Exporting Your Car from the UK: A Complete Guide

Taking your beloved vehicle overseas, whether for a short holiday or a permanent relocation, involves a series of crucial steps and considerations. Navigating the regulations set by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) and understanding various export schemes can seem daunting, but with the right information, you can ensure a smooth transition for your car. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the intricacies of exporting a UK-registered vehicle, covering everything from temporary trips to permanent moves and special schemes for new car purchases.

Understanding Vehicle Export Types: Temporary vs. Permanent

The first and most critical step in exporting your vehicle from the UK is determining the intended duration of its stay overseas. This distinction dictates the specific procedures and documentation required by the DVLA and other authorities. Essentially, your options boil down to two main categories: temporary export and permanent export.

Temporary Export: Adventures Under 12 Months

If your plan is to take your vehicle out of the United Kingdom for a period of less than 12 months, this is classified as a 'temporary export'. While less stringent than a permanent move, there are still vital requirements you must adhere to:

• V5C Registration Certificate: You must take your V5C registration certificate (logbook) with you. It's advisable to ensure your V5C is up-to-date with your most recent UK address well in advance of travel, ideally allowing at least six weeks for any updates to be processed and the document returned to you. Keep it accessible, as you may need to present it at destination ports or border crossings.
• UK Driving Laws Still Apply: A temporary export does not exempt your vehicle from UK driving laws. Your vehicle must:
  • Have current UK road tax, even while it is overseas.
  • Possess a valid MOT test certificate.
  • Be covered by the minimum legal insurance.

  In addition to UK laws, your vehicle must also comply with any international or national driving abroad regulations concerning vehicle licensing and taxation in the countries you will be visiting.

Permanent Export: Moving On for 12 Months or More

If you intend for your DVLA registered vehicle to remain outside the United Kingdom for 12 months or longer, it becomes a 'permanent export'. This requires formal notification to the DVLA before your departure:

• Notifying the DVLA: You must complete the ‘V5C/4 notification of permanent export’ section of your V5C registration certificate. This section should then be detached and sent to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BD.
• Retaining Your V5C: It is crucial to retain the remainder of your V5C registration certificate (logbook), as this document will likely be essential for registering the vehicle in its new overseas country.
• Vehicle Tax Refund: If you are due a vehicle tax refund, you can include a letter with your V5C/4 notification, specifying an overseas address for the refund to be sent. The refund process typically takes 4 to 6 weeks.
• No V5C? If you do not possess the V5C registration certificate, you will need to apply for a replacement using form V62 before you can complete the export notification.
• Driving Licence Address: If you are moving to live overseas, remember to update the address on your driving licence with the DVLA.
• Personalised Registration Numbers: Exporting a vehicle permanently from the UK may result in the loss of any private number plates associated with it. To avoid losing the right to keep your personalised registration number, you should either transfer or retain it before the vehicle leaves the UK.
• Already Left the UK? If you have already left the United Kingdom without notifying the DVLA, you will need to apply for an ‘Application for a certificate of permanent export V561’ (also known as form V756 export certificate). This form informs the DVLA that your vehicle has been permanently exported.

Here's a quick comparison of the key requirements for temporary vs. permanent export:

The Personal Export Scheme and New Vehicle Exports

The term 'Personal Export Scheme' specifically refers to a programme (detailed in VAT Notice 707) that allows individuals to purchase a new or used vehicle in the UK without paying UK VAT (Value Added Tax) or, in some cases, other vehicle taxes, provided the vehicle is intended for export. This is particularly relevant for those buying a brand new vehicle to take out of the United Kingdom, which is officially termed the supply of a 'New Means of Transport'.

Buying a New Vehicle for Export

When purchasing a brand new vehicle specifically to take out of the UK, you generally avoid paying UK VAT or vehicle registration fees, provided certain conditions are met:

• Inside the European Union (EU): If you are buying a new vehicle to take to another EU country, no UK VAT is due if you take the vehicle out of the UK within two months. Crucially, you must not drive it in the UK beforehand, unless it is formally registered and taxed. The vehicle supplier will provide you with form VAT 411, which you must complete. Upon arrival in the other EU country, you are responsible for declaring the vehicle and paying the local VAT there.
• Outside the European Union (EU): The 'VAT Notice 707: Personal Export Scheme' governs the export of new or used vehicles outside the EU without incurring UK VAT liabilities. However, you would still typically need to pay the registration fee and relevant vehicle taxes.

Eligibility for the Personal Export Scheme (Outside EU)

You may qualify for the Personal Export Scheme if:

• You are from outside of the European Union.
• You are an EU resident who intends to leave the EU for at least six months.

A general rule for this scheme is that you must be personally driving the vehicle to a non-EU country.

Key Aspects of the Personal Export Scheme:

• Required Forms: Your supplier will provide you with form VAT 410 (for used cars) or VX302 (for new cars) to fill in.
• Driving in the UK Prior to Export: Under this scheme, you are typically permitted to drive the vehicle in the United Kingdom for a limited period after the delivery date: up to 6 months for EU residents leaving the EU, and up to 12 months for non-EU residents.
• Export Deadline: The precise date by which the vehicle must be exported will be indicated on your VX302 (for new cars) or VAT 410 form (for used cars). Once the vehicle has been exported, you must send the relevant document to the DVLA as proof.
• Consequences of Non-Export: It is vital to adhere to the export deadline. Failure to export the vehicle before this date will result in you being liable to pay the full UK VAT.

Additional Considerations for Vehicle Export

Beyond the core DVLA and VAT regulations, several other factors can impact your vehicle export process, especially depending on your destination.

Taking a Vehicle Outside the European Union: Import Duty and CPD Carnets

If you are taking your vehicle outside of the EU, it may be subject to import duty in the destination country. The authorities in that country will confirm whether duty is applicable. To avoid paying overseas duty and simplify border crossings, particularly for temporary imports into multiple countries, you can purchase a CPD Carnet (Carnet de Passages en Douane).

• A CPD Carnet acts as a customs document that allows the temporary importation of private vehicles duty-free and tax-free into countries where it is required.
• It typically takes about four weeks to obtain a CPD Carnet after application.
• The cost is around £210, plus a percentage deposit guarantee, which is refundable upon the vehicle's re-export.

Taking a Hired Vehicle Overseas Temporarily

If you plan to take a hired or leased vehicle overseas temporarily, you will need a VE103 vehicle on hire certificate. This document serves as proof that you have permission from the vehicle's owner (the rental or leasing company) to use it for driving abroad. VE103 certificates are not free but can be obtained from organisations such as the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA), RAC Motoring Services, or the Road Haulage Association (RHA).

Bringing an Untaxed Vehicle Back to the UK

It is strictly prohibited to drive a vehicle back into the United Kingdom if it is untaxed. If your vehicle's tax has expired while abroad, you will have to transport it (e.g., on a trailer or by a recovery service) and immediately make a SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification) upon its return to the UK.

Moving a Vehicle Between Great Britain and Northern Ireland

A V561 certificate is not required for moving a vehicle between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Instead, you simply need to fill in the ‘address change’ section on your V5CNI or V5C registration certificate and send the completed section to DVLA, Swansea, SA6 7JL.

The Car Shipping Process: Getting Your Vehicle There

Once you've sorted out the necessary documentation and determined your export type, the next practical step is arranging the physical transport of your vehicle. Reputable vehicle shipping companies offer various methods to suit your needs:

Choosing a Shipping Method

• Containerised Shipment: This method offers enhanced security, as your vehicle is loaded, lashed, and secured within a dedicated sealed container. This option is ideal if you wish to ship personal or household effects inside the car or container. Many companies offer professional loading and securing services at various UK depots, and some even provide unpacking and delivery services at the destination.
• Roll-on/Roll-off (RORO) Shipping: RORO vessels are purpose-built to transport vehicles. Cars are driven directly onto the ship via ramps and then securely lashed to the deck to prevent movement during transit. This method is generally more cost-effective for single vehicles and protects them from external elements as they are stored under deck.

Vehicle Collection and Delivery

Most shipping companies offer a car collection service from anywhere in the UK, which is often the most convenient way to get your vehicle to the export port. Alternatively, you may have the option to deliver your vehicle to the port yourself. Many companies also have overseas agents in major ports to assist with the import process at the destination.

Top Tips for a Smooth Shipping Process

• Obtain Necessary Documentation: Beyond your V5C, ensure you have all other essential documents, including proof of ownership, a valid driver's licence, photo ID, and the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
• Check Vehicle History: If your vehicle has any outstanding finance owed on it, you will need written approval from the loan company before you can ship it. Customs authorities may check for this, especially if you do not have an export certificate.
• Understand Import Duty and Taxes: While shipping companies can transport your car, they typically do not cover import duties or taxes at the destination port. It is the responsibility of the person collecting the vehicle to pay these charges. It is absolutely vital that you research and understand the import duties and taxes applicable in your destination country before commencing the shipment process to avoid unexpected and potentially high costs. Shipping companies can often assist with necessary import clearance documentation but cannot control the charges levied by overseas customs authorities.

Frequently Asked Questions About Vehicle Export

Q: How long does it take to get my V5C back if I need to update it?

A: It's best to allow at least six weeks before your planned travel date if your V5C needs updating. This ensures you receive it back in time.

Q: Can I get a tax refund if I permanently export my car?

A: Yes, you can get a vehicle tax refund if you permanently export your car. You should include a letter with your V5C/4 notification to the DVLA, specifying an overseas address for the refund. The process typically takes 4 to 6 weeks.

Q: What is a CPD Carnet and do I need one?

A: A CPD Carnet (Carnet de Passages en Douane) is a customs document that allows the temporary importation of vehicles into countries outside the EU without paying import duties. You would typically need one if you're taking your vehicle to a non-EU country that requires it to avoid paying duties upon entry. It costs around £210 plus a refundable deposit and takes about four weeks to obtain.

Q: Can I drive a new car in the UK before exporting it under the Personal Export Scheme?

A: Under the Personal Export Scheme, you can drive the vehicle in the UK for up to 6 months (for EU residents leaving the EU) or up to 12 months (for non-EU residents) after delivery, before it must be exported. However, for new vehicles exported to the EU without VAT, you generally cannot drive it in the UK beforehand unless it is registered and taxed.

Q: What happens if I don't export my vehicle by the deadline under the Personal Export Scheme?

A: If you fail to export the vehicle by the specified deadline under the Personal Export Scheme, you will become liable to pay the full UK VAT on the vehicle.

Q: Do I need special permission to take a hired vehicle abroad?

A: Yes, if you are taking a hired or leased vehicle overseas temporarily, you will need a VE103 vehicle on hire certificate. This proves you have the owner's permission to take the vehicle abroad.

Q: Can I ship household effects inside my car when exporting it?

A: If you opt for containerised shipment, many companies allow you to ship household effects inside your car and container, providing added convenience for your move.

Exporting a vehicle from the UK requires careful planning and adherence to specific regulations. By understanding the differences between temporary and permanent export, familiarising yourself with schemes like the Personal Export Scheme, and preparing all necessary documentation, you can ensure your vehicle's journey overseas is as seamless as possible. Always double-check the latest requirements with the DVLA and the customs authorities of your destination country to avoid any unexpected complications.

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