Vehicle registration and licensing

If the vehicle is more than 3 years of age it must be tested before registration and licensing.

If the vehicle has a period of tax remaining, this tax is not valid in the Isle of Man and the vehicle may not be used on Island roads on foreign plates, which includes UK, Northern Ireland or Eire registration and tax. Vehicles used as hire and drive vehicles obtained from Isle of Man businesses must also be registered and taxed on the Isle of Man.

Richard Pearson, Director of Highways said:

'There is no relaxation on the period of time for residents to register and tax vehicles brought into the Island and it must be done as soon as possible after the vehicle is brought to the Island. Any unused tax on an imported vehicle relates to tax paid in the previous jurisdiction and is not valid in the Isle of Man, although a refund may be possible from the DVLA on application. Therefore, any resident or resident business using an unregistered and untaxed vehicle could be liable for prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000.'

The Department works closely with the Roads Policing Unit and Sergeant Allan Thompson of the Roads Policing Unit said:

'We fully support the initiative by the DOI, and I will be asking officers to be proactive in questioning the drivers of vehicles with UK or other foreign number plates. Huge investment is made in keeping our roads safe, and it is proper that users should pay the appropriate road tax.'

The forms required are 'Registering a Vehicle not currently Registered in the Isle of Man' MVR5 and 'Vehicle Duty Application Form' VL1 or VL2 which are available at Post Office Counters and online - Vehicle registration and licensing.