Importing a vehicle to the UK is entirely achievable, but there’s a clear process to follow before your vehicle is road legal.
At Advance Insurance, we’ve helped drivers protect their imported vehicles for over 90 years. Whether you’re bringing over a JDM classic, an American muscle car, or a European model, our guide walks you through importing a vehicle to the UK in 2026, step by step, so you know exactly what to expect.
How Do You Import Cars to the UK in 2026?
You have two options for importing a car to the UK:
- Do it independently, or
- Hire an import agent to handle it for you.
The steps below cover the independent route: importing the vehicle yourself, either via shipping or by bringing it through the Channel Tunnel or on a ferry.
Step 1: Notify HMRC Within 14 Days
As soon as your vehicle arrives in the UK, you have 14 days to inform HMRC using the NOVA (Notification of Vehicle Arrivals) system. Missing this deadline can result in a penalty. If you’re using a shipping company or import agent, they can handle this on your behalf.
Do You Need an Import Agent?
If doing it yourself doesn’t seem feasible, a licensed import agent can handle most of it for you: customs declarations, HMRC notifications, shipping logistics, and paperwork. You’ll pay a fee for the service, but it can save considerable time and reduce the risk of errors.
Step 2: Pay Import Duty and VAT
Most imported vehicles are subject to:
- 10% customs duty on the vehicle’s total value (including shipping and insurance)
- 20% VAT on top of that combined figure
You may qualify for relief if you’re relocating to the UK permanently (Transfer of Residence relief), re-importing a vehicle you previously owned (Returned Goods Relief), or visiting for under six months.
Step 3: Get Vehicle Approval
Before registering your car, it needs to meet UK safety and environmental standards.
- Non-EU vehicles (grey imports from Japan, the US, etc.) must pass an Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) test, administered by the DVSA. Budget around £199 and book early – test centres fill up quickly. Common modifications needed beforehand include adjusting headlights for left-dip, converting the speedometer to mph, and fitting a rear fog light.
- EU-registered vehicles typically need a European Certificate of Conformity from the manufacturer instead.
- Vehicles over 10 years old usually only require a standard MOT.
Step 4: Register with the DVLA
Once NOVA (Notification of Vehicle Arrival) is confirmed and IVA is passed, you can register the vehicle using:
- Form V55/5 for used imports
- Form V55/4 for new or previously unregistered vehicles
You’ll need originals (not copies) of your IVA certificate, foreign registration document, proof of identity, and payment of the £55 registration fee plus first-year vehicle tax. DVLA processing can take 4–6 weeks.
Step 5: Arrange Specialist Insurance
This is where many importers run into trouble. Standard insurers often can’t quote for imported vehicles. They lack the claims data, don’t recognise the model, or undervalue it significantly.
Grey imports in particular tend to be high-performance vehicles with non-standard specifications and parts that may need to be sourced overseas. All of this requires underwriting.
With over 90 years of experience, Advance Insurance works with underwriters who genuinely understand imported vehicles. We can arrange cover using your VIN before DVLA registration is complete, offer agreed value policies for high-spec or rare imports, and ensure modifications are properly recognised – not treated as afterthoughts.
Important: Don’t Drive Until You’re Covered
Your vehicle must not be driven (or even parked on a public road) until it’s registered, taxed, and insured. These three things must be in place before you turn a wheel on UK roads.
Contact Advance Insurance to arrange specialist import car insurance. Protect your pride and joy from day one.
Additional resources:
https://www.gov.uk/importing-vehicles-into-the-uk
https://www.gov.uk/vehicle-approval/exemptions-from-vehicle-approval
