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Imported Car Check: Check If a Car Is Imported

Enter the vehicle's registration or VIN to see if it was imported into the UK.
Vehicle check report on a phone for Ford Focus RS showing 'PASS' and no issues like finance, theft, or imports, with green ticks.
3 Simple Steps

How It Works

1

Enter Registration

Enter the car’s registration number or VIN to perform a car import check. It is fast and easy. Simply type in the plate, and we will instantly search import status, vehicle history, and key details, including any hidden issues or compliance records. Our tool identifies an imported vehicle, ensuring you have the details before making a decision.

2 Smartphone screen showing a vehicle history report for Ford Focus RS with a 'PASS' outcome and green ticks for no finance, not written off, not stolen, and not imported.

Unlock Import History

Pay a small fee for a full imported car check, including the country of origin, past ownership records, and any registration details. Our detailed report provides reliable data, helping you uncover potential risks and avoid surprises. Learn more about an imported vehicle and its history with instant results, delivered straight to your device.

3

Enjoy Peace of Mind

Perform a car import check to see if a car is imported, has hidden issues, or incomplete records. With insights on an imported vehicle, you can feel confident knowing the vehicle meets UK standards, is safe to drive, and is free from surprises. Enjoy total peace of mind with every purchase by completing your car import check today.

Uncover Import History with a Car Import Check

Car Owl helps drivers verify imported vehicles, saving them from hidden risks, unexpected costs, and compliance issues. Whether you are buying an imported car or checking an exported one, we provide the details you need to make a confident purchase.

Spotting Imported Cars

A car might seem local, but a car import check reveals if it was registered abroad. Our tool helps verify a vehicle’s import status, origin, and compliance with UK vehicles. Avoid mistakes before proceeding with a purchase.

Revealing Import Details

Car Owl checks if a vehicle has been imported in seconds, providing recorded history, tax details, and DVLA compliance. Avoid higher insurance costs and ensure data is accurate before making a decision.

Preventing Import Mistakes

Buying an imported vehicle? Our check flags grey imports, missing parts, and hidden issues. Ensure the seller provides the correct registration details to drive legally on UK roads without surprises.

Car Import Check

Don’t Buy Blind, Check If a Vehicle Is Imported First

Buying a vehicle is a big decision, and it’s important to be informed of potential risks. Many imported cars are flagged with hidden issues, incomplete histories, or unexpected costs. Without a car import check, you could end up with an imported vehicle that is difficult to insure, expensive to repair, or non-compliant with UK standards.

Our imported vehicle report provides quick results, helping you verify its import status, country of origin, and recorded risks. Imported enter checks ensure you get all necessary details in the proper sequence before buying. Whether negotiating with a seller or evaluating resale value, our tool gives you confidence and helps prevent unexpected factors.

Don’t take chances. Use our car import check to carry out essential checks, ensure the vehicle is safe, and avoid unnecessary costs. Stay informed and keep your car running smoothly with total peace of mind.

Start Your Check

Rated 4.8 'Excellent' on Trustpilot

I nearly bought a car that looked perfect—until Car Owl flagged it as a write-off. Dodged a huge expense!

Great service told me everything I needed to know about a car.

Does what it says, provided me with a full history report for a car I wanted to buy. Quick and easy. Will use again in the future

Easily the best online history checker I've used. The report told me everything I needed to know about the car I was going to buy for my daughter as she's just past her test and was looking for a second hand car. This service is easy for old folk like myself looking for a simple way to check over cars before purchasing.

The customer service was very good and very responsive. They also gave a lot of suggestions for selling the car as the deal was not successful.

Quick response from a member called Milly. Very helpful and polite and explained the process throughout.

It's great, and it's free. No hassle sale. Thanks once again.

A smartphone lock screen displaying a time of 9:41 on Monday, September 9, with two notifications: one from Martin Louis suggesting to run a full history check for peace of mind, and another from 'Metropolitan Police' stating that a recently purchased vehicle was reported stolen.

Find Out Everything About Imports with Car Owl

Need a car import check? Car Owl makes it easy to see if a vehicle is an imported vehicle. Whether it is an imported car check, an import car VIN check, or verifying a vehicle’s import status, we provide instant details to help you avoid hidden issues and extra costs. Join thousands who trust Car Owl when buying a car.

Check If a Car Is Imported

Enter a car’s registration number for an instant car import check. Our imported vehicle check reveals its origin, past owners, and compliance with UK vehicles. Whether it’s a grey import or a parallel import, we help you proceed with confidence.

Avoid Import Surprises

Do not risk buying an imported car with hidden issues. Our check provides recorded registration details, DVLA data, and tax status. Ensure the vehicle was registered correctly to avoid higher costs and compliance issues.

Accurate Import Reports

Car Owl’s car import check delivers reliable data on insurance, tax, and recorded history. We flag grey imports, non-standard models, and hidden risks, helping you make an informed decision in seconds.

What’s Included in Your Report?

Financial

£14.99

£14.99

£14.99

£19.99

Outstanding Finance Check
Accident & Write-Off History
Insurance Write-Off Status
Stolen Car Check
Mileage Discrepancies
Scrapped Car Check
Imported/Exported
Clocked Mileage Alert
Assurance
Provide Excellent Service
Clear & Actionable Insights
Compatible With Any Browser
Priority Support
24/7 Customer Assistance
Unlimited Free ULEZ Checks
Maintenance
Mileage Verification Check
Full MOT History
MOT Red Flags
Colour Change Detection
Recall Status Check
Manufacturer Recall Alert
Unlimited MOT History Checks
Current Estimated Mileage
Ownership
Previous Keepers
Plate Changes
Logbook Check
Cheapest Fuel Finder
Ownership History
V5C Count
VIN Verification Check
Technical
Fuel Economy Insights
Running Costs
Road Tax Info
CO2
Technical Specifications
Engine Details

Want to Check if a Car Is Imported?

  • Enter the vehicle’s registration number or VIN to perform a car import check and confirm if the car is an imported vehicle.
  • Get instant results to verify the car’s import status, including whether it is an imported car, part of the category of imported cars, or an exported vehicle. A shareable report is included for your records.
Convertible car with check mark icon
Car Owl app displaying vehicle check status as passed on a phone screen in a car interior

What’s Included in Our Imported Vehicle Check?

  • Discover the car’s country of origin, registration details, and recorded keeper history, especially for imported cars and exported vehicles.
  • Check for plate changes, color changes, mileage discrepancies, and compliance with UK standards, making it easier to insure the vehicle properly.

Why Choose Our Import Check Service?

  • Verify if the vehicle is an imported vehicle and confirm its import status with accurate and reliable data for all imported cars. We also check if it was an exported vehicle.
  • Avoid surprises with a comprehensive report that includes the car’s history, full ownership details, and other essential information included to help with making an informed purchase.
Close-up of a car with document check icon

1 in 3

Used cars have hidden issues like finance debt or previous accidents.

109

Stolen cars flagged daily using our detailed car history check.

1 in 3

Cars are still on finance. Buy the wrong one, and it could be repossessed.

1,815

Cars flagged daily for mileage discrepancies. Don't fall for tampered odometers.

2,205

Written-off cars found every day, as shown in our premium vehicle report.

1 in 4

Cars have had plate changes. Our reports reveal hidden problems instantly to ensure complete a car history check.

What’s Included in Your Vehicle Check?

We set a fair price for our car history check. This allows you to make informed decisions and save time. Knowing your vehicle history is key when car buying. Our vehicle stolen check has full access to the UK PNC (Police National Computer) service. This guarantee's your vehicle is not reported as stolen before you purchase. Get total peace of mind knowing this important information.

View Sample Report

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I check if a car is imported?

You can check if a car is an imported vehicle by entering its registration number or VIN into our car import check tool. It provides instant results with key details, such as its import status, history, and country of origin.

Why should I check if a car is imported?

Knowing if a vehicle has been imported is essential for making an informed purchase. Imported cars can have different servicing needs, tax implications, and parts availability compared to UK vehicles.

What is a grey import, and does it affect the car’s value?

A grey import is a vehicle that has been imported outside official manufacturer channels. These cars may have different safety regulations and could have higher insurance costs or servicing requirements due to unique parts.

How do I know if my vehicle has been imported?

Use our car import check tool to verify if a vehicle has been imported. Enter the registration number, and we’ll provide a full report, including import history, tax details, and compliance with UK roads.

Does the DVLA track imported cars?

Yes, the DVLA records all registered imported cars, including their origin, import date, and compliance details. Our check helps retrieve this information instantly.

What are the steps to check an imported car?

Simply enter the registration number into our car import check tool. Within minutes, you'll receive a detailed report covering registration details, past ownership, and servicing history.

Are imported cars harder to insure?

Some imported cars may have higher insurance costs due to differences in safety standards, parts availability, and repair complexity. Checking an imported vehicle’s history helps avoid unexpected expenses.

Does being imported affect the car’s tax?

Yes, tax rates for imported cars can vary depending on emissions, vehicle type, and compliance with UK standards. Our check provides detailed tax information to help you plan ahead.

Can I import a car myself and check its status?

Yes, once a car is imported, you can use our car import check tool to verify its status. This ensures it meets UK safety and registration standards before it can be legally driven on UK roads.

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Instant Vehicle History Checker

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