Exporting A Vehicle

With the constant expansion of the single European market, awareness of foreign places more widespread, and better weather and jobs beckoning, many of you have asked how to register a vehicle abroad.

If a vehicle is taken abroad for 12 months or more it is regarded as being permanently exported. A Certificate of Export (V561) is then issued by the Department instead of a V5 registration document to enable you to register your vehicle abroad.

To obtain a Certificate of Export you should complete the appropriate section of your V5 registration document and send it to the Export Section, DVLC, Swansea, SA99 1AG, or make the application to your nearest Vehicle Registration Office (VRO). However, please be aware that the VRO is unable to accept an application more than 14 days in advance of the intended date of export of the vehicle.

If you have recently purchased the vehicle and are in possession of a green V5/2 new keeper's supplement or if you do not have any documentation, you will need to complete a V756 application form available from a VRO or DVLC.

If you make the application in person to the VRO you will also need to provide proof of your identity such as a passport, driving licence or a utilities bill e.g. gas or electricity, which clearly show your name and address.

If the VRO is unable to issue a V561 Certificate of Export the application will be sent to DVLC for checking. This will delay issue of a certificate for up to 2 weeks.

A list of VRO addresses and other useful information can be found on the DVLA web site.

However, if you are taking your vehicle abroad temporarily for less than 12 months, you should ensure that the vehicle is properly registered and licensed in this country for the duration of your stay abroad. If your MOT is due to expire while you are away you should renew it before you travel. If you have a V5 registration document and are registered as the keeper of the vehicle, you should take this document with you.

If you do not have a registration document you should apply for one at a Vehicle Registration Office - VRO using application form V62, or if you have a green V5/2 new keeper's supplement in your name, form V379/1. The VRO may be able to issue a certificate of registration to cover the period the vehicle is away.

If your tax disc expires and you need to renew it while you are abroad, you may apply for a new one by post to a Head Post Office, up to six weeks in advance. If you give a dispatch address abroad the tax disc can be sent to you there. Remember that it is in your interest to check with your insurer that your use abroad is properly covered. You will also need to fix GB plates on your vehicle to identify the country of registration.

For advice relating to insurance you should contact your insurance company.

For further information on Driver and Vehicle Licensing visit the DVLA web site at: http://www.dvla.gov.uk