Do you need an export or import licence?

Do you need an export or import licence for vehicles?

If you are exporting an ordinary vehicle, you do not generally need an export licence. However, you must notify the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). Normally you use your Registration Document (V5) or Registration Certificate (V5C) to let DVLA know when you intend to export the vehicle. For more information, find a guide to taking a vehicle out of the country on the Directgov website - Opens in a new window.

Special rules do apply for some vehicles:

• Military vehicles and vehicles with a potential military use may need an export licence. See the page in this guide: Do you need an export or import licence for technology, firearms and defence?
• An antique vehicle over 75 years old and worth more than £34,300 may need an export licence. See the page in this guide: Do you need an export or import licence for antiques and works of art?

You do not need to notify the DVLA if you are taking your vehicle out of the country for less than a year, but must take your registration document or certificate with you.

Imports

You do not generally need a licence to import an ordinary vehicle. However, the vehicle must be registered and have a valid vehicle licence (tax disc) before being used or kept on public roads. Read about importing a vehicle on the Directgov website - Opens in a new window.

Subjects covered in this guide

• Introduction
• Do you need an export or import licence for technology, firearms and defence?
• Do you need an export or import licence for animals and animal products?
• Do you need an export or import licence for antiques and works of art?
• Do you need an export or import licence for prescription drugs and medicines and materials used to manufacture them?
• Do you need an export or import licence for flowers, wildlife, plants and seeds?
• Do you need an export or import licence for chemicals and pesticides?
• Do you need an export or import licence for vehicles?
• Other import licences and controls

Print options - What are my print options - Opens in a new window

• Add guide to my print portfolio (print later as PDF)

Email options - What are my email options - Opens in a new window

• Tell a friend about this page
• Send me an email alert when this guide changes