Discovering the U.K.

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.

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: If you want to register your vehicle in the U.K., it must show mph or Km/h on the speedometer.

© 2016 Dwellworks

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Discovering the U.K.