Classic Car Customs
NOVA
UK classic & vintage car import specialists
Importing a classic or vintage car into the UK?
We handle the paperwork from customs to DVLA.
You found the classic, which is the fun part. We handle importing your classic or vintage car into the United Kingdom: customs, VAT, NOVA and DVLA registration.
Classic car import declarations, customs clearance, import charges, supporting documents and UK registration—all under one roof.
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About The Classic Import Co.
The Classic Import Co. specialises in importing classic and vintage cars into the UK. We take care of the customs declaration, calculate and arrange the VAT and duties with HMRC, file the NOVA notification, identify the supporting documents your particular vehicle needs, and prepare its DVLA registration. Every classic has a different age, origin and history, so every case is assessed individually.
The official guidance runs to a hundred-odd pages.
Here's the one-minute version instead.
One-minute explainer video goes here
Importing your classic or vintage car, step by step
We guide your classic through every stage, from customs and NOVA to its UK registration application.
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Customs
Customs & VAT
We file the UK import declaration (MRN/C88) and pay HMRC what's owed.
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Arrival
NOVA filed
We notify HMRC that your car has arrived in the United Kingdom.
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Compliance
UK road-ready
We make sure your classic meets UK road standards.
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Plates
DVLA registration
Taxed, registered, and on proper UK plates. Done.
Whether it's a concours classic, a vintage grand tourer
or a barn find ready for restoration, we handle the UK import process.
Talk to a classic car import specialist
Our solutions, for every need
Choose your level of assistance
Prices start at £95. Give us a call and we'll tell you exactly what your car will cost to sort. A real person, real answers, no automated quote nonsense.
Classic Car Import Essentials
Assistance
Complete Classic Car Import
Assistance
1,500+ vehicles cleared and registered since Brexit, with specialist support dedicated to classic and vintage car imports into the United Kingdom
Why choose us
Time saver
Ever tried getting the DVLA or HMRC on the phone? You'll be on hold for the best part of an hour, only to be told to go find a specialist. That's us. Ask us anything, we've heard it all before.
Money saver
Most people end up juggling three or four different agents to get one car registered. We do the whole thing ourselves, start to finish. One company, one bill, and it works out cheaper too.
Complete peace of mind
Your car matters to you, and it matters to us. Whatever comes up along the way, there's someone here who's dealt with it before and knows exactly what to do.
Your questions, our answers
Frequently asked questions
The usual process includes the customs declaration, payment of any import VAT or duty, a NOVA notification, any required vehicle approval or supporting evidence, and a DVLA registration application. The exact route depends on the vehicle's age, origin and history.
The amount depends on the car's age, origin, value and the reason for import. Some historic vehicles may qualify for 5% import VAT and no customs duty, while Transfer of Residence or Returned Goods Relief may reduce the amount to zero when all conditions are met. We assess the vehicle before confirming the likely charges.
Not automatically. Age is important, but HMRC also considers the vehicle's original condition, historical interest and whether it has been substantially modified. We check the available evidence before using the historic-vehicle customs classification.
You may qualify for Transfer of Residence relief if you meet HMRC's conditions, including normally having lived outside the UK for at least 12 consecutive months and importing the vehicle as part of your move. Approval is decided by HMRC and supporting evidence is required.
It may qualify for Returned Goods Relief if it was previously exported from the UK and the relevant conditions are met. Evidence such as the previous UK registration, ownership history and export or import records may be needed. For an unaccompanied private vehicle, HMRC form C179B may form part of the claim.
Usually, yes. Buying the vehicle after it has arrived does not by itself complete its customs, NOVA or DVLA obligations. We can check what has already been completed and identify the remaining steps.
We normally start with the foreign registration document, purchase invoice or proof of ownership, the vehicle identification number, photographs and transport or arrival details. A valuation, dating evidence, Certificate of Conformity or other supporting documents may also be required depending on the case.
DVLA will normally expect the original foreign registration document. If it is unavailable, alternative evidence such as a recognised dating letter and a written explanation may be required, but acceptance depends on the individual application.
NOVA is HMRC's Notification of Vehicle Arrivals service. An imported vehicle normally needs to be notified to HMRC within 14 days of arrival, and DVLA will not register it until the relevant NOVA record has been processed. Late notification can lead to a penalty.
Requirements depend on the vehicle's age, category and specification. Some vehicles need an MOT, Certificate of Conformity, IVA or another approval route, while qualifying historic vehicles may be exempt from some requirements. We identify the correct route before the DVLA application is prepared.
Customs clearance can often be arranged within one or two working days once complete documents are available. The full process depends on HMRC, NOVA, vehicle approval and DVLA processing; straightforward complete cases may finish within a few weeks, but no approval date can be guaranteed.
A private individual importing a vehicle for personal use does not normally need an EORI number. A business involved in customs activities will generally need one.