Driver in a British vehicle ()
To find used cars for sale, check out online marketplaces, the lemon lot on base or off-base used car dealerships.
MOT INSPECTIONS
Cars older than three years need Ministry of Transport (MOT) tests before sale. Cars newer than three years may use other authorized inspection agency documents in place of the MOT.
Typically, used cars being sold by other U.S. ID holders will be “concession” vehicles. These are VAT-free cars imported to the U.K. by someone who qualifies for VAT relief.
• A vehicle shipped from a previous duty station is a concession vehicle.
• Active-duty military and adult dependents are entitled one concession vehicle each.
• Concession vehicles may only be sold to other people entitled to VAT relief, typically other U.S. ID holders.
• Using a Power of Attorney to sell a car is not allowed without pre-approval by HM Customs/CVR.
To buy or sell a vehicle to another U.S. ID holder, the buyer(s) and all registered owners (seller) must go to the Security Forces Pass and Registration Section (SFPRS) of the seller’s assigned base to fill out documents. Both buyers and sellers must be present at the same time.
Documents needed to sell or buy, and register a concession vehicle:
• Valid USAFE Form 435 (driver’s license) for all parties
• V5C Vehicle registration (log book)
• 3AF Form 301: Vehicle Transfer Request
• Bill of sale from the registered owner (keeper)
• British certificate of insurance
• Valid MOT certificate (for cars older than three years)
Cars bought from a local British resident are typically not “concession” and are referred to as tax-paid vehicles.
Before agreeing to a purchase, youhave the right to request a vehicle’s V5C (log book) number, expiration of the tax disc and the MOT number.
Check that the car is safe to buy at www.gov.uk/checks-when-buyinga-used-car.
To register a vehicle bought from a local national, the new owner must supply the following documents to the SFPRS. Note that both buyer and seller must be present.
• Valid USAFE Form 435 (driver’s license)
• V5C Vehicle registration (logbook) in the seller’s name
• Bill of sale from the registered owner (keeper)
• British certificate of insurance
• Valid MOT certificate (for cars older than three years)
