Enter the registration number of the vehicle
To change the ownership of a vehicle in the UK, you'll primarily need the V5C logbook. The seller must complete and give the green "new keeper" slip (V5C/2) to the buyer and then notify the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) of the sale online or by post. The new owner will need the logbook to apply for a new one.
(If you have bought a vehicle without a logbook, you must apply for a replacement using a V62 form from GOV.UK.)
Seller's responsibilities
Complete the V5C logbook: Fill in section 2 with the new owner's name and address and the date of sale.
Give the new keeper slip to the buyer: The new owner will need the green slip (V5C/2) to register the car in their name.
Notify the DVLA: Inform the DVLA that you have sold the vehicle online via their website or by sending the remainder of the V5C by post.
Buyer's responsibilities
Receive the V5C logbook: You will need the V5C logbook and the green "new keeper" slip from the seller.
Apply for a new V5C: Use the information on the V5C to register the vehicle in your name. This can be done online or by post.
Update your details with the DVLA: You will receive a new V5C in your name after the transfer is complete.
Have the necessary details ready: The buyer needs to provide their full name and UK address to the seller.
If you don't have a V5C logbook
If you have bought a vehicle without a logbook, you must apply for a replacement using a V62 form from GOV.UK.
If you have sold a vehicle without a logbook, you can contact the DVLA by post with your details and the details of the new owner.
DVLA encourages motorists to get a red vehicle registration certificateMotorists who still have the old V5C blue vehicle registration certificate (log book) are encouraged to swap it for a new red V5C for free.
DVLA has now completed automatic roll out of the red vehicle registration certificate (V5C). It is now encouraging the keepers of any vehicles who still have an old style blue V5C to replace it with new a red V5C free of charge.
This can be done by sending the original blue V5C with a covering letter to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BA, or by telephoning 0300 790 6802. You will need to have the registration number, make and model of the vehicle and the document reference number of the blue V5C (this is the 11 digit number on the front of the V5C). You must be the registered keeper and there must be no changes needed to the V5C.
DVLA also recommends that any buyer offered a second hand vehicle with a blue V5C gets the seller to replace the document with a red one from DVLA before they part with any money for the vehicle.
DVLA completed the automatic roll out in 2012. The new style red document was automatically issued when:
a vehicle was registered for the first time
an application was made for changes to an existing registration, such as a change of keeper or address
a vehicle was taxed or declared off the road
The new certificate was introduced following the theft of a number of defective blank certificates in 2006 after they had been rejected by DVLA and returned to the supplier. The aim was to reduce the risks to motorists of buying a stolen or cloned vehicle.
DVLA recommends buyers ask to see proof of ownership of a vehicle (such as a bill of sale) and check the vehicle’s service records and MOT certificate to assure themselves that the sale is legal.
Criminals try to legitimise the sale of a stolen or cloned vehicle with a forged or stolen registration certificate and they get away with it because many motorists believe that a V5C registration certificate is proof of ownership. It is important that motorists are aware that this is not the case.
GOV.UK has details giving motorists tips on what to look out for when buying a second hand car or search Google for ‘Buyer Beware DVLA’.
Existing V5Cs will remain valid until they are replaced.
Request information about a vehicle or its registered keeper from DVLA
Contents
Overview
You can ask the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) for the information they hold about:
This guide is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).
NextRequest information about another vehicle or its registered keeper
View a printable version of the whole guide
Related content
Explore the topic
GOV.UK has details giving motorists tips on what to look out for when buying a second hand car
If you buy the vehicleTax the vehicle immediately. You’ll need the green ‘new keeper’ slip from the vehicle’s log book.
Tax your vehicle
Tax your car, motorcycle or other vehicle using a reference number from:
a recent vehicle tax reminder or ‘last chance’ warning letter from DVLA
your vehicle log book (V5C) - it must be in your name
the green ‘new keeper’ slip from a log book if you’ve just bought it
If you do not have any of these documents, you’ll need to apply for a new log book. You can tax your vehicle at the same time.
You can pay by debit or credit card, or Direct Debit.
You must tax your vehicle even if you do not have to pay anything, for example if you’re exempt because you’re disabled.
You’ll need to meet all the legal obligations for drivers before you can drive.
This service is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).
Other ways to apply
Apply by phone
DVLA vehicle tax service
Telephone: 0300 123 4321
24-hour service
Find out about call charges
You cannot pay by Direct Debit over the phone.
At a Post Office
Go to a Post Office that deals with vehicle tax. You need to take either:
your bank or building society account details to set up a Direct Debit
You will not need these payment details if your vehicle is exempt from tax.
You also need to take one of the following:
your vehicle log book (V5C) (it must be in your name)
the green ‘new keeper’ slip from a log book if you’ve just bought it
You might also need to show evidence of an MOT (it must be valid when the tax starts). For example, a screenshot of your vehicle’s MOT history or your MOT certificate, if you have one.
It can take up to 2 days for MOT information to be updated, so you might not be able to tax your vehicle immediately after it passes its test.
If you live in Northern Ireland
To tax your vehicle at a Post Office in Northern Ireland, you’ll also need both:
a paper copy of an insurance certificate or cover note
an original MOT test certificate or evidence of a Temporary Exemption Certificate (TEC)
You can provide evidence of your TEC with a screenshot of your vehicle’s MOT history. If you cannot do this, you can show an expired MOT certificate.
You do not need to apply for a new MOT certificate.
If the vehicle is off the road
Register that your vehicle is off the road, for example you’re keeping it in a garage. You do not need to tax your vehicle.
TAX YOUR VEHICLE
OLD BLUE V5 NEW RED
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