Guide · Updated October 2026
Exporting a Car from the UK: V5C, Telling DVLA and What to Do Before You Go
If you are taking a vehicle out of the UK for 12 months or more, it is a permanent export: fill in the "permanent export" section of the V5C log book, send it to DVLA and keep the rest of the log book, because you need it to register the vehicle abroad. Move any personalised number first, or you lose it. Any vehicle tax refund comes in 4 to 6 weeks.
12 months or more
Permanent export: tell DVLA
Use
The "permanent export" section of the V5C
Keep
The rest of the V5C, to register abroad
Personalised plate
Transfer or retain it before export
Tax refund
Usually within 4 to 6 weeks
Under 12 months
Keep UK tax, MOT and insurance
What do I do with the V5C?
- Fill in the "permanent export" section of the V5C.
- Detach it and send it to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BD. If your address has changed, include a letter with your new address for the tax refund.
- Keep the rest of the V5C: the authorities in the destination country need it to register the vehicle.
- Update the address on your driving licence if you are moving home.
What if I do not have a V5C?
Get one before you leave: DVLA cannot send a V5C to an address outside the UK. It can take 5 to 7 working days online, or 4 to 6 weeks by post or after a change of name or address. Shipping lines also ask for the V5C, or other proof of ownership, before they load a vehicle. If you are buying a car to export, the seller must give you the full V5C, not just the new keeper slip.
Personalised number plates
Transfer or retain a personalised registration before the vehicle is exported. Otherwise you lose the right to the number.
Going for less than 12 months?
Then it is not an export. Take the V5C with you, showing your latest UK address, and keep the vehicle taxed, insured and with a current MOT in the UK while it is away. For countries that charge duty on visiting vehicles, a carnet de passages lets you take it in temporarily without paying.
What happens at the destination?
The vehicle is imported into the new country, which may charge duty and tax unless you qualify for relief as a new resident, and is then registered there. Each country sets its own rules on approval, inspection and age limits. Our destination guides cover the main countries, and we arrange customs clearance through our broker, a local agent we introduce, or your own.
Moving to the EU with your car →
Moving to Spain with your UK car →
Frequently asked questions
How do I tell DVLA I am exporting my car?
Fill in the "permanent export" section of the V5C and send it to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BD. Keep the rest of the V5C to register the car abroad.
Do I get a road tax refund when I export my car?
Yes, if you are due one. It is worked out from the date DVLA receives the export section and usually arrives within 4 to 6 weeks.
Can I keep my personalised number plate if I export my car?
Only if you transfer or retain it before the car is exported.
What if I take my car abroad for less than 12 months?
It is not an export. Keep it taxed, insured and with a current MOT in the UK, and take the V5C with you.
Do I need the V5C to ship my car?
Yes. The shipping line and the authorities at the destination need it as proof of ownership and to register the vehicle.
Official sources
- GOV.UK: Taking a vehicle out of the UK
- GOV.UK: Taking a vehicle out of the UK for less than 12 months
This guide summarises the rules as published in October 2026. Rules change; we confirm what applies to your vehicle when we quote.
Related routes and guides
Member of
IVSS is a member of BIFA, the British International Freight Association, and FIATA, the international federation of freight forwarders.
Get your quote in about 2 minutes
Questions about your import? Call +44 203 787 4201, Monday to Friday.