How Long Does V5C Take? 2026 UK Guide
CarForms customers are currently receiving their V5Cs in an average of 19 days.
CarForms is an independent V62 form submission service. We prepare, print and post V62 applications to the DVLA on behalf of customers, which gives us first-hand insight into how long postal applications actually take.
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Table of Contents
- What Is the Difference Between the V62 vs V5C?
- How Long Should You Expect to Wait for a V5C?
- What Can Delay Your V5C?
- What to Do If Your V5C Is Overdue
- A Simpler Way to Handle Your V5C Application
- Final Note
What Is the Difference Between the V62 vs V5C?
The V5C is the logbook for a car in the UK. To get a replacement logbook, a form must be sent to the DVLA, and that form is called the V62.
If you're already the registered keeper and simply need a replacement, you may be able to order one directly from DVLA online or by phone.
How Long Should You Expect to Wait for a V5C?
The average length of time we see is 19 days.
How long your V5C takes depends mostly on how the application is made and also why you need one.
The process is different depending on whether you're replacing your own V5C, registering a recently purchased vehicle or applying because the car did not come with a V5C. Below we explain the different routes and expected waiting times according to current DVLA guidance:
| Situation | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Replacing your own V5C online or by phone | 5 to 7 working days |
| Applying for a V5C by post | Around 4 weeks |
| Buying a used vehicle where the seller registers you online | 5 to 7 working days |
| Other used-vehicle keeper changes | Within 4 weeks of the vehicle registration |
Missing information or errors in an application take longer to resolve. CarForms guides you through the information needed for your V62, then prepares, prints and posts the application to DVLA on your behalf, helping you avoid simple mistakes before the form is even sent.
What Can Delay Your V5C?
A few problems come up frequently and are worth checking carefully before a V62 is sent:
- Using the wrong route: you may be able to replace an existing V5C online rather than applying by post.
- Incomplete keeper details: missing names, addresses, registration details or dates.
- Incorrect vehicle details: make sure the registration number and VIN or chassis number are correct.
- Missing new keeper information: if you have recently bought the vehicle and have the green new keeper slip, check whether you need to send it with the V62.
- Mismatched information: entries that do not line up with DVLA records or the vehicle history.
- Payment errors: check whether the £25 DVLA fee applies to your circumstances and include the correct payment where required.
- An incomplete form: make sure all relevant sections have been completed in clear block capitals and the declaration has been signed.
Avoiding these simple mistakes on your V62 form before the form is posted can help prevent an application being returned or requiring additional information.
Our guide to a V62 form rejected at the Post Office covers some of the common issues applicants encounter.
CarForms takes you through the information required for your V62 online, then prepares the paperwork and posts it to DVLA on your behalf. This can be particularly useful if you would rather not deal with printing the form, arranging the payment and checking the postal application yourself.
What to Do If Your V5C Is Overdue
If your V5C has not arrived, it's time to get on to DVLA. Have your vehicle registration number and relevant application details to hand.
We've contacted DVLA hundreds of times on behalf of customers and have noticed that V5Cs can sometimes arrive just a few days later. DVLA has assured us this is a coincidence, but we're not so certain...
Self Service Portal
The first thing to check is whether the logbook has been issued and is just waiting to be delivered. You can do that on the vehicle enquiry section of the DVLA website
Live Chat
If it hasn’t been updated since you sent your application, the next step is speaking to customer support. Our preferred method is live chat because they are open late and on Saturdays.
- Go to DVLA live chat and click 'Start Now'.
- You will initially get an automated bot. Paste: 'I want to know the status of my V62 logbook application'.
- Once you receive an answer, select the option saying that your question has not been answered. You should then be connected to an advisor.
- Give the adviser the vehicle registration number and say that you want to check the status of the V62 application.
Phone
If you prefer to talk on the phone, the number is: 0300 790 6801.
A Simpler Way to Handle Your V5C Application
You buy a car, expect the paperwork to be straightforward, and then end up chasing forms, checking fees and wondering whether one small mistake has pushed your logbook back by weeks.
Applying for a V5C yourself is perfectly possible, and if you are eligible to order a replacement directly from DVLA online, it is the quickest option.
The V62 route involves more admin. You need to identify the correct route, complete the relevant information, print the form, arrange any payment that applies and send the application to DVLA.
CarForms is designed to make that process easier. You provide the required information online, and CarForms prepares and prints the V62 and posts the completed application to DVLA on your behalf.
FAQ
How long does a V5C take to arrive?
CarForms customers currently receive their V5Cs in an average of 19 days. DVLA says you'll usually receive your V5C within four weeks if you apply by post. Allow four to six weeks in total, including postage time.
Can I track my V5C application?
Partially. Our Royal Mail tracking code tells you when it arrives at DVLA. After that, check the DVLA self-service portal to see whether the logbook has been issued. If it hasn't updated, contact DVLA by live chat at contact.dvla.gov.uk or by phone on 0300 790 6801.
What can delay my V5C?
The most common causes are incomplete keeper details, incorrect vehicle information, missing the new keeper slip, a payment error or using the wrong application route. Getting everything right before posting helps avoid most delays.
What should I do if my V5C hasn't arrived?
Check the DVLA self-service portal first. If the logbook hasn't been issued, contact DVLA via live chat at contact.dvla.gov.uk or by phone on 0300 790 6801 with your vehicle registration number ready.
Does using CarForms make the V5C arrive faster?
CarForms sends applications the same day and checks for errors before posting, which can help avoid unnecessary delays. DVLA's own processing time is the same regardless, but errors in an application can result in it being returned or delayed.
A Final Note
CarForms.co.uk is an independent third-party service and is not part of DVLA or the UK Government. DVLA remains responsible for processing the application and deciding whether to issue the V5C.
Using CarForms does not give your application priority at DVLA or make DVLA process the V5C faster. What it does provide is a straightforward way to prepare and submit the postal application without having to handle each part of the process yourself.
Sources
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Comments (3)
Posting my feedback here. I used carforms a few weeks ago for a new v5c and it arrived today. Thanks!
The car I bought used to be a disabled car. Dealer told me to take it to post office, and told me will take up 4 to 5 weeks after signing. I had to cancel all my travel plans by car. Has anyone had similar experience?
This is unfortunately common with disabled-registered vehicles. When a car has been taxed in the "Disabled" class, the V5C needs to be updated with the new keeper details and the tax class changed back to standard. The post office can't always handle both at once, so it gets sent off to DVLA directly, which adds weeks. DVLA's standard postal processing is currently running 4-6 weeks. You're legally allowed to drive the car in the meantime as long as you have proof of purchase such as the green slip from the V5C if the dealer gave it to you. That acts as temporary proof of ownership. If the dealer didn't give you the green slip (Section 6), chase them for it because you're entitled to it.