V62 Form Previous Postcode: What to Enter and Why It Matters

Published by CarForms Staff · 27 April 2026 · 5 min read

If you are filling in a V62 form to apply for a replacement V5C logbook, you may have come across a field asking for your previous postcode — and wondered why on earth DVLA needs to know where you used to live. It is a common source of confusion, and getting it wrong can delay or even invalidate your application. This guide explains exactly what the field means, what to write, and what to do if you simply cannot remember.

What is the “previous postcode” field on the V62?

The V62 application form (formally titled Application for a Vehicle Registration Certificate) asks for the registered keeper’s current address as well as a previous postcode if the keeper has moved since the vehicle was last registered. This is sometimes labelled “previous address postcode” or sits in a separate section asking whether your address has changed since the last V5C was issued.

The field is used by DVLA to cross-reference their records and confirm the keeper’s identity. Because the DVLA database holds the postcode linked to the last V5C, supplying the previous one helps them match your application to the correct vehicle record — especially if you have recently moved.

Why does DVLA ask for your previous postcode?

DVLA maintains a vehicle register that stores the keeper’s address at the time of the last V5C issue. When you apply for a replacement using a V62, DVLA needs to verify that you are the legitimate registered keeper. If your address has changed since the last document was issued, simply providing your new address would not match their records — so they also ask for the old postcode to make the link.

This is a security measure to reduce fraud. Someone trying to steal a vehicle’s V5C would be unlikely to know both the current keeper’s new address and the old postcode on the DVLA record, making the form harder to abuse.

What should you enter in the previous postcode field?

The answer depends on your personal circumstances:

• If you have moved since the last V5C was issued: enter the postcode of the address that was on the last V5C. This is the postcode DVLA has on record for you as the keeper.
• If you have not moved: leave the field blank or write “same” if the form explicitly requests an entry. The form instructions will indicate whether this field is mandatory or conditional.
• If you are a new keeper who has just bought the car: the previous postcode refers to the previous keeper’s last registered postcode, not yours. Check the V5C or any sale documentation for that postcode.

Common scenarios and what to write

The table below covers the most frequent situations people face when completing the previous postcode field on a V62 form.

What if you can’t remember your previous postcode?

This is a genuinely tricky situation. Here are some practical steps to try:

1. Check any paperwork from that address — old utility bills, bank statements, or delivery confirmations often include the full postcode.
2. Look at the old V5C itself — if you still have a copy, the postcode will be printed on it. Sometimes buyers keep the old V5C even after losing the current one.
3. Use the Royal Mail postcode finder — if you remember the street name and town, you can look up the correct postcode at royalmail.com.
4. Contact DVLA directly — if none of the above works, call DVLA on 0300 790 6801. Explain your situation; they can sometimes verify your identity through other means.

Quick-reference table

Here is a summary of key points about the V62 previous postcode field at a glance:

Avoid the confusion with CarForms.co.uk

Filling in a V62 form correctly — including tricky fields like the previous postcode — is exactly the kind of thing that catches people out. A small error can mean your application is returned or delayed, leaving you without a logbook for weeks longer than necessary.

CarForms.co.uk is a specialist service that handles the entire V62 application process for you. You answer a few straightforward questions online, and our team completes the form, checks every field — including the previous postcode — and posts your application to DVLA the same working day. The standard DVLA fee of £25 applies, and our Complete Service is £49.95 in total.

It takes about five minutes online and removes all the guesswork. You will receive a confirmation once your application has been sent, and we will keep you updated throughout the process.

Frequently asked questions

The V62 form asks for a previous postcode but I have never moved — what do I do?

If your address has not changed since the last V5C was issued, leave the previous postcode field blank. The field is only relevant if there has been an address change. Read the guidance text printed next to the field on the form to confirm this applies to your situation.

I bought a car and the previous keeper moved. What postcode should I enter?

You should enter the postcode that the previous keeper’s address shows on the V5C. If you no longer have the V5C (which is why you are applying for a replacement), contact the seller to ask for their postcode at the time they registered the vehicle.

Can I use any old postcode, or does it have to be the one DVLA has on record?

It must be the postcode DVLA has on record — not just any previous address. If you have lived at several addresses since the car was last registered, use the postcode that was on the V5C document, not a more recent one.

Will DVLA reject my V62 if the previous postcode is wrong?

It is possible. DVLA uses the previous postcode as a verification check, and a mismatch can flag your application for further review or result in a rejection letter asking you to resubmit. Always double-check before sending your form off.