How much does it cost to import a car from the USA to the UK?

Total added costs are typically 45-60% on top of the US purchase price. This includes 10% customs duty, 20% VAT, shipping (£1,000-4,000), IVA test (£199), DVLA registration (£55), and required modifications (headlights, speedometer, fog lights).

Do I need an IVA test for an American car?

Yes, if the car is under 10 years old. US vehicles don't have EU type approval, so they require an Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) test costing £199. Cars over 10 years old or manufactured before March 2001 are exempt.

Can I drive a left-hand drive American car in the UK?

Yes. Left-hand drive vehicles are fully legal on UK roads. You must convert the headlights to a UK beam pattern and ensure the speedometer displays mph, but there is no requirement to convert to right-hand drive.

How long does it take to import a car from the USA to the UK?

The full process from purchase to UK road legal typically takes 8-16 weeks. Shipping takes 2-6 weeks depending on the route, then allow 2-4 weeks for customs, IVA testing, modifications, and DVLA registration.

Is there customs duty on cars imported from America?

Yes. Unlike EU imports, US vehicles attract 10% customs duty on the customs value (purchase price plus shipping and insurance). VAT at 20% is then charged on the total including duty.

Last reviewed: 24 February 2026 · Read the full USA deep-dive guide

Import a Car from USA to the UK

American muscle, LHD rules, IVA testing and full cost breakdown

On top of purchase price

45-60%

Purchase to UK road legal

8-16 Weeks

For vehicles under 10 years old

IVA Test

The USA is the source for American muscle, classic trucks, and rare US-market variants. There is no UK-US free trade deal that covers used private car imports, so expect the full 10% customs duty plus 20% VAT. LHD cars are legal in the UK but need headlight, speedometer and fog-light modifications.

Estimate your import costs from USA

Pre-set to USA with the standard duty and VAT scenario for this route. Adjust the figures to match your purchase and shipping — then carry these values straight into your V55/5 form.

UK car import duty and VAT calculator

Estimate customs duty, import VAT, first registration fee, first-year VED, and the NOVA deadline for a UK vehicle import.

2026 V149 rates

Vehicle purchase priceCountry of originShipping costInsurance cost

Import scenario

Standard 10% duty, 20% VAT0% duty with valid origin proofTransfer of Residence reliefHistoric collector vehicle estimate

Arrival date in the UKPort, agent, and handling feesCO2 emissions for first-year VEDFuel type

Include DVLA first registration feeShow expensive car supplement note

Cost breakdown

Enter a purchase price and country of origin to see the import estimate.

NOVA deadline

Enter arrival date

HMRC normally expects notification within 14 days of the vehicle arriving in the UK.

V55/5 checklist

NOVA acknowledgement or HMRC notification reference
Foreign registration certificate and proof of ownership
Evidence of vehicle approval, MOT, or exemption
Insurance certificate using the VIN or chassis number
Completed V55/5 form and DVLA payment

Complete the V55/5 form

This is an estimate for planning. HMRC classification, valuation, preferential origin evidence, relief claims, and DVLA tax class decisions can change the final amount.

What catches people out importing from USA

No UK-US trade deal — budget for the full 10% duty + 20% VAT.
Cars under 10 years old need a full IVA test (£199) — LHD is allowed but lighting must be converted.
US titles must often be notarised and apostilled for DVLA.
Shipping from the US takes 8-16 weeks by RoRo or container.

Popular imports from USA

Ford MustangChevrolet CorvetteFord F-150Jeep WranglerTesla Model S

Read the complete USA import guide

A 15 min read deep dive covering shipping, customs, NOVA, approval, and the V55/5 form step by step — with real cost examples.

Read the guide

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to import a car from the USA to the UK?: Total added costs are typically 45-60% on top of the US purchase price. This includes 10% customs duty, 20% VAT, shipping (£1,000-4,000), IVA test (£199), DVLA registration (£55), and required modifications (headlights, speedometer, fog lights).
Do I need an IVA test for an American car?: Yes, if the car is under 10 years old. US vehicles don't have EU type approval, so they require an Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) test costing £199. Cars over 10 years old or manufactured before March 2001 are exempt.
Can I drive a left-hand drive American car in the UK?: Yes. Left-hand drive vehicles are fully legal on UK roads. You must convert the headlights to a UK beam pattern and ensure the speedometer displays mph, but there is no requirement to convert to right-hand drive.
How long does it take to import a car from the USA to the UK?: The full process from purchase to UK road legal typically takes 8-16 weeks. Shipping takes 2-6 weeks depending on the route, then allow 2-4 weeks for customs, IVA testing, modifications, and DVLA registration.
Is there customs duty on cars imported from America?: Yes. Unlike EU imports, US vehicles attract 10% customs duty on the customs value (purchase price plus shipping and insurance). VAT at 20% is then charged on the total including duty.

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Primary sources

This guide maps to official GOV.UK guidance. Always check the current source for the latest rules before you submit your V55/5.

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