HM Revenue & Customs

How long will I need to wait before the vehicle can be registered with the DVLA/DVA?

The majority of NOVA online users can expect to receive a confirmation from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) that they can proceed to register and license their vehicle with the DVLA/DVA within 24 hours of submitting their notification.

However, the process may take longer if HMRC need to:

If a payment of VAT is due, the method of payment you select will also affect the time it takes to receive your confirmation. Confirmation can only be given once the payment is received by HMRC - which is usually the same day for Faster Payments and up to three bank working days for (Bankers Automated Clearing Services) and CHAPS (Clearing House Automated Payment System).

Please note: Once you have received confirmation from HMRC that you can register and license your vehicle, you should allow up to 48 hours for HMRC systems to be updated before the DVLA/DVA can process your vehicle registration application. You won' need to provide the DVLA/DVA with any evidence that you have notified HMRC and paid any VAT due. The DVLA/DVA will be able to verify this automatically.