Car Shipping to the United Kingdom
2026 Guide
Car shipping to the United Kingdom is simple when an agent guides you through the steps, costs, and import requirements. Whether you’re moving to the United Kingdom, selling a vehicle overseas, or importing a classic car, an experienced international auto transport company can help you comply with UK regulations and protect your vehicle during the journey overseas.
Why CFR Classic?
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How Our Container Loading System Protects Your Car on the Trip to the UK
R-RakThe R-Rak system replaces traditional wooden ramps with a secure steel racking system, allowing up to five classic vehicles to be safely loaded into a single container while minimizing movement and reducing the risk of damage during transit.
Shipping a Car to the UK – Key Takeaways
Quick SummaryThe most important facts about shipping a car from the US to the UK — before you dive into the detail.
Shipping a Car to the UK – Key Takeaways
Transit time: 2–4 weeks (ocean), 3–10 days (air)
VAT: 20%
Cost: $1,100–$5,000+ (ocean), $10,000+ (air)
Main ports: Felixstowe, Southampton
Import duty: 10%
Vehicle approval: May require IVA, GB conversion IVA, or proof of type approval
Car Shipping Process Summary
The ProcessFrom your first quote to keys in hand, here’s the full journey.
Request a Free Quote
Submit your vehicle details online. Our team responds within 24 hours with a personalized cost breakdown and recommended shipping method.
24-hour response
Prepare Your Documentation
Gather your title, bill of sale, and other required paperwork.
Schedule Pick-Up or Vehicle Drop-Off
Have your vehicle picked up from your location and trucked to the port or drop it off at the agreed upon US port terminal.
Ocean Transit to the UK
While your vehicle is in transit, you can track its progress through our customer portal.
Customs Clearance in the UK
Our local broker handles all UK customs paperwork, VAT, duties, and other considerations, as well as reporting the vehicle’s arrival using NOVA.
Delivered & Registered in the UK
Your vehicle undergoes DVSA inspection and receives required approval documentation, such as IVA, GB conversion IVA, or proof of type approval, before DVLA registration.
United Kingdom Shipping Costs, Major Ports & Shipping Methods
PricingShipping a car from the U.S. to the United Kingdom starts around USD $1,100, depending on departure port, method (container vs RoRo), vehicle size and destination port. The estimated transit time is 2-4 weeks, but this can also vary.
Route | Roll-On/Roll-Off | Shared Container Load | Full Container Load | Air Freight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
US East Coast → Felixstowe | $995 | $1,025 | $2,050 | Contact for Pricing |
US West Coast → Felixstowe | $1,350 | $1,450 | $3,025 | Contact for Pricing |
Get an Instant Car Shipping Quote
Tell us about your vehicle and we’ll respond within 24 hours with a personalised cost breakdown.
* Please note that your information is saved on our server as you enter it.
US Departure Ports
LogisticsWe offer multiple departure locations for car shipping services. In addition, we can arrange for pickup from another location and have your vehicle transported to the departure port.
Ports Served in the USA
Los Angeles
New York
Houston
Miami
Savannah
Baltimore
UK Destination Ports
LogisticsHere are the entry ports in the United Kingdom that we can ship a car to. Our agents can also arrange for shipment to an inland location in the UK, depending on your needs.
Ports Served in the UK
Felixstowe
Southampton
Tilbury
Liverpool
Grangemouth
London Gateway
Duties, Taxes & Fees
Taxes & FeesIn addition to the costs associated with shipment, you’ll need to prepare for other costs, such as those levied by the UK government. Some of these fees could include:
United Kingdom Import and Registration Fees
Import duty
Value-added tax
(VAT)
Optional marine insurance/shipping protection
Vehicle approval test costs
Vehicle modification costs
If non-conforming
Car insurance
Registration fee
Your agent can help you navigate these questions. Generally, you can expect to pay and a 10% import duty based on the CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) value of the vehicle a 20% VAT based on the total cost of the vehicle plus accessories, delivery/extra charges, and customs duty.
Note that exact rates depend on the vehicle classification, origin, and any applicable relief (outlined below).
UK Import Duty and Tax Exemptions
Duties & ExemptionsMost importers pay 10% import duty and 20% VAT — but several categories are fully or partially exempt.
Exemption Type | How to Qualify & Exemption Details |
|---|---|
Historic/Collector Vehicle Treatment | Classic/collector vehicles may be classified under heading 9705 if they meet HMRC criteria, meaning they may be eligible for reduced VAT or a different duty classification. Vehicles under 30 years old are generally not treated as classic/collector cars; modernized, hot-rodded or modified vehicles are excluded. HMRC also notes eligible historic motor vehicles are typically original-state vehicles at least 30 years old or no longer in production, with scarcity/collector characteristics. HMRC recommends obtaining an Advance Tariff Ruling before import for collector vehicles. |
Temporary Import Relief | You may be exempt from VAT and duties if you are a non-UK resident visiting with a vehicle for private use, not selling/lending/hiring it in the UK, and re-exporting it within 6 months. This term may be even longer if you are eligible as a non-resident student or worker. |
Transfer of Residence (ToR) Relief | If you are moving your main residence to the UK, were resident outside the UK for at least 12 consecutive months, owned/possessed the vehicle for at least 6 months, import it within 12 months of moving, and do not sell/lend/hire/transfer it within 12 months, you may be eligible for elimination of VAT and customs duty. You should apply for ToR relief before shipment using the ToR1 process and give your agent the unique reference number for the import declaration. |
Diplomatic/Visiting Forces Relief | For diplomatic personnel or visiting forces, HMRC has specific procedures for diplomatic vehicles and visiting forces’ motor vehicles. |
Returned Goods Relief | If you previously exported the vehicle from the UK and are re-importing it (generally in the same state as it was exported). The importer must be the same person who took it out of the UK and the vehicle must not have been upgraded to increase its value. |
Shipping Methods
Choose your shipping methodYour vehicle can be shipped via container, via air freight, or on a roll-on/roll-off ship (think of it like a parking lot on a shipping vessel).
The method you choose will impact the cost and timing of your shipment. A quick summary of the benefits of each:
- Cheapest → Ro-Ro
- Balanced → Shared Container Load
- Maximum protection → Full Container Load
- Fastest → Air Freight
Ro-Ro (Roll-On/Roll-Off) Shipping
Ro-Ro shipping is typically the most affordable option, with the additional benefit that these ships have more frequent departures, meaning your shipment will have a shorter lead time before arrival.
Ro-Ro’s main drawback is that your vehicle will be in the open on the Ro-Ro deck with hundreds of other vehicles, and you will not be able to transport personal items inside the vehicle.
Shared Container Load (SCL)
With shared container load, we’ll use our R-Rak method to safely load your vehicle into a container, along with a few other customers’ vehicles. This allows you to share the cost of a container while benefiting from added security compared to Ro-Ro shipping.
However, it’s generally more expensive than Ro-Ro and takes longer as the container won’t ship until it’s been filled.
Full Container Load (FCL)
Full container load offers the benefits of shared container load shipping; however, the container is reserved exclusively for your vehicle or vehicles. This offers the highest level of protection and security, allows you to ship your vehicle with personal goods inside, and departs as soon as it can be loaded onto a vessel – no waiting to fill the container. The primary drawback is that FCL is more expensive than SCL and Ro-Ro.
Air Freight
Air freight is the fastest method. It’s exactly what it sounds like – we load your vehicle into a plane and then it is transported by air to its destination in the UK.
While significantly more expensive than other options, it’s ideal for time-sensitive shipments, reducing the process to days rather than weeks or months.
Import Eligibility & Documentation Required
ComplianceTo ship a car to the United Kingdom, you’ll need to confirm a few details. Your agent can assist you in the process of determining your vehicle’s eligibility for shipment to the United Kingdom.
- Your vehicle will need to comply with UK emissions standards. The United Kingdom uses EU emissions standards but these standards are applied differently in the UK.
- Your vehicle will need to demonstrate compliance with UK safety standards.
- If your vehicle does not conform to safety or emissions standards, it will need to undergo a homologation process which will be an additional expense.
- If your vehicle is older than 10+ years may be exempt from vehicle approval.
- If your vehicle is older than 30+ years, it may qualify for collector classification under heading 9705.
- If your vehicle is older than 40+ years, it may qualify for historic MOT/vehicle tax exemptions if not substantially changed.
You’ll also want to ensure you have all proper documentation for import. You’ll need the following documentation to ship a car to the UK:
Documents for Shipping
Bill of Sale or Purchase Invoice
showing ownership, date, and vehicle value
US Title or Registration Certificate
confirming ownership transfer
Vehicle Photos
(VIN plate/chassis number, exterior, interior, engine bay) if required by the carrier or German authorities
Shipping Contract/Booking Confirmation and Marine Insurance Certificate
Marine insurance recommended but not required
US Export Clearance Documents
and proof of vehicle condition
Upon arrival in the UK, you’ll need the following to complete your import and register your vehicle:
Documents for Import
Customs Import Declaration
Duty and VAT Assessment Documents
Technical Inspection Documentation
Certificate of Conformity
required for registration after receiving individual vehicle approval
Proof of Insurance
Passport or Other Identification
Vehicle Registration in the UK
RegistrationAll vehicles shipped to the United Kingdom must be registered before they can be legally driven on public roads. Before DVLA registration, you must tell HMRC within 14 days of the vehicle’s arrival using NOVA, pay any VAT/duty due, and provide proof of vehicle approval. DVLA may ask to inspect the vehicle as part of the registration process.
Note that you cannot register a seriously damaged vehicle. If you pay VAT/duty or approval costs and then cannot register it, you may not be refunded.
If your vehicle requires any modifications or homologation to meet DVLA requirements, such as lighting adjustments or emissions compliance, these will need to be handled before registration. Our agent can assist you with finding a homologation specialist mechanic.
You’ll also need identification (such as a passport), proof of insurance, and proof of a registered UK address.
If all of this sounds like a lot to process, don’t worry! With agents in the United Kingdom, the US, and abroad, the team at CFR Classic can assist with inspections, compliance requirements, and the full registration process.
Start the Process of Shipping Your
Car Overseas Now!
Our agents are ready to answer any questions you have! Pop in your vehicle’s details below and we’ll get you a free quick quote for your car shipment within 24 hours.
UK Car Shipping FAQ
Common QuestionsEverything commonly asked about shipping a car from the US to the UK.
Should I use escrow or a secure payment service when buying a car overseas?
Using a secure payment service is highly recommended. Services like CFR SafePay act as a trusted intermediary—verifying the seller, confirming the vehicle details, and holding funds until everything checks out—helping protect you from fraud.
Are there special considerations for shipping electric vehicles?
Yes. Electric vehicles are classified as hazardous cargo due to their batteries, which means:
- Additional documentation is required
- Shipping costs may be higher
- Some carriers have restrictions or require special containers
- Working with an experienced shipper is essential for EV transport.
Can I ship a new car overseas?
Yes, but you’ll need proper ownership documents, such as:
- Vehicle title or Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MSO)
- Notarized bill of sale
- Proof of full payment
- In many cases, it’s easier to ship once the official title is issued.
Is air freight available for car shipping?
Yes. Air freight is the fastest option, delivering vehicles in days instead of weeks. However, it is significantly more expensive than ocean shipping and is typically used for high-value or time-sensitive vehicles.
Do departure and arrival ports affect shipping cost?
Yes. Popular shipping routes (like major U.S. to UK ports) are usually more affordable due to higher volume and efficiency. Less common routes can cost more due to limited availability.
Is it cheaper to import a car or buy one locally in the UK?
It depends. Importing can make sense for:
Classic or specialty vehicles
Personal vehicles during relocation (often tax-exempt)
However, for standard vehicles, taxes, duties, and modification costs can make local purchasing more economical.
Do I need marine insurance?
Yes, it’s strongly recommended. Carrier liability is limited (often around $500), which may not cover your vehicle’s value. Marine insurance typically costs about 1–2% of the car’s value and provides full protection during transit.
What is EU “mutual recognition” for vehicles?
Mutual recognition means that if a vehicle is approved in one EU country, it can generally be registered in another without additional testing. While the UK is no longer an EU member state, EU-registered vehicles can use a European Certificate of Conformity, while non-EU vehicles need IVA/MSVA, and left-hand-drive EU vehicles need GB conversion IVA when importing to the UK.
Addtional Resources
Explore moreWe’ve rounded up some extra guides, handy tools, and useful links to help you keep rolling. Check them out below.
Joey has spent his entire teen and adult life in cars. Joey’s father owned a Jeep store, and Joey had his own used car lot that he ran himself from age 22 until I was 30. At 30 years old, Joey got “out of” the car business and joined CFR Rinkens. Joey started when there were only 9 people at CFR, but the company grew to over 150 employees during his time there.
When Joey started, CFR Rinkens was shipping about 40 vehicles per week from Los Angeles. Joey established locations in Houston, Miami, and New York and within the first year, CFR went to shipping 150 cars per week. Joey started as a customer service rep and later moved up to sales manager, operations manager, and marketing manager.
Joey then moved to Europe for two years and spent the entire time traveling through Europe meeting with clients. In 2022, Joey and his partners purchased CFR Classic from CFR Rinkens and he returned to California to watch over the operation more closely.