Re importing a UK car to the UK

I have had 2 UK cars re-registered here.

2 years down the line, the cars still existed on the DVLA system (never removed - that bit of the admin process hadn't worked).

You can check if yours still exists by clicking here, with the old UK registration number  ...

https://www.gov.uk/check-mot-status

If it still exists, maybe you can get a new UK MOT on it, fit the UK plates (and probably re-fit the RHD headlights).

Then the issue is deleting it from the Spanish system.

The most important thing is registering it with the HMRC NOVA scheme which must be done within 14 days of arrival in UK, after that you just need to fill in the appropriate forms with DVLA. You will of course have to MOT, insure and tax it but the latter you'll get back in complete months when you do in fact sell it.

TBH if you're wanting to trade it in I would consider doing that yourself as a dealer will likely offer you a lot less for it if he has to do it himself, without a doubt far more than it will cost you to do it. It also opens the door for you to sell it privately.

One possible stumbling block to that is having a UK address which will be necessary for DVLA but at worst you could get a trusted friend or relative to register it in their name.

If you are thinking to exchange RHD for LHD then a LHD dealer might be a better bet.

Hi Steve

It used to be straight forward with little or no costs. However getting a dealership salesman to do anything that is not significantly commission based can be challenging. 

Thanks to both of you for the replies.

My intention would be to rock up at a dealership where I've seen the (second hand) car I want, buy the new one and leave my old one there. Is it as simple as that? Obviously I have all the correct Spanish paperwork etc

I dont have a UK address and there's no opportunity to sell it privately as I would only be back in the UK for a week or so.

Steve

The vehicle check cannot be relied on at all, technically the country of new registration is supposed to return the V5 to DVLA for them to update their records but they don't always comply and it's only receipt of that which triggers the Export tag on the web site. It's also possible that DVLA have received the V5 but neglected to follow through and complete the process.

If nothing else the car has not been taxed or SORN'd for a couple of years will raise big red flags

Filling in the Permanent Export section of the V5 is only a declaration that a vehicle is going to be or has been exported, it is not proof that it has which is why DVLA will not mark it as Exported based on that alone.

Steve, if you've not seen it, look at the following re getting out of the DGT system:

https://www.costablancaforum.com/area/mudamiento-spain-77813/driving-hire-buying-owning-car-licences-documents-itv-testing-in-mudamiento-14/jims-guide-exporting-a-spanish-registered-car-77870/

Thanks Jim, I didn't realise you'd compiled a guide on that. Many thanks, will take a look.