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How best to identify NI cars?
If importing from NI and to avoid paying customs/VAT the car must have been originally registered in NI from new (aside from importation via GB prior to Dec 2020 and re-registered). Is the easiest way to decipher this through the NI specific reg numbers three letter ending in I or Z followed by 3/4 numbers? Or am I missing something? Thanks
Our answer:
Hi Paul,
That is an indication, but not foolproof due to the private registration system the DVLA runs.
You can ask to see the V5C log book and if all owners since new are in the north then that should mean it's fine.
Another trick is to search for the UK government's free MOT online checker. Enter the car’s registration and it shows up the MOT status and previous passes and fails. Usefully, it will also reveal the dates of the tests and whether they were carried out in Northern Ireland. That should be sufficient to prove the point.
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