Discovering the U.K.

Page 23

Discovering the U.K.

Car Registration

If you chose to bring your current vehicle to the U.K. and register it, that vehicle must be

registered with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) and adhere to specific

standards including:



Less than 10 years-old



Conform to European environmental and safety

regulations



Correspond to U.K. construction and use

regulations



Consistent with road vehicle lighting legislation

Importing used cars from an EU country usually requires a

certificate from the Vehicle Certification Agency. It states,

for example, that the headlights have been adjusted, the

car has a rear fog light, and the speedometer shows both

mph and km/h. This procedure is known as the Mutual

Recognition Scheme or Commission Notice Procedure.

If you and your car are not from an EU country, your vehicle must undergo an additional

inspection: the Individual Vehicle Approval scheme (IVA). These tests ensure that your car

conforms to British and European environmental and safety standards.

To register your vehicle, you’ll need to bring the following documents in their original form to

your local DVLA office:



An identity document (e.g., a valid passport)



Proof of your current address (e.g., a utility bill or recent bank statement)



The completed application form(s): V55/4 and V267 for new vehicles, V55/5 for used

vehicles



Proof of British motor insurance (third-party insurance is the legal minimum)



A specific import form from HMRC (for imported cars only)



All registration papers from abroad (for imported cars only)



Evidence of approval type (i.e., certificates from the Mutual Recognition and IVA

schemes)

Helpful Hint:

For U.K. purchased cars, a V1 form should be in your possession to

show you own the vehicle. Do not keep this in your car, as it can be stolen and easily

changed.

Helpful Hint:

If you want to register your vehicle in the U.K., it must show mph or

Km/h on the speedometer.