What if NOVA has the wrong VIN or chassis number?
Reviewed 2026-07-10
Short answer
Do not ignore it. The HMRC import record, vehicle identity documents, MOT or approval evidence and V55/5 need to identify the same vehicle.
Official position
GOV.UK says HMRC/NOVA must be processed before DVLA registration. HMRC guidance for private imports specifically includes documents confirming the VIN or chassis number. If the import record uses the wrong identity, DVLA can delay or reject the registration.
What to do
Compare the VIN or chassis number on the vehicle, foreign document, NOVA/HMRC evidence, MOT, approval certificate and V55/5.
Check whether the difference is a harmless formatting issue, such as spaces or a Japanese chassis prefix, or a real mismatch.
Contact the person or agent who made the declaration before posting the V55/5.
Keep written evidence of any correction or explanation with the registration file.
Common mistakes
- Treating a digit mismatch as a typo that DVLA will overlook.
- Using the foreign document value on the V55/5 while HMRC has a different value.
- Failing to check Japanese short chassis numbers exactly as stamped.
Related help
Official sources
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