Guide to your vehicle log book (V5C)

The V5C log book is a legal requirement for every new or used car on UK roadways. It contains essential information about your car, including its current and past registered keepers (if it’s not a new car). Read on for all you need to know about your car’s V5C, including what to do if you lose it.

What is a V5C and why you need it

The log book is important in a few instances, including when you’re:

• Selling your car
• Transferring ownership
• Exporting your car

Information found in your log book

A V5C document simply states the most important information about your car, including your car’s model, the date of its registration, and the personal details of all of its keepers. You should be able to see the number of keepers your car has had and the date they acquired it.

Please note: a V5C is not proof of ownership.

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Applying for a car log book

Whether you’re purchasing a new or used car, its previous owner or dealership should follow the process of registering you as the new keeper of the car. Once this is done, your V5C is issued by DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) and normally arrives via post within a few weeks.

Here’s how to acquire a log book in other circumstances.

If you have purchased a car without a V5C

If your new car did not come with a log book, you must fill out the V62 form and post it to DVLA together with a green “new keeper slip” provided by the seller. 

If you do not have the slip, you will have to pay £25 to DVLA via cheque. 

If you need a replacement log book 

If your current vehicle log book has been lost, damaged, or stolen, you can apply for a duplicate via phone or online - provided that all details in the document remain the same.

To apply for a V5C over the phone, call DVLA on 0300 790 6802. To apply online, follow the instructions on the website. Remember that both methods require you to be the registered keeper of the document already. 

You will need to provide the following details:

• Car registration number
• VIN/chassis number of the car
• Name and postcode registered in your log book

It costs £25 to get a new V5C document issued with either method, and you should receive it within 4 weeks (if you applied via phone) or 5 working days (if you applied online). 

If you need to change details in your document 

If any details in the document have changed, you’re not eligible to apply via phone or online. Follow the same procedure as if you’ve purchased a car without a V5C. 

Changing your personal details on the V5C document

You can change personal details in your log book at any time by informing DVLA. 

You can update your address on your V5C online between 7am and 8pm.

Alternatively, you can apply via post, by filling in the new address in Section 3 of your V5C and sending it to DVLA. For those with an older style log book: fill out Section 6 with their new address before signing and sending it to DVLA.

You can also follow this process if you want to change your name (or correct the spelling of your name) on your log book. However, you will also need to attach a letter stating the reason behind your request. 

Buying, selling, or writing off a car without a V5C

Buying

DVLA advises against buying a car without a log book as it’s quite risky. However, with the ability to apply for a new replacement V5C online, you can request the seller to apply for a replacement online so you can have a V5C within 5 working days. 

Also, be sure to get a copy of your bill of sale to show as evidence of your ownership until the transfer of ownership is complete.

Selling 

While you can sell your car without a V5C, it’s strongly advised against. You may also find it more difficult to sell your car to car dealers, who tend to ask for full documentation. 

When you do list your car for sale, you should disclose that you do not possess a V5C log book. Once you have found a buyer and you finish the sale of the vehicle, you will need to inform DVLA of the sale in writing.

Writing off

You are allowed to scrap your car without a V5C log book. However, it’s your responsibility to inform DVLA of your plans to scrap your car. Details you should provide include:

• The date of the sale or transfer
• The name, address, and VAT number of the scrap dealer
• The signature of the person collecting your car
• Your signature and the current date

Taxing a car without a V5C

You are able to tax your car without a log book. However, you should apply for a replacement as soon as possible.

If you are taxing your car without a V5C, you will need to do so via your Post Office. You will be required to show your V11 document (reminder letter from DVLA to tax your vehicle) and a valid MOT certificate. 

The Post Office should be able to advise you on what your car tax rates are based on the information provided on your MOT certificate.

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