How to Legally Import your Spanish Vehicle Into the UK

Naturally, and for obvious reasons, this guide only applies to the owners of used (IE: previously registered) Spanish vehicles.

When it is decided to relocate back to the UK, it is often easier to take your existing vehicle with you - both as a means of transport to get there, and also to use as your run-around in the UK. Valuable money can be lost in selling a car in Spain only to have to buy another one upon arrival in the UK.

As soon as you arrive back in the UK you should make steps to legally import the vehicle with the DVLA, who have a detailed section on their website that provides the required forms online, but before you get that far you should be certain that your vehicle is eligible for being imported.

To be eligible the vehicle should be :

1.) No more than 10 years old.

2.) Of a construction that is 'recognised in the UK'. (Almost all European Manufactured vehicles will be - this clause is really to identify any modified, customised or kit-built vehicles)

3.) Fitted with the correct headlights.

Once you have ascertained that your vehicle meets the above criteria you can move on to the next steps :

A.) Apply for a certificate of conformity issued by the VCA (Vehicle Conformity Agency) - This is a whole process in itself that you will need to go through. Each type of vehicle (such as Motorcycle, Car, Motor home etc...) has it's own different criteria that must be adhered to, and corresponding application form. In order to apply for the certificate you must complete the required form and issue originals of the Certificate of conformity that should be kept with your permiso de circulación and Fichas Tecnicas.

The Cost for Obtaining this certificate alone will be £70 - There is a Helpline for anybody with question on this section of the process, which is 0044 117 952 4191

B.) The Vehicle will need to have at least third party cover road Insurance in the UK, and you will be required to provide a copy of the original policy certificate.

Once you have this documentation you should then take the following to your nearest DVLA office :

1.) A completed V55/5 application form

2.) The £55 registration fee (if applicable) and the required fee for the vehicle tax

3.) The Insurance Cert (see above)

4.) The Fichas Tecnicas & Permiso de Circulación

5.) Evidence showing the date the vehicle was collected (normally the invoice from the supplier or any receipt you may have)

6.) The VCA certificate of Conformity

7.) Current British MOT test certificate (if applicable - newer vehicles may be except from this)

8.) The appropriate HM Revenue and Customs form

9.) ID - UK passport or UK Driving licence is acceptable

10.) Vehicle Tax : This sum will be charged in accordance with the date of importing the vehicle. The required forms should be completed with as much information as possible at this stage, leaving the registration number blank - to be completed by the DVLA once they have allocate the new number to you.

Please note that you should supply original copies of all of the above documents/

In certain circumstances an inspector may wish to see the vehicle in question - particularly if for any reason any of the documentation is missing - and the process should take around 1 week to complete.

Note : This guide is for general reference only - A full and detailed version can be viewed by clicking the link here.