I bought an imported vehicle already in the UK. How do I check NOVA?
Reviewed 2026-07-10
Short answer
Ask for written HMRC/NOVA evidence tied to the vehicle VIN. A verbal assurance from the seller is not enough.
Official position
DVLA will not register a permanent import until HMRC import status has been processed. GOV.UK also describes the evidence private individuals may need when HMRC handles the CARS/NOVA route.
What to do
Ask the seller for a NOVA reference, confirmation email, agent email or HMRC correspondence.
Ask who imported it and who made the declaration: seller, previous owner, shipping company, customs agent or HMRC CARS team.
Compare the VIN, make, model and import date against the vehicle and foreign papers.
If proof is missing, treat the vehicle as paperwork-risk and resolve HMRC status before paying registered-vehicle money.
Common mistakes
- Buying first and discovering later that the seller never had HMRC clearance.
- Accepting a screenshot that does not show the vehicle VIN or chassis number.
- Assuming the V55/5 tool can bypass missing HMRC import status.
Related help
Official sources
Use the relevant tool
V55 form checker
Apply this answer to your vehicle, then carry the result into your free registration route.