Sajeel Ahmed
Hiroto, Director BJUC, Japan
How to Register a Japanese Imported Car in the UK
Registering a Japanese imported car in the UK is the final and most important step before you can legally drive it on the road. While the process is straightforward, it involves several checks, documents, and compliance requirements that every importer must follow.
If you’ve already read our guides on importing a car from Japan to the UK and shipping a car from Japan to the UK, this article completes the journey by explaining exactly how UK registration works.
Why Registration Is Required for Japanese Imports
Any vehicle imported from Japan must be registered with the DVLA before it can be driven legally in the UK. Registration ensures that the vehicle:
Meets UK road safety standards
Complies with emissions regulations
Is correctly taxed and insured
Has an official UK registration number
Japanese cars are usually right-hand drive, which makes them well suited for UK roads, but documentation and compliance are still mandatory.
Step 1: Ensure the Car Meets UK Compliance Standards
Before applying for registration, the vehicle must meet UK road regulations. This includes:
Working rear fog light (often required modification)
Speedometer displaying miles per hour (MPH)
Proper headlights and indicators
Emissions compliance for MOT
Many of these checks are addressed after shipping, which is why buyers often plan registration alongside customs clearance, as explained in our shipping process guide.
Step 2: MOT Test (If Required)
Most Japanese imports must pass an MOT test before registration, unless the car is under three years old.
The MOT checks:
Roadworthiness
Emissions levels
Brakes, lights, suspension, and tyres
Passing the MOT is a key requirement before DVLA will process your registration.
Step 3: Pay UK Import Duty and VAT
Before registration, the vehicle must be customs cleared. This includes:
Import duty (if applicable)
VAT payment
HMRC notification
These costs are explained in detail in our cost to import a car from Japan article, which many UK buyers use for budgeting before registration.
Step 4: Prepare the Required Registration Documents
To register a Japanese car in the UK, you’ll need the following documents:
Original invoice
Japanese export certificate (and English translation)
Bill of Lading
MOT certificate (if required)
Proof of insurance
Completed DVLA form (V55/5 or V55/4)
Proof of identity and UK address
These documents are usually provided or guided by your exporter. At BJUC, buyers are supported with correct export paperwork to help avoid registration delays.
Step 5: Apply to the DVLA
Once all documents are ready, submit your application to the DVLA. This can be done by post.
DVLA will:
Review your documents
Assign a UK registration number
Issue a V5C logbook
Processing time can vary but typically takes 2 to 4 weeks.
Step 6: Tax and Insure the Vehicle
After receiving the registration number:
Pay vehicle tax
Fit number plates
Activate insurance
Once completed, your Japanese imported car is fully road legal in the UK.
Common Registration Mistakes to Avoid
Many first-time importers face delays due to:
Missing or incorrect documents
Not completing required modifications
Applying to DVLA before customs clearance
Incorrect MOT classification
We’ve discussed these issues more deeply in our guide on mistakes to avoid when importing cars from Japan, which is useful to link here.
How BJUC Helps UK Buyers
BJUC (Buy Japanese Used Cars) assists buyers throughout the import journey, including:
Correct export documentation
Guidance on UK compliance
Shipping coordination
Support until registration is completed
Our aim is to make the registration process easier by ensuring the paperwork from Japan is accurate from the start.
Final Thoughts
Registering a Japanese imported car in the UK may seem complex, but when broken down step by step, it’s manageable. With proper documentation, compliance checks, and DVLA approval, your imported car can be on UK roads without issues.
For a complete understanding, we recommend reading our related guides on importing cars from Japan, shipping timelines, and customs clearance, all available on our website.
A Little Bit About Us
Buy Japanese Used Cars is a trusted Japan-based vehicle export company, delivering high-quality, affordable Japanese cars to customers across the Caribbean, Europe, Africa, and Pakistan.
With years of experience in the global automotive export industry, we offer a complete car import solution from vehicle sourcing and quality inspection to documentation and worldwide shipping.
Our mission is to make importing cars from Japan simple, transparent, and reliable, helping individuals and dealerships access top Japanese brands at competitive prices.
Whether you’re in the Caribbean, Europe, Africa, or Pakistan, Buy Japanese Used Cars is your dependable partner for safe, fast, and professional vehicle shipping worldwide.
You Might Also Like
