Importing a Car from the USA to the UK

Whether it's a Ford Mustang, a Dodge Challenger, a RAM 1500, or a classic Corvette, importing a car from the USA to the UK is a well-trodden path with clear steps. But the process involves customs duty, VAT, vehicle modifications, and DVLA registration that can catch first-timers out.

This guide covers every stage from shipping to driving on UK roads, with verified figures from official government sources.

Why Import from the USA?

American vehicles are popular UK imports for good reasons:

• Models not sold in the UK — RAM 1500, Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, Ford F-150, Cadillac Escalade
• Lower US prices — even with import costs, some vehicles work out cheaper than UK equivalents
• V8 engine availability — large-displacement V8s are increasingly rare in the UK new car market
• Classic car sourcing — better condition, wider selection, and lower prices for American classics
• Wider specifications — more trim levels, engine options, and configurations than the UK market

Step 1: Shipping Your Vehicle to the UK

UK arrival ports: Southampton is the primary port for vehicle imports. Tilbury (Port of London) and Liverpool also handle US vehicle shipments regularly.

US inland transport: Budget £300-500 to get your vehicle from the seller to the US departure port if it's not already nearby.

Step 2: UK Customs, Duty & VAT

Once your vehicle arrives in the UK, it must clear customs before you can take possession.

Customs Clearance Process

Your shipping company or a customs broker will handle the C88 customs declaration. You'll receive a Movement Reference Number (MRN) which you need for your NOVA declaration. Most private importers use a customs agent (£200-500 for their fees plus port handling charges).

NOVA Declaration — 14-Day Deadline

Every vehicle entering the UK permanently must be declared to HMRC via the NOVA (Notification of Vehicle Arrivals) system within 14 days of arrival. This is non-negotiable.

• Submit online via the HMRC NOVA service (free)
• You cannot register with DVLA without NOVA clearance
• Late submission risks £1,000+ in penalties plus interest

For full details, see our NOVA Application Guide.

Tax Exemptions Worth Knowing

Step 3: IVA Test (Individual Vehicle Approval)

This is the step that's unique to non-EU imports and where US cars need the most preparation.

Do You Need IVA?

IVA Test Fees (Official DVSA Rates)

For personal imports and left-hand drive vehicles:

• IVA inspection: £199 (during working hours)
• Re-inspection (if you fail on minor points): £40
• Appeal: £199

The test takes 3-4 hours at a DVSA-approved testing station. Book via DVSA — expect approximately 20 working days from application to test date.

Modifications US Cars Typically Need

US-spec vehicles differ from UK requirements in several critical areas. These modifications must be done before the IVA test.

Step 4: Left-Hand Drive — What You Need to Know

LHD is fully legal in the UK. There is no law requiring conversion to right-hand drive. You can permanently drive, register, and insure a left-hand drive vehicle on UK roads.

Should You Convert to RHD?

Conversion is entirely optional. Here's what to consider:

Keeping LHD:

• No conversion cost
• Maintains originality (important for classics and collectables)
• Most US imports in the UK remain LHD

Converting to RHD:

• Cost: £3,000-5,000 for simpler vehicles, £15,000-40,000+ for modern/complex vehicles
• More convenient for daily UK driving
• May need a fresh IVA inspection after conversion

Practical Challenges of LHD in the UK

• Overtaking on single carriageways is harder — reduced visibility on the right
• Roundabouts and junctions create nearside blind spots
• Drive-throughs, car parks, toll booths are all designed for RHD
• Tip: a front-seat passenger can help with visibility when overtaking

Step 5: DVLA Registration (V55/5 Form)

Once you have your IVA certificate (or MOT for older vehicles), NOVA clearance, and customs documents, you can register with the DVLA.

Documents You Need

Vehicle Tax (VED) for US Imports

Most US imports won't have a UK-recognised CO2 emissions figure, so they're classified under the PLG (Private/Light Goods) rate based on engine size:

• Up to 1549cc: approximately £210-220/year
• Over 1549cc: approximately £345-360/year (this applies to most American V6 and V8 engines)
• Vehicles over 40 years old: exempt from VED (£0)

Number Plates

Once DVLA issues your registration number, you must fit UK-specification number plates from a DVLA-registered supplier. Plates must comply with BS AU 145e standard.

Note: If DVLA cannot confirm the vehicle's age, they may issue a Q-plate registration (e.g., Q123 ABC).

Your V5C registration certificate typically arrives within 2-6 weeks.

For a detailed guide to completing the V55/5 form correctly, see our Complete V55/5 Guide.

Step 6: Insurance

You must have UK insurance in place before driving the vehicle on any UK road — including to an MOT station or IVA test centre.

Finding Insurance for a US Import

Mainstream comparison sites often won't quote on imported or LHD vehicles. Use specialist brokers:

• Adrian Flux — LHD and import specialist
• Keith Michaels — performance and import specialist
• Advance Insurance — American import specialist
• Lancaster Insurance — classic and import specialist

Expect premiums 10-30% higher than an equivalent UK-spec vehicle. Higher costs reflect perceived accident risk with LHD, expensive imported parts, and unfamiliarity with the vehicle's data.

Get insurance quotes before you commit to buying. Some vehicles (particularly high-performance or very large trucks) may prove difficult or very expensive to insure.

Step 7: MOT

• Under 3 years old (from date of first registration): no MOT needed
• 3+ years old: annual MOT required
• Over 40 years old: exempt from MOT (but must be roadworthy)

Common MOT Issues for US-Spec Cars

If you've already passed IVA, most of these will be resolved. But for IVA-exempt vehicles (10+ years old), watch for:

1. Headlight beam pattern — dips the wrong way for UK roads
2. Red rear turn signals — must be amber
3. No rear fog light
4. Missing side repeater indicators
5. Emissions — must meet the required standard for the vehicle's age
6. Tyre speed ratings — must match the vehicle's top speed capability

ULEZ & Clean Air Zones

Imported US vehicles won't automatically be recognised as ULEZ compliant because the UK system uses Euro emission standards, not US EPA standards. These are not directly equivalent.

As a general rule of thumb used by TfL:

• Petrol cars registered from 2006 onwards are likely compliant
• Diesel cars registered from September 2015 onwards are likely compliant

You can contact TfL to provide manufacturer documentation proving compliance. If your vehicle is non-compliant, the daily ULEZ charge in London is £12.50.

Other cities with Clean Air Zones (Birmingham, Bath, Bristol, Bradford) have similar requirements.

Complete Cost Breakdown: Real Example

Cost Comparison: Classic vs Modern

Complete Timeline: Purchase to Road Legal

Before You Buy: Pre-Purchase Checklist

This guide covers the standard process for importing a passenger vehicle from the USA to Great Britain as of February 2026. Regulations can change — always verify current requirements with DVLA, DVSA, and HMRC. Northern Ireland has different rules due to the Windsor Framework. Consider professional advice for complex imports or high-value vehicles.

Related Guides

• How to Import a Vehicle to the UK
• UK Car Import Costs: Full Breakdown
• UK Import Duty & VAT Calculator
• NOVA Application: 14-Day Deadline Guide
• Japan Car Import Costs: Complete Breakdown