Taking a vehicle out of the UK
For 12 months or more
The rules for passports, driving, EHIC cards, pet travel and more may change after the UK leaves the EU. Act now so you can travel as planned.
If you’re the registered keeper of a UK-registered vehicle and you’re taking it out of the country for 12 months or more (also known as permanent export) you need a vehicle log book (V5C). You’ll need to:
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Fill in the ‘permanent export’ section of your vehicle log book (V5C).
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Send it to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BD. Include a letter if you’ve moved abroad and want your vehicle tax refund (if you’re entitled to one) sent to your new address.
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Keep the rest of your log book (V5C) - you need it to register your vehicle in the country you’re taking it to.
You’ll usually get a refund on your vehicle tax in 4 to 6 weeks. The refund is worked out from the date DVLA gets your ‘permanent export’ section.
You must also update the address on your driving licence if you’re moving home.
If you do not have a vehicle log book (V5C)
Before you leave the UK
You need to get a vehicle log book (V5C) before you leave the UK. It can take up to:
- 5 days if you apply by phone
- 6 weeks if you apply by post
DVLA cannot send a vehicle log book (V5C) to an address outside the UK.
When you get your log book, fill in and send the ‘permanent export’ section to DVLA.
If you’ve already left the UK
Contact the driving authority of the country you’re taking the vehicle to. They’ll tell you what documents you’ll need to provide to register the vehicle there.
You also need to send a letter to DVLA to tell them you’ve taken the vehicle out of the country. Include:
- your name and address
- the date you took the vehicle out of the country
- where DVLA can send the vehicle tax refund (if you’re entitled to one)
DVLA
Swansea
SA99 1BA
If you bought a vehicle in the UK but do not have a UK address
You need to:
- take the full vehicle log book (V5C) from the seller (not just the new keeper slip)
- send the ‘permanent export’ section to DVLA
- find out how to register the vehicle in the country you’re taking it to
Do not buy a vehicle without a log book (V5C).
If you cannot get a vehicle log book (V5C)
Contact the driving authority of the country you’re taking the vehicle to - they’ll tell you how to register your vehicle.
Send a letter to DVLA to tell them you’ve taken the vehicle out of the country. Include:
- your name and address
- the date you took the vehicle out of the country
- where DVLA can send the vehicle tax refund
DVLA
Swansea
SA99 1BA
If the ‘permanent export’ section is missing
If the ‘permanent export’ section is not in the log book, send a letter to DVLA to tell them you’ve taken the vehicle out of the country. Include:
- your name and address
- the date you took the vehicle out of the country
DVLA
Swansea
SA99 1BA
Moving your vehicle between Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Fill in the change of address section in your log book and send it to DVLA.
DVLA
Swansea
SA99 1BA
Personalised registrations
You’ll need to transfer or retain your personalised registration before exporting your vehicle. Otherwise you’ll lose your right to the registration number.