Lost Your Car Log Book? Here's How to Replace It Fast
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Losing your car log book is one of those things that feels more chaotic than it is. The good news: the DVLA has a straightforward process for issuing a replacement V5C, and thousands of drivers go through it every year. The less good news: it involves a paper form, a £25 fee, and waiting several weeks for post. This guide covers everything you need to know, including how to get it sorted without a trip to the post office.
Lost Your Log Book? We Will Sort It
Complete your V62 application online in 5 minutes. We handle the printing, DVLA fee, and postal submission. Your new V5C arrives by post direct from the DVLA.
Start Your ApplicationWhat You Need to Apply
To replace a lost log book in the UK you submit a V62 application form to the DVLA. Before you start, have the following ready:
- Vehicle registration number (the number plate)
- Make, model, and colour of the vehicle
- Your name and address as the registered keeper
- £25 DVLA fee included with the application
You do not need the original V5C to apply. The V62 form exists specifically to replace a lost, stolen, or destroyed log book, so there is no need to panic if you have no paperwork at all.
Good to know
If you recently bought the car and it came with the green V5C/2 new keeper slip, include it with your V62 application. The DVLA specifically asks for this where available and it can speed up processing.
Your Options for a Replacement
There are two ways to get a replacement V5C when your log book is lost:
| Method | Cost | What You Do | Typical Wait |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIY via post office | £25 DVLA fee | Pick up a V62 form, fill it in by hand, post to DVLA with a cheque or postal order | 2 to 6 weeks |
| CarForms handled service | £49.95 all-in | Complete the form online in 5 minutes. We handle everything else. | Same DVLA wait, zero hassle |
The £25 DVLA fee applies either way. The difference is your time. The post office route means sourcing a V62, completing it by hand, getting a postal order or cheque, and queuing. With CarForms, you enter your vehicle details online, pay in one step, and we do the rest. One thing we see regularly: applications that bounce back from the DVLA due to errors, which adds weeks. A second check before submission catches those.
Using CarForms: How It Works
CarForms manages V62 applications on your behalf. The process is straightforward:
- Fill in your details online: takes around 5 minutes and works on any device
- We prepare your V62: professionally completed and checked before printing
- We submit to the DVLA: posted the same working day, with the £25 DVLA fee already included
- Your new V5C arrives by post: direct from the DVLA to your address
The total cost is £49.95. That covers the £25 DVLA fee, our handling fee, and first-class postage to the DVLA. There are no extras.
Ready to Replace Your Log Book?
5 minutes online. We handle printing, the DVLA fee, and submission.
Apply for Replacement V5C
How Long Does It Take?
The DVLA typically issues a replacement V5C within two to six weeks of receiving a correctly completed V62 application. In practice, the majority of applications we process come back in around three to four weeks when there are no queries.
The most common reasons for delays:
- Errors or missing information on the form
- Vehicle details that do not match DVLA records (the VIN is the one that catches people out most often)
- DVLA processing backlogs, which can happen around bank holidays
Getting the form right first time is the single biggest factor in keeping the wait short. If the DVLA writes back with a query, the clock resets.
Can you drive without a log book?
Yes. There is no legal requirement to carry the V5C in the vehicle. As long as the car is taxed, insured, and has a valid MOT, you can drive while waiting for your replacement. You will need the V5C to sell the car privately, however.
What Our Customers Say
We have helped hundreds of drivers get their replacement log book sorted without the post office queue. Here is what some of them had to say:
"Saved me so much time and hassle! I was dreading having to sort out DVLA paperwork, but CarForms.co.uk made the whole process completely stress-free. The online form took less than 5 minutes to fill in, and they handled all the printing, fees, and posting for me. Everything was clear, fast, and straightforward. Highly recommend their service to anyone who wants to avoid paper form headaches!"
S King
Verified purchase
Common Questions
Can I apply for a replacement log book online?
Not directly through the DVLA. The DVLA does not accept V62 submissions online. You can complete and submit the form online through CarForms, who handle the physical submission to Swansea on your behalf.
What if I have lost my log book and want to sell the car?
Most private buyers will not purchase without a V5C, so you should apply for a replacement before listing the car. Apply now and it will typically arrive within three to four weeks. See our guide on buying or selling a car without a logbook for more detail.
What if the log book was stolen?
Report it to the police first and note the crime reference number. Then apply for a replacement V5C using the V62 form as normal. Including the crime reference number with your application can help if the DVLA have any queries about the missing document.
Can someone apply for a replacement log book on my behalf?
A handled service like CarForms can manage the application on your behalf. You provide your vehicle and keeper details online; we complete, print, and post the form to the DVLA.
How much does it cost to replace a lost log book?
The DVLA charges a £25 fee to issue a replacement V5C. Using the CarForms handled service costs £49.95 in total, which covers the DVLA fee, form handling, and postal submission.
Written by
CarForms
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