Country-specific documents

What documents do I need for an Irish import V55/5?

Reviewed 2026-07-10

Short answer

For a Republic of Ireland vehicle, prepare the standard imported-vehicle pack. Do not confuse it with a Northern Ireland vehicle that may already be UK registered.

Official position

GOV.UK says permanent imports must be notified to HMRC and registered with DVLA. It also says UK residents can move vehicles freely between Great Britain and Northern Ireland if they are registered in either country and the personal-use conditions apply, so Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland cases are different.

What to do

Confirm whether the vehicle is from the Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland.

For Republic of Ireland imports, gather the original Irish registration certificate, purchase evidence, NOVA/HMRC evidence and approval evidence.

For Northern Ireland vehicles, first check whether there is already a UK registration record or V5C route.

Check VIN, first registration date and manufacture year against every document before completing V55/5.

Common mistakes

Treating Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland paperwork as the same thing.
Starting a V55/5 import application for a vehicle that already has a UK registration record.
Missing NOVA/HMRC because the vehicle came across the Irish Sea.