NOVA Registration for Imported Motorcycles: The Complete UK Guide

Before you can register an imported motorcycle with DVLA, you need a NOVA certificate — and you need to submit it within 14 days of the bike arriving in the UK. Miss that window and you'll face penalties before your bike has even turned a wheel on British roads.

Here's everything you need to know about the NOVA process — what it is, how to do it, and how to avoid the mistakes that delay registrations by weeks.

What Is NOVA?

NOVA stands for Notification of Vehicle Arrivals. It's an HMRC system that records the arrival of vehicles into the UK from abroad. The certificate it produces is a mandatory document for DVLA registration — without it, you cannot get a V5C logbook.

NOVA applies to all vehicles imported for use on UK roads, including motorcycles, scooters, and mopeds.

When Do You Submit NOVA?

The 14-day clock starts the moment your motorcycle physically arrives in the UK — typically the day it clears customs and is released from the port.

What You Need Before You Start

Have these ready before you log into the NOVA system:

• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN / frame number) — stamped on the frame, also on the Japanese export certificate
• Engine number — from the engine casing or export certificate
• Make, model, and year of manufacture
• Date of first registration in Japan (from the shakken/export paperwork)
• Purchase price in GBP — the amount you paid at auction
• Government Gateway account — create one at gov.uk if you don't have one

How to Submit NOVA: Step by Step

Step 1: Go to gov.uk/register-notify-vehicle-arrival
Navigate to the official HMRC NOVA service. Log in with your Government Gateway ID.

Step 2: Select "Motorcycle" as the vehicle type
The form adapts based on vehicle type. Select motorcycle/moped.

Step 3: Enter vehicle details
Input VIN, engine number, make, model, year, and country of origin (Japan). Double-check the VIN — a single digit error requires a correction submission and delays your certificate.

Step 4: Enter acquisition details
Enter the date you acquired the vehicle, the purchase price in GBP, and the date it arrived in the UK.

Step 5: Confirm and submit
Review all details, then submit. You'll receive a reference number immediately, and the NOVA certificate will arrive by email within 1–3 working days.

What Happens If You Miss the 14-Day Deadline?

Common NOVA Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using the wrong date — NOVA requires the date the vehicle arrived in the UK (customs clearance date), not the date you took delivery or the auction date.

2. Entering the wrong VIN — Japanese VINs can include characters that look similar (0 vs O, 1 vs I). Copy directly from the export certificate rather than typing from memory.

3. Converting yen to pounds incorrectly — Use the exchange rate on the date of purchase (auction win date). HMRC may query a significantly under-stated value.

4. Waiting for the MSVA test first — You don't need to pass MSVA before submitting NOVA. Submit NOVA as soon as the bike arrives, then book MSVA separately.

After NOVA: What Comes Next?

Once you have your NOVA certificate, the remaining steps to getting your imported motorcycle road-legal are:

1. MSVA test — Required if the bike is under 10 years old and not already EU/UK type-approved.
2. DVLA registration — Submit form V55/5 to DVLA with your NOVA certificate, MSVA pass (if applicable), purchase invoice, and payment of £55.
3. MOT — Required for bikes over 3 years old.
4. Vehicle Excise Duty (road tax) — Taxed online via gov.uk once you have your V5C reference number.

The entire post-NOVA process typically takes 4–8 weeks. See our full import timeline guide for a week-by-week breakdown.

Browse current auction listings at AWA →

Related guides:

• Complete UK Import Guide
• How Long Does the Import Process Take?
• UK Import Duty & Tax Guide