V5C Transfer Checklist

The V5C (Vehicle Registration Certificate) — commonly known as the logbook — is the official document that links a vehicle's registration number to its registered keeper. It is issued by the DVLA and is one of the most important documents associated with any UK vehicle.

The V5C is not proof of ownership (ownership is determined by who legally bought and paid for the vehicle) — but it is proof of who is the registered keeper. The registered keeper is responsible for ensuring the vehicle is taxed, has a valid MOT, and is properly insured.

The V5C Transfer Process

When a vehicle changes hands in a private sale, both the buyer and seller have responsibilities:

• The seller must complete section 6 of the V5C (the "new keeper" slip — the yellow section) and hand it to the buyer. They must also notify the DVLA of the sale, either online at GOV.UK or by post (sending the rest of the V5C to DVLA).
• The buyer receives the yellow new keeper supplement (V5C/2) and can use this as temporary proof they are the new keeper while the DVLA processes the transfer. A new V5C in the buyer's name is typically issued within 4–6 weeks.
• The DVLA must be notified immediately after the sale — not days or weeks later. The seller remains responsible for the vehicle until the DVLA records the change of keeper.

Buying a Car Without a V5C

Buying a vehicle that has no V5C is a significant risk. Without a logbook, you cannot verify the vehicle's registered keeper history, and you may struggle to tax the vehicle, sell it on, or register yourself as the new keeper with the DVLA.

If you buy a car without a V5C, you will need to apply for a replacement using the V62 form. CarForms handles the entire V62 application on your behalf — we complete, print and post the form to the DVLA, including the £25 DVLA fee, for £49.95.

Apply for a replacement V5C via our V62 form service →

Selling Privately — What You Must Do

When selling a vehicle privately, your responsibilities are:

• Complete section 6 of the V5C and give the yellow slip to the buyer
• Tell the DVLA you've sold the vehicle — you can do this online instantly via GOV.UK or by post
• Keep a record of the sale (buyer's name, address, date of sale, and agreed price) in case of any future dispute
• Cancel your car insurance once the vehicle has been transferred (or your policy will continue to charge you)
• Stop using any remaining road tax — it is not transferable to the new keeper and will be automatically cancelled when the DVLA records the change of keeper

Common V5C Mistakes to Avoid

• Not notifying the DVLA promptly — if you sell a vehicle but don't inform the DVLA, you remain the registered keeper and are responsible for any fines, penalties, or parking tickets incurred by the new owner
• Giving the buyer the entire V5C — the seller should send the main V5C document to the DVLA; only the yellow new keeper slip goes to the buyer
• Buying a car with a damaged or altered V5C — signs of tampering may indicate the vehicle has a hidden history (stolen, written off, or cloned)
• Not running pre-purchase checks — see below

Free Checks to Run Before Buying Any Used Car

Before parting with any money, always run these free checks: