Country-specific documents

What documents do I need for a Spanish import V55/5?

Reviewed 2026-07-10

Short answer

Use the standard DVLA import pack, supported by the original Spanish registration evidence, purchase/collection evidence, NOVA/HMRC confirmation and approval evidence.

Official position

GOV.UK says you must register a vehicle with DVLA if bringing it into the UK permanently. Before registration, you must tell HMRC and get NOVA processed, pay any VAT or duty owed, and get proof of vehicle approval.

What to do

Keep the original Spanish registration certificate and any technical card or registration evidence supplied with the vehicle.

Keep invoice, bill of sale, ferry/shipping and collection-date evidence.

Check whether the vehicle is a fresh foreign import or a previously UK-registered reimport.

Use CoC or approval evidence to complete technical V55/5 fields where available.

Common mistakes

Treating a long-owned Spanish vehicle as exempt from the HMRC notification step.
Using the Spanish registration date as the UK registration date.
Relying on old UK plates if the vehicle was exported and later brought back.