Classics & age evidence

What if a classic was previously UK registered then exported?

Reviewed 2026-07-10

Short answer

Treat it as a reimported vehicle if it was registered in the UK before and exported. GOV.UK says you must register it again when it comes back.

Official position

GOV.UK says you must register a vehicle when you reimport it to the UK if it has been registered in the UK before and exported to another country. You must tell HMRC within 14 days, pay any VAT or duty owed, register and tax with DVLA, and insure it before road use.

What to do

Find the old UK registration number, old V5C or documentary evidence linking the vehicle to the UK record.

Tell HMRC within 14 days of the vehicle arriving back in the UK.

Send the original foreign registration certificate or a letter explaining why it is unavailable.

Include evidence of any changes such as colour or engine changes.

Common mistakes

Assuming the old UK registration automatically comes back without evidence.
Ignoring HMRC because the vehicle was once UK registered.
Losing the foreign registration certificate before DVLA has processed the reimport.