How to Export a Car from the UK: Step-by-Step Guide

Exporting a vehicle from the United Kingdom involves several administrative and logistical steps. Whether you're selling a car to an overseas buyer, relocating abroad, or running an export business, following the correct process ensures a smooth, legal shipment.

The main steps are:
1. Notify the DVLA of the export
2. Arrange shipping (RORO or container)
3. Complete customs export declaration
4. Deliver the vehicle to the departure port
5. Receive the Bill of Lading

Ship Cars RoRo handles steps 2–5 on your behalf. We also guide you through the DVLA notification process. For pricing, see our shipping costs guide.

Before exporting a vehicle, you must notify the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency):

Permanent export:
• Complete the V5C/2 (green slip) on the reverse of your V5C registration document
• Send it to the DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BD
• The vehicle's UK registration will be cancelled
• You'll receive a Certificate of Permanent Export (if requested)

Temporary export:
• If you plan to return the vehicle to the UK, you do not need to cancel the registration
• However, inform your insurance company
• The vehicle must remain UK-registered and taxed if driven on UK roads upon return

Important: Keep a photocopy of the V5C before sending it to the DVLA. You'll need the vehicle details for shipping documentation.

For trade exports, the process is similar but may involve a V5C/4 notification. Contact the DVLA on 0300 790 6802 for specific guidance.

All vehicles leaving the UK require a customs export declaration. This is a legal requirement regardless of value or destination.

What's included:
• Vehicle details (make, model, year, VIN/chassis number)
• Declared value
• Destination country
• Exporter and consignee details
• Commodity code (HS code for vehicles: typically 8703 for passenger cars)

How it works:
• Ship Cars RoRo files the export declaration electronically through HMRC's Customs Declaration Service (CDS)
• You receive a Movement Reference Number (MRN)
• The MRN is presented at the port for the vehicle to clear export customs
• The vehicle can then be loaded onto the vessel

For vehicles being exported outside the UK for more than 6 months, you may be able to reclaim any remaining VED (road tax) from the DVLA.

RORO (Roll-on/Roll-off):
• Best for: running vehicles, cost-conscious shippers
• Vehicle is driven onto the ship
• Most affordable option
• Available from Southampton, Tilbury, Bristol

Container Shipping:
• Best for: high-value vehicles, non-runners, personal effects
• Vehicle is loaded into a steel shipping container
• Maximum protection
• Available from any UK container port

Air Freight:
• Best for: ultra-urgent, supercars
• Vehicle transported by cargo aircraft
• Extremely expensive but very fast
• Available from Heathrow, Stansted, East Midlands

For 99% of vehicle exports, RORO or container shipping is the practical choice. Read our full shipping methods comparison for more detail. Ship Cars RoRo will recommend the best method based on your vehicle, destination, and budget.

Self-delivery to port:
• Drive your vehicle to the designated port on the specified date
• Present your documentation and MRN to the port agent
• Complete a vehicle condition report
• Hand over one set of keys
• The port agent issues a gate pass and the vehicle enters the terminal

Collection service:
• Ship Cars RoRo collects your vehicle from any UK address
• We transport it to the departure port on a covered car transporter
• Included in our door-to-port service

Bill of Lading (B/L):
• Once the vehicle is loaded onto the vessel, a Bill of Lading is issued
• This is the most important shipping document — it proves ownership and is required to collect the vehicle at the destination
• Ship Cars RoRo provides the original or surrendered B/L as required by the destination port

The entire UK-side process from collection to vessel departure typically takes 3–7 business days. Budget the trip with our UK car shipping cost breakdown.

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.