UK Export Documents
UK Border Force and the carrier both need to see proof that the vehicle is yours to export and that its identity matches the booking. The V5C logbook is the core document; the VIN on the vehicle must match the VIN on the V5C and on the booking, or the terminal will refuse gate-in.
If the vehicle is on finance, you will also need a letter of no interest from the finance company. If you are exporting on behalf of someone else, we need a signed authority from the registered keeper.
- V5C registration certificate (full document, not the green slip alone)
- Photo ID — passport or UK photocard driving licence
- Proof of address dated within three months
- Commercial or purchase invoice showing the declared value
- Letter of no interest if the vehicle is financed or leased
- Signed authority if you are not the registered keeper
Customs and DVLA Notifications
We file the export declaration through HMRC's Customs Declaration Service using the details you provide, so the declared value and commodity code must be accurate. Under-declaring a vehicle's value is customs fraud and will usually be caught at the destination, where duty is assessed against market value anyway.
For permanent export you must also tell the DVLA. Complete section 5 of the V5C, send it to the DVLA and keep the remainder of the document — the destination customs authority will ask for it. If you are importing into the UK instead, the NOVA notification must be filed within 14 days of arrival.
Destination Import Documents
Requirements vary by country, and getting them wrong is expensive because storage clocks start the day the vessel berths. Common additions include a certificate of conformity, a pre-shipment inspection certificate, a roadworthiness or biosecurity certificate, and a local tax identification number for the consignee.
Australia requires an import approval before the vehicle is shipped and a clean biosecurity inspection on arrival. The USA requires EPA form 3520-1 and DOT form HS-7. Several African and Gulf markets require a pre-export inspection certificate issued in the UK before loading. We confirm the list for your destination in writing at booking.
How to Send Documents to Us
Scan or photograph each document in full — all four corners visible, no glare, and legible text. Email them with your booking reference in the subject line, and keep the originals. Original documents travel with the shipment only where the destination requires it; otherwise they stay with you and we courier them if needed.
We check documents on receipt and tell you within one working day if anything is missing, so there is time to fix problems before the gate-in deadline rather than at the terminal barrier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ship a car without the V5C?
Not normally. If the V5C is lost, apply to the DVLA for a duplicate using form V62 before booking. Some carriers accept a DVLA confirmation letter plus a bill of sale, but many destinations will not clear the vehicle without a registration document.
Do I need an export licence?
Standard road vehicles do not require an export licence. Licences apply to military-specification vehicles, some armoured vehicles and vehicles destined for sanctioned countries. We will tell you at quotation if your shipment is affected.
Who prepares the Bill of Lading?
We do, from your booking details. Check it as soon as you receive the draft — the consignee name, address and vehicle details on the Bill of Lading must match the destination import paperwork exactly.
What happens if documents arrive late?
The vehicle rolls to a later sailing, and the terminal may charge storage in the meantime. Send documents at least five working days before your gate-in window to avoid this.
Not sure which documents your destination needs?
Tell us where the vehicle is going and we will send a destination-specific checklist with your quote.