Taking your car to Europe

If your car is on a lease agreement, you're not the registered keeper — the finance company is.  Here's what to sort out before you cross the Channel.

1. Permission from your leasing company

Contact your leasing company at least a few weeks before travel and request:

• A VE103 certificate (specifically the VE103B for leased/company vehicles) — the standard "Vehicle on Hire" certificate recognised across Europe as proof you're entitled to drive a car registered to someone else. If you do not know how to request this from your funder, if you are a current customer, please do email [email protected]
• Keep documents as originals in the car, not photos on your phone — border and traffic police in several countries expect to see the physical paperwork.

3. Breakdown cover valid abroad

Standard UK breakdown cover often stops at the border. If your car breaks down in France or Spain, a domestic-only policy won't help. Upgrade to European breakdown cover for the dates of your trip — this typically also covers repatriation of the vehicle, which matters even more with a lease car since you're contractually obliged to return it in one piece.

4. Vehicle identification: UK sticker, not GB

Since 28 September 2021, cars need a UK sticker rather than the old GB oval, unless the number plate already includes the UK identifier along with a Union flag, in which case no separate sticker is needed. If your plate just shows GB, or has no national identifier, display a UK sticker on the rear.

5. Driving documents to carry

• UK driving licence — a photocard licence is sufficient for most of Europe.
• International Driving Permit (IDP) — not needed in the EU/EEA, but required by a few countries outside it, so check if your itinerary includes non-EU stops.
• V5C log book, if you have one — many lease vehicles' V5C is held by the finance company, which is exactly why the VE103 substitutes for it.
• MOT certificate (if the car is old enough to need one) and proof of valid road tax.
• Passport for you and all passengers.

6. Country-specific extras

A few countries have their own rules on top of the above, you can check on sites such as the AA , some details are below.