GB Conversion IVA for Cars Imported from Europe — When It Is the Only Correct Route

Buying a car in Poland or another EU country and want to register it in the UK? Since Brexit the rules have changed — European type approval (EU type approval) is no longer automatically recognised by DVSA. For the vast majority of cars brought over from Europe, GB Conversion IVA is the only correct route to registration. We explain exactly what this procedure involves, when to use it instead of a full IVA, and what to watch out for throughout the process.

Why European type approval is no longer sufficient after Brexit

Before 1 January 2021, a car with EU type approval (for example, a Polish type-approval certificate in category M1) could be registered in the UK without difficulty — it was enough to present the Certificate of Conformity (CoC) to the DVLA.

After Brexit the UK no longer automatically recognises EU type approval. The UK Type Approval (Mutual Recognition of Road Vehicles) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 abolished mutual recognition, leaving importers with two options:

1. GB Conversion IVA — a simplified procedure for vehicles that hold a valid EU type approval and require only minor modifications to comply with UK regulations
2. Full IVA (Individual Vehicle Approval) — a complete vehicle test, used when the EU type approval is invalid, has expired, or the vehicle does not qualify for GB Conversion

For the overwhelming majority of new and used EU cars (up to 8 years old), GB Conversion IVA is the faster, cheaper, and more appropriate option.

What is GB Conversion IVA?

GB Conversion IVA is a DVSA-approved procedure in which an inspector verifies only those aspects of the vehicle that need to be adapted to specific UK legal requirements — without repeating the full type-approval tests.

The rationale is straightforward: if a car has passed the rigorous EU type approval process, its safety and emissions are already confirmed. It simply needs to demonstrate compliance with a handful of UK-specific rules.

Items typically checked during GB Conversion IVA:

Area	UK requirement	Typical modification
Headlights	Beam pattern aligned for left-hand traffic	Replacement or adjustment of asymmetric headlights
Speedometer	mph scale must be visible and legible	mph overlay sticker or instrument cluster replacement
Rear number plate light	UK-compliant illumination	Usually no change required
Emissions	Verification of CoC data	No modification
VIN number	Compliance check	No modification
ABS/ESP system	Confirmation from documentation	No modification

The good news: for most modern Euro 6 type-approved cars, modifications are limited to headlights and the speedometer — and are relatively inexpensive.

When is GB Conversion IVA the only correct route?

GB Conversion IVA is appropriate when:

• The vehicle holds a valid EU type approval (confirmed by a CoC — Certificate of Conformity)
• The approval is current (the vehicle was manufactured no more than 8 years ago, or the approval remains in force)
• The vehicle is new or used, imported from any EU country
• The vehicle falls into category M1 (passenger car up to 8 seats), N1 (light goods vehicle up to 3.5 t), or L (motorcycles — though for these the MSVA procedure applies)

When GB Conversion IVA is NOT sufficient and you need a full IVA:

• The vehicle is a prototype or a one-off with no type approval
• The EU type approval is invalid, has expired, or has been revoked
• The vehicle originates outside the EU (USA, Japan, Canada) and has no EU type approval
• The vehicle is too old to qualify for the simplified procedure
• Substantial modifications were made to the vehicle after type approval

How to apply for GB Conversion IVA — step by step

Step 1: Gather the documents - Certificate of Conformity (CoC) — the essential document; without it the procedure cannot proceed - Proof of ownership (e.g. the EU registration document / V5 equivalent) - Purchase invoice or sale agreement - Manufacturer's technical documentation (if available)

Step 2: Carry out the modifications Before attending the DVSA inspection, commission a certified workshop to: - Replace or adjust the headlights (asymmetric → symmetric for left-hand traffic) - Add an mph scale to the speedometer (sticker, overlay, or replacement) - Check all other UK-specific items

Step 3: Submit the application online via gov.uk The application is submitted through the DVSA service: gov.uk — Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA). When selecting the procedure, choose GB Conversion IVA.

Step 4: DVSA inspection The vehicle attends a designated DVSA test station. The inspection typically takes a few hours. Once it passes, you receive the IVA certificate.

Step 5: Registration with DVLA With the IVA certificate, CoC, and proof of ownership you submit the registration application (form V55/5). DVLA assigns UK number plates and issues the V5C (logbook).

Costs — what will GB Conversion IVA set you back?

Item	Indicative cost
DVSA inspection fee (M1)	£289–456
Headlight replacement/adjustment	£150–600
Speedometer modification	£50–300
CoC certificate (from manufacturer or dealer)	£50–200
Customs clearance (Easy Clearance)	£45–150
NOVA declaration (HMRC)	Free
First Registration Fee (DVLA)	£55

Total (estimate): £639 – £1,761 — depending on the vehicle and the scope of modifications.

The figures above are indicative — an exact quote is available once documents are submitted.

Alternatives to GB Conversion IVA

If the vehicle does not qualify for GB Conversion IVA, the following options are available:

• Full IVA — complete vehicle test (more expensive and lengthier — up to 6 months' wait)
• MSVA (Motorcycle Single Vehicle Approval) — the IVA equivalent for motorcycles and L-category vehicles
• NTA (National Type Approval) — for series manufacturers, not for individual importers
• Historic vehicle — cars over 40 years old are exempt from MOT and some type-approval requirements, but still require registration

Worth knowing: if the vehicle is being imported as transfer of residence (ToR Relief), you may be able to claim relief from customs duty and import VAT, but the type-approval procedure follows exactly the same process.