What Documents Do You Need to Ship a Car from the UK? Full Checklist

Every export needs the V5C logbook (with the export section completed if permanent), a valid MOT certificate if the car is over three years old and will be driven on public roads before shipping, current insurance covering the vehicle up to the point of loading, and — if there's any outstanding finance — a letter of no objection from the finance company confirming they consent to the export. If you're not the original registered keeper (recently purchased the car), also bring the sales invoice or bill of sale showing the chain of ownership.

For most international destinations, a customs export declaration must be filed through the National Export System, generating a Movement Reference Number (MRN) that must be presented at the port. Most private exporters use a customs broker or their freight forwarder to handle this, at a typical cost of £40–£90. Without a valid MRN, the shipping line legally cannot load the vehicle — see our full export process guide for how the MRN fits into the wider timeline.

Your shipping company will issue a booking confirmation and, once the vehicle is loaded, a bill of lading — the key legal document proving ownership transfer of custody and required by the receiving port/customs to release the vehicle at destination. Read our dedicated bill of lading explainer for exactly how this document works and why losing the original (for non-telex-release shipments) can delay collection at the far end.

Beyond the UK-side paperwork, most destination customs authorities require additional documents specific to their market: a certificate of conformity or type-approval evidence (common across the EU), Transfer of Residence supporting evidence such as a rental agreement or employment letter (for relief-eligible movers, see our TOR relief guide), a PAAR for Nigeria, or an import permit application for tightly-regulated markets like Australia. Always check the specific destination guide relevant to your country before shipping.

Keep a copy of your passport or national ID matching the name on the V5C and shipping booking, since discrepancies between names on different documents are a common cause of hold-ups at both UK and destination customs. If shipping on behalf of a company or as part of an estate/inheritance transfer, additional legal documents (company registration, grant of probate) will also be required and should be arranged well in advance.

Before your vehicle goes to the port, confirm you have: original V5C (export section completed), valid MOT and insurance (if being driven to the port), finance letter of no objection (if applicable), customs MRN, shipping booking confirmation, passport/ID copy, and any destination-specific paperwork such as TOR evidence or a PAAR. Photocopy or scan everything and keep a set with you separate from the vehicle, since documents left inside the car can be difficult to retrieve once it's in a secure compound or already loaded.