Driver Vehicle Licensing Agency
You must tell DVLA if youre taking your vehicle out of the UK, including to the Channel Islands (Jersey and Guernsey), Isle of Man or Ireland, for 12 months or more. This is known as permanent export.
This guide is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).
Youll need to:
Fill in the permanent export section of your V5C (log book), detach it and keep the rest of your log book - youll need the rest to register your vehicle in the country youre taking it to.
Send the completed permanent export section to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BD.If your address has changed, include a letter with your new address so that DVLA can send your vehicle tax refund (if youre entitled to one) there.
Update the address on your driving licence if youre moving home.
If youre due a refund, youll usually get it within 4 to 6 weeks. The refund is worked out from the date DVLA gets your permanent export section.
If youre buying a vehicle to take abroad, make sure the seller follows the correct process for vehicles that will be registered in another country. They must give you the full log book (V5C) - not just the new keeper slip.
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. DVLA cannot send a vehicle log book to an address outside the UK.
It can take up to:
- 5 days if you apply online
- 4 to 6 weeks if you apply by post or if youve changed your address or name
When you get your log book, fill in and send the permanent export section to DVLA.
If you do not receive it before you leave the UK, contact the driving authority of the country youre travelling to. Theyll tell you what documents you need.
If youve already left the UK
Contact the driving authority of the country youre taking the vehicle to. Theyll tell you what documents youll need to provide to register the vehicle there.
You also need to send a letter to DVLA to tell them youve taken the vehicle out of the country. Include:
- your name and address
- the make, model and if possible, the vehicle identification number of the vehicle
- the date you took the vehicle out of the country
DVLA
Swansea
SA99 1BA
If you cannot get a vehicle log book (V5C)
Contact the driving authority of the country youre taking the vehicle to - theyll tell you how to register your vehicle.
Send a letter to DVLA to tell them youve 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 youve 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
Youll need to transfer or retain your personalised registration before exporting your vehicle. Otherwise youll lose your right to the registration number.
If youre a motor trader
Youll need to:
- fill in the permanent export section of your vehicle log book (V5C) and detach it from the log book
- send the completed permanent export section to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BD