Registering an old french car (mot and tax exempt)

www.shipmycar.co.uk/2013/03/mot-for-shipping-classic-car/ found this which goes with what the dvla said

On the phone they have, but i have been informed incorrectly before. Ive not had an import before let alone one that hasnt been registered yet and on top adding the tax and mot exemption when they are usually required for the registration. The website isnt really clear on the situation either so thought id ask here?

I've done this. It's pretty easy.

1. Apply for a NOVA number online. You shouldn't need to pay VAT or duty. This needs to be done within 14 days of the car arriving on our shores. www.gov.uk/nova-log-in.

2. Order a V55/5 from: www.gov.uk/dvlaforms

3. Fill that out and provide your proof of name, address and insurance. You'll need to insure on the VIN. It's £55 to register a vehicle. You will need the Carte Grise. A receipt of purchase is useful but not necessary.

4. You do not need an MOT to register a pre 1960 vehicle. It would make life easier if you have one, plus it can help with insurance. You'll apply for tax the usual way on the V55/5 form and it will last 12 months at £0.00.

As someone above said, doing it without the Carte Grise will open up a world of pain. It is possible but you'll need a document from the manufacturer or recognised car club confirming your cars original date of construction. With old cars you can find yourself against a brick wall. Many manufacturers won't have the information any more or the brands have changed hands since then. The alternative is to go down the IVA route. It's expensive (£199) and you'll need everything up to MOT standard and spot on. You'll be Q plated if you can't prove the vehicles age.

Yes it should have been done.

Vehicles imported before April 2013 won't have required NOVA at the time. You can state that its' been sat here a while and you've only just got round to fixing the car. Alternatively you've just brought it over from France. Either way it's more of a formality for registration as you won't owe HMRC any VAT or duty.

I mainly do Japan/USA imports. NOVA is essential on those as you can't release cars from Customs without it. All the EU imports I've done were pre-NOVA. As far as I'm aware the system is no different - just follow it through on the web page.

You can try without it. If NOVA is required the DVLA will return your paperwork.

looks like its going to be a no go. Cheers for the help though guys. Carte grise is so say in a house in france thats been occupied by a soon to be ex wife and the original owner who was ment to forward the paperwork on to the current owner is in the UK and has no access to the place. Id love to get the car but don't want to end up with a pile of rusty old french car on the drive that i cant use over here

Its actually still on. I posted this and after lots of phone calls today its back on. Id of kicked myself if i didnt get it. I have sent out emails to a few dvla listed clubs one of which I'm a member. Ive also spoken to renault uk who were really helpful. I'm actually going ahead with it and have just booked transport. I'm hopeful it can be on an age related plate. The model number it has seems to only of been produced until 1965 then it changed with the revisions of the car. it also has some early features that are only on the pre 60 early versions. Once its here i will get a thread up.

Great news.
Brilliant start to 2016

indeed a late christmas present to myself. be the 3rd year on the trot that ive taken something on to build and get to the gathering. This ones a little more work than the last ones though.

Every once in a while I see one for sale on leboncoin, dropped on banded steelies just like they were back in the day. They look perfect like that, hillclimb style <3