Import a Car to the UK
Whether you are importing from the USA, Japan, Europe, or anywhere else in the world, ShipMyCar handles every step of bringing your vehicle to UK roads.
Quick answer
A complete UK car import usually combines international shipping, import entry support and tax, arrival notifications, vehicle testing or modifications, and road-use paperwork. The required testing depends on the vehicle's age and origin.
| Situation | Next service | Current-site guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle is overseas | Car shipping quote | Plan collection, freight, insurance, and UK arrival. |
| Vehicle is under 10 years old and from outside the EU | IVA testing | IVA is typically required before registration. |
| Vehicle is over 10 years old | MOT and paperwork | Older vehicles usually need an MOT rather than IVA. |
Content reviewed 15 July 2026. The quote confirms the route and services for the specific vehicle.
How Does Car Importing Work?
Thinking about importing a car to the UK? Get an instant car transport quote to see your costs. We have been helping people import vehicles since 2006, handling thousands of imports from the USA, Japan, Germany, and beyond.
Whether you have bought a classic American muscle car, a JDM import from Japan, or a European luxury vehicle, our car shipping UK expertise will guide you through every step.
Private vehicle import support
ShipMyCar is a private vehicle shipping and import specialist, not a government agency. We provide logistics, compliance preparation and guidance; official decisions, fees and records remain with the relevant authorities.
Complete UK Import Services
From shipping to road-readiness, we offer everything you need to get your vehicle prepared for UK roads.
Car Shipping / Transport
By sea, road or air
See itemised costs for international shipping and UK or EU vehicle transport, from collection to delivery.
HMRC Customs
Customs clearance and NOVA
Arrange UK customs clearance and NOVA through our online platform, with support from our import team.
IVA / MOT Testing
Preparing your car for UK roads
Find out which modifications and tests your imported vehicle needs, with an itemised estimate of the costs.
DVLA Registration
UK vehicle registration
Get help with your imported vehicle’s DVLA paperwork and registration, from application to UK number plates.
Managed IVA Service
Online booking, in-house testing
Compare managed IVA services, application support and workshop preparation at our Milton Keynes test facility.
EU Registration
Taxes and registration in Europe
Estimate import taxes, registration taxes and local arrival costs for registering your vehicle in an EU country.
From Port to UK Roads
Once your vehicle arrives in the UK, here is what happens next.
UK Import Support
Import paperwork, import duty and VAT payment, and required arrival notifications.
Vehicle Unloading
Container destuffing or RoRo collection at our Milton Keynes facility.
Testing and Mods
IVA testing, GB IVA Conversion, or MOT depending on vehicle age and origin.
Road-Ready Paperwork
Paperwork preparation and UK number plate support so your car can move toward road use.
Import Taxes and Duties
- Import Duty: 10% of vehicle value
Reduced to 5% for classic cars over 30 years old
- VAT: 20% on total value
Calculated on vehicle plus duty plus shipping costs
- Transfer of Residence exemption
Tax exemption may apply if relocating to the UK
Already Waiting for UK Plates?
Waiting for the vehicle record to update? Use our free VIN lookup to check if your imported vehicle is showing as UK registered.
Check Vehicle RecordCommon Import Questions
What are the steps to import a car to the UK?
The main steps include: 1) Shipping the vehicle to the UK, 2) UK import entry support and paying import duties/VAT, 3) Required vehicle arrival notifications, 4) IVA testing or MOT depending on vehicle age, 5) Any necessary modifications for UK compliance, and 6) paperwork preparation to move toward UK number plates.
How much does it cost to import a car to the UK?
Costs vary depending on the vehicle origin, value, and age. Main costs include shipping fees, import duty, VAT, testing, modifications, and road-use paperwork. Use our instant quote calculator for a detailed breakdown specific to your vehicle.
Do all imported cars need IVA testing?
Vehicles less than 10 years old from outside the EU typically require IVA testing. EU vehicles may need GB IVA Conversion (formerly Mutual Recognition). Cars over 10 years old usually only need an MOT test.
Can ShipMyCar handle the entire import process?
Yes, we offer comprehensive import packages covering everything from international collection to UK road-ready delivery. We can also provide individual services if you have already completed some steps yourself.
Recent UK Imports
A selection of vehicles we have recently imported and registered in the UK.
Ready to Import Your Car?
Get a complete quote for shipping, import support, testing, and road-readiness preparation. We handle everything so you do not have to.
Get Your Free QuotePlan your next step
Explore the services and guidance that fit the rest of your vehicle’s journey.
Customs Clearance
Get help with your import declarations and paperwork.
Testing & Modifications
Find the right preparation and testing route for your vehicle.
DVLA Registration
Take the next step towards registering your imported vehicle.
Import Guides
Read practical guidance for your vehicle’s country of origin.
Car Insurance
Explore insurance options for your imported vehicle.
Import News
Read our latest import updates and company news.