Submission & DVLA pack

What evidence shows the date the vehicle was collected for V55/5?

Reviewed 2026-07-10

Short answer

GOV.UK gives the supplier invoice as an example. Use evidence that clearly connects the vehicle, collection date and seller or supplier.

Official position

GOV.UK says imported-vehicle applications must include evidence showing the date the vehicle was collected, for example the invoice from the supplier. This sits alongside proof of approval and the original foreign registration certificate.

What to do

Use an invoice, bill of sale, supplier receipt, collection note, shipping release or similar evidence that shows the date.

Make sure the document identifies the vehicle by VIN, chassis number, make or model where possible.

Keep the collection-date evidence consistent with import, NOVA and purchase records.

Add a covering note if the date evidence is indirect or split across several documents.

Common mistakes

Sending a payment receipt with no vehicle identity or date context.
Using an import arrival date as if it were the purchase or collection date without explanation.
Forgetting collection-date evidence because NOVA is already processed.