How to Transfer a V5C When Buying or Selling a Car

What Is a V5C Logbook?

The V5C — officially called the Vehicle Registration Certificate — is the document issued by the DVLA that records who is the registered keeper of a vehicle. It contains key details about the car including the registration number, make and model, colour, engine size, VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), and the name and address of the registered keeper.

Every vehicle registered in the UK has a V5C associated with it. If you own or keep a vehicle, you should have the V5C in your possession. It is one of the most important documents in any car transaction.

Registered Keeper vs Legal Owner

One of the most common misconceptions about the V5C is that it proves ownership. It does not. The V5C itself carries the printed warning: "This document is not proof of ownership."

The registered keeper is the person responsible for the vehicle — they must ensure it is taxed, insured, and MOT'd. The legal owner is the person or entity that holds title to the car. In most private sales, these are the same person. But under a finance agreement (HP, PCP, or logbook loan), the finance company is the legal owner until the debt is fully repaid.

This distinction matters because a seller can appear on the V5C and still not have the legal right to sell the vehicle. Always verify ownership before buying.

When Is a V5C Transfer Required?

A V5C transfer is required whenever the registered keeper of a vehicle changes. This includes:

• Selling a car — whether privately or to a dealer
• Buying a car — from a private seller, dealer, or at auction
• Gifting a car — to a family member or friend
• Inheriting a vehicle — when the previous keeper has passed away
• Transferring to a business — if a personal vehicle becomes a company car (or vice versa)
• Scrapping a vehicle — you must notify the DVLA that the car has been sent to an Authorised Treatment Facility

In every case, the DVLA must be informed so they can update their records and issue a new V5C in the new keeper's name.

How to Transfer a V5C Online

The quickest and most convenient way to transfer a V5C is through the DVLA's online service. The process is straightforward and usually results in the new keeper being updated on DVLA systems within a few days.

For Sellers — Online Transfer

1. Go to the DVLA's "Sell, transfer or buy a vehicle" service at gov.uk.
2. Enter the 11-digit reference number from the V5C (found in Section 6 or on the front of the document).
3. Enter the vehicle registration number.
4. Confirm the sale details — including the date of sale and the new keeper's name and address.
5. Submit the notification.

Once completed, DVLA will update their records and send a new V5C to the buyer. You do not need to post the paper V5C if you complete the transfer online — but many sellers still hand Section 10 (the green slip) to the buyer as a receipt.

For Buyers — After an Online Transfer

If the seller has transferred the V5C online, the buyer does not need to do anything further. DVLA will automatically send a new V5C to the buyer's address. This typically arrives within 2 to 4 weeks.

In the meantime, the buyer should keep the green new keeper slip (Section 10) as proof they are the new registered keeper. This slip is your temporary proof of keepership until the new V5C arrives.

How to Transfer a V5C by Post

If you prefer to complete the transfer on paper — or if the online service is unavailable — you can transfer the V5C using the paper form.

For Sellers — Postal Transfer

1. Complete Section 6 of the V5C (the yellow section labelled "Notification of sale or transfer to the motor trade or to a new keeper").
2. Fill in the new keeper's full name and address.
3. Enter the date of sale or transfer.
4. Sign and date the declaration.
5. Detach Section 10 (the green new keeper slip) and give it to the buyer.
6. Post the completed V5C (Sections 1–9) to DVLA at: DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BA.

The DVLA will process the change and send a new V5C to the buyer's address.

For Buyers — Postal Transfer

1. The buyer receives Section 10 (the green slip) from the seller at the point of sale.
2. Fill in your details on the green slip if not already done.
3. You do not need to send the green slip to DVLA — keep it safe.
4. Wait for the new V5C to arrive, which typically takes 4 to 6 weeks by post.

If the new V5C does not arrive within 6 weeks, contact DVLA directly.

Steps for Sellers: A Complete Walkthrough

Transferring the V5C correctly protects you from future liability. Once you sell the car, you want your name off the record as quickly as possible.

1. Fill In the Correct V5C Section

Use Section 6 for a private sale to a new keeper. If selling to a motor trader or dealer, use Section 8 instead. Make sure you fill in every required field — incomplete forms cause delays.

2. Provide the New Keeper's Details

You need the buyer's full legal name and current address. Double-check these details with the buyer before writing them down. Errors will delay the process and could result in the V5C being sent to the wrong address.

3. Record the Date of Sale

Write the exact date the sale takes place. This is important because it determines when your responsibility for the vehicle ends — including liability for road tax, parking fines, and speeding tickets.

4. Hand Over the Green Slip

Tear off Section 10 and give it to the buyer. This is their temporary proof of keepership. Never hand over the entire V5C to the buyer — the rest of the document must go to DVLA.

5. Send the V5C to DVLA

Post the remaining sections to DVLA Swansea, or complete the process online. Do this on the same day as the sale if possible. Until DVLA updates their records, you remain the registered keeper and could be held responsible for the vehicle.

Steps for Buyers: A Complete Walkthrough

As a buyer, your main responsibility is to verify the V5C before paying and to ensure you receive the new keeper slip.

1. Check the V5C Details Match the Car

Before handing over any money, inspect the V5C carefully:

• Does the registration number match the plates on the car?
• Does the VIN on the V5C match the VIN stamped on the car (usually found on the dashboard, door frame, or under the bonnet)?
• Does the make, model, colour, and engine size match the vehicle in front of you?
• Is the address on the V5C the same as the location of the sale?

If anything does not match, ask questions. Discrepancies can indicate a cloned car, stolen vehicle, or document fraud.

2. Verify the Seller Is the Registered Keeper

The name on the V5C should match the seller's ID. If someone else is listed as the registered keeper, ask why. There may be a legitimate reason (such as selling on behalf of a family member), but it could also be a red flag.

3. Keep the New Keeper Slip (Section 10)

When the seller tears off the green slip and gives it to you, check that your name and address are filled in correctly. This slip is your only proof of keepership until the new V5C arrives.

4. Tax the Vehicle Before Driving

Vehicle tax does not transfer with the car. You must tax the vehicle in your name before driving it away. You can do this online at gov.uk/vehicle-tax or at a Post Office. You will need the green new keeper slip (Section 10) or the new V5C reference number.

5. Insure the Vehicle

You must have valid insurance before driving the car. Arrange cover before collecting the vehicle. Many insurers offer temporary cover that starts immediately.

What Happens After the Transfer

Once DVLA receives the notification (online or by post), they will:

1. Update their records to show the new registered keeper.
2. Cancel the previous keeper's vehicle tax — any remaining full months will be refunded automatically.
3. Issue a new V5C in the new keeper's name and send it to their address.

How Long DVLA Updates Take

Method	DVLA update	New V5C arrival
Online transfer	Usually within 24–48 hours	2–4 weeks
Postal transfer	1–2 weeks	4–6 weeks
Replacement V5C (V62)	2–4 weeks	4–6 weeks

If you have not received the new V5C within the expected timeframe, you can check the status by calling DVLA on 0300 790 6802 or using the online vehicle enquiry service.

What to Do if the V5C Is Missing

If the seller does not have the V5C, proceed with extreme caution. A missing V5C could mean:

• The car is on finance and the lender holds the document
• The car is stolen
• The car has been cloned
• The seller is not the registered keeper

If You Are the Seller and the V5C Is Lost

Apply for a replacement V5C using form V62, available from the DVLA website or any Post Office. It costs £25 and the new document usually arrives within 4 to 6 weeks. Ideally, wait for the replacement before selling the car.

If You Are the Buyer and the V5C Is Missing

Do not buy a car without a V5C unless you are confident the seller is genuine and you have verified the vehicle independently. If you decide to proceed:

1. Run a full vehicle check to confirm the car's history, finance status, and whether it has been reported stolen.
2. Ask the seller to apply for a replacement V5C using form V62 before completing the sale.
3. Get a written receipt with the seller's full name, address, signature, date of sale, and sale price.
4. Apply for a new V5C yourself using form V62, with proof of purchase.

Buying a car without a V5C increases your risk significantly. A vehicle check is essential in this situation.

Common Mistakes During V5C Transfers

Not Notifying DVLA Promptly

Sellers who delay notifying DVLA remain the registered keeper. This means parking fines, congestion charges, speeding tickets, and even crime-related enquiries can be directed to you.

Filling In the Wrong Section

Using the wrong section of the V5C (e.g., Section 8 instead of Section 6) can cause processing errors and delays.

Not Keeping the Green Slip

Buyers who lose the green slip have no proof of keepership until the new V5C arrives. Keep it somewhere safe — preferably take a photo of it as a backup.

Handing Over the Entire V5C

Sellers should never give the full V5C to the buyer. Only Section 10 (the green slip) goes to the buyer. The rest must be sent to DVLA.

Not Taxing the Car Before Driving

Vehicle tax does not transfer with the car. Buyers who drive away without taxing the vehicle are breaking the law and risk a fine of up to £1,000.

Not Running a Vehicle Check

Without checking the car against DVLA, finance, and stolen databases, you are relying entirely on the seller's honesty. A quick check can reveal issues that the V5C alone cannot show.

Final Transfer Checklist

For Sellers

• Complete Section 6 (or Section 8 for a trade sale)
• Fill in the new keeper's name and address accurately
• Record the date of sale
• Give the buyer Section 10 (green new keeper slip)
• Send the remaining V5C to DVLA Swansea (or transfer online)
• Notify DVLA on the same day as the sale
• Keep a written record of the buyer's details and sale price

For Buyers

• Check the V5C details match the car (reg, VIN, make, model, colour)
• Verify the seller matches the name on the V5C
• Receive Section 10 (green slip) from the seller
• Tax the vehicle before driving it away
• Insure the vehicle before driving it away
• Run a full vehicle check before paying
• Wait for the new V5C — contact DVLA if it has not arrived within 6 weeks