V5C logbook
The V5C, from buying to selling
What does this guide cover? The V5C records the registered keeper and supplies the references used to notify DVLA and tax a vehicle. It is not proof of ownership, and the tax attached to the old keeper never follows the vehicle.
£25
5 to 7
12 digits
Common questions
- Is a V5C proof of ownership?
- No. It records the registered keeper, who is responsible for taxing and registering the vehicle. Ownership still needs separate evidence such as the purchase receipt.
- Does vehicle tax transfer to the buyer?
- No. DVLA cancels the seller's tax after the keeper change and refunds complete unused months. The buyer must tax the vehicle before driving it.
- How much is a replacement V5C?
- The replacement service usually costs £25. Online or phone applications normally arrive within 5 to 7 working days when the recorded details do not change.
Sources
- GOV.UK, Get a vehicle log book (V5C) (as of 7 September 2026)
- GOV.UK, Tax your vehicle (as of 7 September 2026)
- GOV.UK, Tax your vehicle without a vehicle tax reminder (as of 7 September 2026)
- GOV.UK, Tell DVLA you have sold, transferred or bought a vehicle (as of 7 September 2026)
- DVLA, V62: application for a vehicle registration certificate (as of 7 September 2026)
Checked on .
- Replacing a lost V5C logbookThe registered keeper can usually replace an unchanged V5C online or by phone and tax the vehicle during the same application.
- Using the green new keeper slipThe V5C/2 is the buyer's bridge between the sale and the new logbook. It lets the new keeper tax the vehicle immediately.
- What to do with the V5C when sellingThe seller tells DVLA on the day of sale and gives the buyer the green new keeper slip. The buyer taxes the vehicle before using it.
- Buying a car without a V5CA V5C is not proof of ownership, but its absence removes the normal keeper change and immediate tax route. Treat that as a serious warning.
- How to tax a carUse a V11, V5C, new keeper slip or the replacement route.