Do private individuals use NOVA or HMRC CARS?
Reviewed 2026-07-10
Short answer
Private individuals still need a NOVA declaration, but GOV.UK says the route depends on whether the vehicle was shipped or brought in personally.
Official position
GOV.UK says VAT-registered companies use the NOVA service. For a non-VAT registered company or private individual, the declaration may be made by a shipping company, customs agent or HMRC CARS team if the vehicle is shipped. If you bring the vehicle in yourself, you must contact HMRC CARS.
What to do
Work out whether the vehicle was shipped for you or brought in by ferry/Channel Tunnel.
If shipped, ask the shipping company or customs agent whether they made the NOVA declaration.
If you brought it in yourself, contact HMRC CARS within the official deadline.
Keep all HMRC CARS emails and import documents for the DVLA file.
Common mistakes
- Assuming private individuals can ignore NOVA because they are not VAT registered.
- Trying to use a business NOVA route when GOV.UK points you to CARS.
- Not getting the customs agent to provide documents needed for HMRC CARS.
Related help
Official sources
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