What Documents Are Required to Export a Vehicle? | GVE London – Blog

Exporting cars from the UK is a paperwork-heavy ordeal; there are no two ways about that. However, if you get that part sorted out, the procedure is fairly straightforward. In this blog post, we’ll be stating all the required documents so you can get everything that matters in order.

The Essential Paperwork

Here is the list of paperwork that you are going to require:

I) V5C Registration Certificate (Log Book): You’ll need the original V5C issued by the DVLA. For a permanent export, complete the “permanent export” section and send it to the DVLA. Keep the remaining parts of the logbook for your records. For temporary exports, follow the instructions in the relevant section.

II) Bill of Sale or Commercial Invoice: This confirms proof of sale and ownership. 

III) Proof of Identity and Ownership: Provide a passport or driver’s licence that matches the details on the V5C. 

IV) Export Declaration and Customs Clearance: A full export declaration must be submitted to HMRC through the UK’s customs system. Once approved, you receive a Movement Reference Number (MRN), which allows your car to leave the country.

V) Bill of Lading or Airway Bill: Issued by the shipping company, this document proves that your vehicle is being transported and transfers ownership while the vehicle is in transit.

VI) Certificate of Origin or Certificate of Conformity (CoC): Some destinations require proof of where the car was manufactured and details of its technical specifications.

VI) Export Certificate: If you do not have the full V5C, you must request an Export Certificate from the DVLA before the vehicle leaves the UK.

VII) MOT and Insurance Certificate: For vehicles leaving temporarily, an MOT and valid insurance are still required until the car exits the UK.

VIII) Carnet de Passages en Douane: If you are sending the car temporarily to a country that requires it, a carnet avoids paying customs deposits. This is common for supercars participating in tours or show events.

Read Also: What is the Right Shipping Method for Exporting Cars?

Steps for Permanent Export

I) Notify the DVLA using the export section of the V5C.

II) Collect your proof of sale, identity documents, and export declaration.

III) Arrange shipping and obtain the Bill of Lading or Airway Bill.

IV) Ensure all supporting documents, such as CoC, Certificate of Origin, and customs paperwork, are complete.

V) Keep copies of everything for customs checks in the destination country.

Special Considerations for Luxury Car Exports

When working with luxury car export, considering their high value, extra steps are taken. If you’re working with a supercar showroom or luxury car marketplace, they often involve a detailed condition report of the vehicle as well as insurance specific to containerised or enclosed transport. The showroom also ensures the vehicle conforms to all the emissions laws of its destination country and has an Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) number for customs purposes.

Conclusion

As tedious as paperwork might seem, it is, alas, an unavoidable step in the process of luxury car exports, and customs aren’t too nice when you miss a document; they hit you with penalties, raise costs, shipments get delayed, and even may prevent your vehicle from leaving the country. 

Exporting can be difficult, but if you’re working with a supercar showroom like GVE London that excels in exporting high-end vehicles, you save time and ensure your investment (which high-end cars are) stays safe. Furthermore, being enthusiasts, we not only perform the usual repairs and service but can work on customisation, window tints and detailing as well. To know more, hop on a call with us today!