of Europe will typically require an IVA or MSVA test to be registered. We handle all paperwork relating to IVA and MSVA test applications, and all DVLA paperwork after a successful test. There are a variety of classes for IVA and MSVA tests as well as an intricate application process, therefore customers of My Car Import benefit greatly from employing our services.
Over ten years old
Vehicles over ten years old often have an easier route to registration but it still carries potential complications.
For cars over 10 years old, we can help to get your car to the UK and fully registered. We have extensive knowledge of the DVLA regulations and requirements for registering imported cars over 10 years old, and we always ensure we're up to date with the latest guidelines and procedures.
We take care of all documentation on your behalf. Our professionals meticulously assess the compliance of your imported car with UK regulations and will guide you on any modifications or adaptations necessary to meet the safety and environmental standards set by the DVLA. We provide a very tailored service, and support throughout the registration process.
Older than 40 years
For classic vehicles within this age group, we recommend getting in touch due to the amount of registration documentation required.
Forty years or thirty? Forty years is when a car can become MOT and road tax exempt, on a rolling basis. The import tax rule is different: a car over 30 years old can qualify for the reduced 5% import VAT rate. See “Will I pay import tax?” further down this page.
Registering classic cars in the UK can be a minefield, from sourcing the correct documentation, to making the correct declarations in order to become MOT and Road Tax exempt. It is common for classic cars to not have the correct documentation and therefore our specialist registration team are on hand to use our network of contacts to compile the correct documents needed in order to be registered in the UK.
Our experienced team understands the unique requirements and care that classic vehicles demand, ensuring smooth transportation, compliance with UK regulations, and seamless customs clearance. From modifications to registration, we handle every detail with precision. Whether it's a rare vintage find or a cherished classic, we'll register and deliver it to your doorstep ready to drive.
Paperwork
What we’ll need from you
Not much. Most of the paperwork on a registration is ours to produce – this is the short list of what has to come from you, and what we sort out ourselves.
From you
- The car’s registration documentWhatever it is registered on now – a registration certificate, or a title from the USA. For a car over ten years old it is usually the main thing we need.
- Proof of purchaseYour purchase invoice or bill of sale. Import VAT is calculated on it, or on a recent valuation if the invoice is more than 3 months old.
- Photo IDThe photo page of your passport.
- Coming home? Your old V5CIf the car was UK registered before, a copy of the former UK V5C logbook and your UK purchase invoice. It may come back tax free.
- Moving to the UK? Your ToR paperworkTransfer of Residency takes the tax off, and we help with the application. How Transfer of Residency works
What we sort out
- Certificate of ConformityIf the car needs one and you don’t have it, we order it. More on the CoC
- Dating evidenceFor an age-related plate, and for classics whose identity has to be evidenced.
- NOVA to HMRCSubmitted within 14 days of the car arriving. Without it the DVLA will reject the application. Customs and NOVA
- The testMOT, IVA or MSVA – whichever your car needs, carried out on our own site.
- The V55/5 and the DVLACompleted and submitted for you, with any extra evidence the DVLA asks for.
Missing something? It’s rarely fatal – we source Certificates of Conformity and dating evidence all the time. In fact we have helped with so many unique situations that we are very confident we can register your vehicle here.
Answers
Frequently asked questions
Not sure which route your car takes, or what paperwork you are missing? Call us and we will tell you.
How long does it take to register an imported car?
Due to a longstanding relationship with the DVLA, as well as close ties to motoring organisations, My Car Import have a service level agreement with the DVLA to register imported passenger cars within 10 working days. My Car Import customers benefit from a significantly reduced lead time to get their car registered and on the road due to our fast track service.
What is a V55?
V55 is the DVLA’s first registration form, and there are two versions. Most imported cars are registered on the V55/5, “Application for first vehicle tax and registration of a used motor vehicle”. The V55/4 is the version for a brand-new vehicle.
The V55 form gathers essential information about the car, the owner, and the intended use of the car. It includes sections for providing details such as the car's make, model, VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), engine specifications, and fuel type. The form also collects information about the registered keeper, their address, and any previous owners if applicable. It covers the car's taxation class, any applicable tax exemptions or reductions, and information about the car's previous registration if it has been registered before.
The V55 can be complex to understand, and mistakes can result in a rejected application. My Car Import can complete this on your behalf. There are also scenarios where you might be asked for additional evidence. We can handle that for you too.
Can you re-import a previously exported car to the UK?
Yes. Have you exported your car from the UK in the past and now wish to bring it back to the United Kingdom? We provide comprehensive car import assistance services for customers across the world, and we successfully import and register previously UK-registered cars.
The process involves certain steps and considerations:
- Eligibility. The car needs to comply with the UK's regulations and standards, including emissions and safety standards.
- Documentation. You will need documentation that proves the car's ownership and history, such as the original export documents and the car's title.
- Customs and import. UK customs need to be notified of your intention to re-import the car. Depending on the circumstances, import duties, taxes and other fees may be payable.
- Compliance. The car might need modifications or inspections to meet UK standards, particularly if regulations differ between the UK and where it was exported to.
- Testing. If the car requires testing or certification to meet UK roadworthiness standards, that has to be completed.
- Registration. Once the car is back in the UK it has to be registered and licensed with the DVLA.
- Insurance. Make sure you have valid insurance in place before driving it on UK roads.
We handle the intricate details, paperwork and logistics involved, and our team will guide you through the requirements, regulations and steps involved. Don't hesitate to get in touch for more information on getting your former UK car registered in the United Kingdom.
Related
The rest of the process
Registration is the last step. These pages cover what has to happen before the DVLA will look at your car.
- Certificate of ConformityWhat it is, when you need one and how to get it.
- Date of buildGetting the build date right decides which rules your car is registered under.
- Vehicle modificationsThe compliance work and onsite testing that comes before registration.
- TransportGetting the car to our premises in the first place.
- IVA testingTested here, on our own private IVA lane, rather than in a government test centre queue.
- How long it takesRealistic timescales for each route, and what slows them down.