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I have a car in the UK for my sister...

I am living in the UK and bought a car in London on behalf of my sister in Dublin with a view to transfer before Brexit hits. For a variety of reasons I had to register the car initially in my name. On completing the sale the dealer mentions "oh by the way due to COVID, DVLA will take six weeks to get the new V5 logbook to you"!

So, can she arrange to have it shipped to Dublin before I get the V5 (so it arrives in Ireland before 1st Jan 2021 to avoid any potential customs tariff if no-deal Brexit)? What happens if I can't get the V5 to her before her 30 days to sort the VRT expires (as now seems likely)? I do have a copy of the previous one with CO2 and NOX figures. Will she struggle to insure it without the V5 in her name? I have a bad feeling this will not end well!

Any advice appreciated.

Peter Dupont (LONDON)

Dec 2020 Filed under: importing


Expert answer

Hi Peter,

I don't think you need to massively worry about any of this as, even if you can get the car here before the end of the year, it's the date that it's registered that counts with regards to VRT and other charges. And it will be impossible to get an appointment to have the car inspected for VRT purposes before the end of the year now. 

I don't think it will be an issue getting insurance, but it's best that your sister talk to the insurer to ensure they know the situation.

Shane O' Donoghue - Complete Car Advisor
@Shane_O_D


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