Documents the DVLA Needs to Register an Imported Vehicle
To register an imported vehicle the DVLA needs original paperwork, never photocopies: proof of vehicle approval, the original foreign registration certificate (you will not get it back) and evidence of the collection date, with the £55 registration fee and the vehicle tax. Your NOVA application must be processed first.
This is the checklist, taken only from GOV.UK, followed by what holds an application up. For the full route from arrival to number plates, see our guide on how to register an imported car with the DVLA.
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What documents does the DVLA need for an imported vehicle?
The originals below, plus the normal application documents. GOV.UK, registering an imported vehicle lists the extra documents for imports, and GOV.UK, new registrations lists the rest.
| Document | When you need it |
|---|---|
| Application form V55/5 | Used imported vehicles. V55/4 is for new vehicles, including new imports |
| Proof of vehicle approval (original) | If the vehicle needs approval, which is checked below |
| Original foreign registration certificate | Shows the manufacture date. Not returned |
| Evidence of the collection date | For example the supplier's invoice (original) |
| Declaration of newness, form V267 (original) | Only when registering a new vehicle |
| Form V627/3 (original) | Only if the vehicle is structurally modified beyond the manufacturer's specification |
| Proof of identity (photocopies) | A photocard driving licence, or one document for your name and one for your address, the bills from the last 3 months |
| MOT evidence | If the vehicle is over 3 years old |
| £55 registration fee and vehicle tax | With every application, if the registration fee applies to you |
Source: GOV.UK, registering an imported vehicle and GOV.UK, new registrations. Read on 10 October 2026.
Does the DVLA want originals or photocopies?
Originals for the import documents. GOV.UK is blunt: "Do not send photocopies or faxed copies." Proof of identity is the exception, where the DVLA asks for photocopies of your driving licence, or of one document proving your name and one proving your address. The DVLA returns your identity documents with the V5C if the application is approved (GOV.UK, new registrations).
What if you have no foreign registration certificate?
The DVLA might accept other proof of the manufacture date. GOV.UK gives two examples: a letter from the manufacturer, or a letter from a vehicle enthusiast club. It says "might", so the DVLA decides, and the page does not name any other accepted proof. If you do have the certificate, send the original: it shows the manufacture date and you will not get it back (GOV.UK, registering an imported vehicle).
Do you always need proof of vehicle approval?
No. You need approval to tax a vehicle first registered on or after 1 March 2001 with EU type approval that is a light goods vehicle (up to 3,500kg) or a car or minibus with 8 or fewer passenger seats and a CO2 figure. Cars and light goods vehicles over 10 years old are exempt from approval (GOV.UK, getting vehicle approval; GOV.UK, exemptions from vehicle approval).
If the vehicle needs approval and you have none, send a letter with your application explaining why. If it is registered outside the EU, approval means IVA, or MSVA for 2-, 3- and smaller 4-wheeled vehicles. If it is registered in the EU, it means a European Certificate of Conformity from the manufacturer, plus a GB conversion IVA certificate for a left-hand drive vehicle (fee £100). The motorcycle route is in our guide to registering an imported motorcycle.
Not sure which of these your vehicle needs? The list depends on the vehicle's age, where it was registered and whether it was modified. We prepare your DVLA registration pack and check it against what the DVLA asks for, so it goes in complete the first time.
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When do you need V267 or V627/3?
V267 is the declaration of newness and is only for registering a new vehicle. V627/3 is only for a vehicle that has been structurally modified beyond the manufacturer's specification. Both must be originals (GOV.UK, registering an imported vehicle). A used import with no structural changes needs neither.
What must be done with HMRC before you apply?
Tell HMRC, get confirmation that your NOVA application is processed, and pay any VAT and customs duty. You cannot register the vehicle with the DVLA until NOVA processing is complete. HMRC says you must tell it within 14 days of the vehicle arriving, and that you may be fined if you are late (GOV.UK, telling HMRC; GOV.UK, registering an imported vehicle).
If the vehicle is shipped, a shipping company or customs agent, or HMRC's CARS team, makes the declaration. If you drove it in yourself, you contact the CARS team within 14 days. Duty owed must be paid before HMRC can make the declaration on the CARS route. Bassett does not make NOVA applications or customs declarations. You, your shipper or your agent do.
What holds up a DVLA application for an imported vehicle?
GOV.UK states these causes, and no others are listed here:
- NOVA not processed. Registration is blocked until it is (GOV.UK, telling HMRC).
- Photocopies or faxes of documents that must be originals (GOV.UK, registering an imported vehicle).
- No proof of approval for a vehicle that needs it. The DVLA will not register it without proof (GOV.UK, exemptions from vehicle approval).
- A seriously damaged vehicle. The DVLA cannot register or tax an imported vehicle classed as seriously damaged, for example "statutory write-off", "scrapped" or "non-repairable" on the foreign certificate. VAT, duty and approval fees already paid are not refunded (GOV.UK, new registrations; GOV.UK, getting vehicle approval).
- An inspection. The DVLA might ask to inspect the vehicle, and will write to you if it does (GOV.UK, registering an imported vehicle).
- Postage. GOV.UK tells you to pay the correct postage, and the DVLA cannot guarantee a return date for special delivery (GOV.UK, registering an imported vehicle; GOV.UK, new registrations).
GOV.UK does not say what the DVLA does with an application that is missing a document, so check the pack before it goes.
How long until you get the V5C?
It can take up to 6 weeks. You need the V5C before number plates can be made up. Until the steps are complete you can be prosecuted for using the vehicle on a public road, unless you are driving it to a pre-booked MOT or vehicle approval test (GOV.UK, registering an imported vehicle; GOV.UK, importing vehicles into the UK).
Frequently asked questions
Can I send photocopies of my import documents to the DVLA?
No. GOV.UK says: do not send photocopies or faxed copies. The import documents must be originals. The exception is identity evidence, where the DVLA asks for photocopies of your driving licence, or of a document proving your name and one proving your address.
Will the DVLA return my foreign registration certificate?
No. GOV.UK says you will not get the original foreign registration certificate back, because it shows the manufacture date and goes to the DVLA with your application.
What if my imported vehicle has no approval?
Send a letter with your application to the DVLA explaining why you do not have it. GOV.UK says this on its vehicle approval page. Vehicles over 10 years old (cars and light goods vehicles) are exempt from approval, so check the list of exemptions first.
Importing a vehicle and facing the DVLA paperwork?
We prepare your DVLA registration pack and check it against what the DVLA asks for, so it goes in complete the first time. The DVLA makes the decision, and you send the pack in.
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Sources: GOV.UK, importing vehicles into the UK; GOV.UK, registering an imported vehicle; GOV.UK, getting vehicle approval; GOV.UK, exemptions from vehicle approval; GOV.UK, telling HMRC; GOV.UK, new registrations. All read on 10 October 2026.