Documents Required to Export a Car from the UK in 2026

You need these in 2026:

1. V5C registration certificate (logbook).
2. V5C/4 — tear-off Notification of Permanent Export slip.
3. Sale invoice or pro-forma invoice.
4. Identity — passport copy of the exporter.
5. GB EORI number (HMRC).
6. CDS export declaration (filed by the forwarder).
7. Booking confirmation / dock receipt from the shipping line.
8. Marine insurance certificate.
9. Bill of Lading (issued after sailing).
10. Destination-specific extras — CRI for Nigeria, NCT for UAE, IDA for Pakistan, RIV for Canada.

Without a V5C the vehicle cannot leave the UK on a Bill of Lading. If yours is missing, apply for a duplicate using V62 at least four weeks ahead. Complete section 5 — V5C/4 — with the destination country and date of export, sign it, and post it to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BD before the vessel sails. Keep a dated photo of the slip and the envelope.

The buyer needs the original V5C overseas to register the vehicle. The V5C/4 stays with DVLA.

Every commercial export needs a CDS declaration submitted under a GB EORI. Apply free at gov.uk. For private exports we add the vehicle to our own CDS submission so you do not need to file directly. Mismatched VIN, wrong commodity code or a misspelled exporter name are the three most common rejection reasons.

A sale or pro-forma invoice on headed paper, signed and dated, is required. It must show: parties, VIN, mileage, year, agreed value in GBP, currency, incoterm (FOB / CIF / DDP) and a short description of the vehicle. Customs at the destination uses this value as the starting point for duty assessment.

- UAE: V5C, BL, invoice, passport copy of consignee, RTA registration appointment.
• Nigeria: V5C, BL, invoice, Form M, CRI inspection report, SONCAP exemption letter where applicable.
• Australia: V5C, BL, invoice, asbestos declaration, RAV approval, import permit and quarantine inspection.
• Canada: V5C, BL, invoice, RIV registration, recall clearance letter from the OEM.
• Pakistan: V5C, BL, invoice, GD form, transfer of residence / baggage / gift category letter.

Email scanned copies to your forwarder before delivery. Hand the originals over with the keys at the port, except the V5C — that travels with the vessel to the destination consignee. Keep digital copies for at least 6 years (HMRC retention rule).

We file the CDS declaration, prepare invoice templates, advise on destination paperwork and chase the Bill of Lading. Call or WhatsApp +44 (0)1495 320540, email info@shipcarsroro.co.uk or request a quote.

Before any international shipment, vehicles need to reach the loading port — and many customers ask us to handle the UK leg too. Our recovery and transport network covers every postcode, 24 hours a day.

Start with the main hubs: Car Recovery UK, Vehicle Recovery UK, 24/7 Breakdown Recovery and Nationwide Vehicle Transportation.

City coverage includes London, Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, Glasgow, Sheffield and Bristol.

Pre-book a port run on a flatbed transporter from Southampton, Portsmouth, Liverpool or Felixstowe via Ipswich, or call 24/7 for breakdown recovery in London, Birmingham or Manchester.