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Buying a vehicle

Buying a car without a V5C

A V5C is not proof of ownership, but its absence removes the normal keeper change and immediate tax route. Treat that as a serious warning.
£25
Usual replacement V5C fee
GOV.UK, Get a vehicle log book (V5C) (as of 7 September 2026)

Checked on 7 September 2026.GOV.UK, Tell DVLA you have sold, transferred or bought a vehicle (as of 7 September 2026)

Buying a car without a V5C

DVLA advises buyers not to proceed without a V5C. If you do buy, apply by post on form V62. Without the green new keeper slip you cannot tax as a new keeper until DVLA issues the document.

Checks before money changes hands

Match the registration and vehicle identification number on the car against available records, confirm the seller's identity and address, and ask why the V5C is absent. A genuine keeper can normally replace a lost unchanged document before the sale.

The V5C records the registered keeper, not legal title. Seeing one does not prove the seller owns the vehicle, but not seeing one removes a basic identity check.

Applying with form V62

A buyer without the logbook applies for a registration certificate by post. The usual fee is £25. The V62 form says a new keeper who has not received a V5C should allow 4 weeks from purchase before using that reason on the form.

Why tax is the immediate problem

A new keeper without the green slip cannot use the immediate tax service. The previous tax ended with the keeper change, so the vehicle must stay off the public road and be declared off road where required until it can be taxed.

Common questions

Is a V5C proof that the seller owns the car?
No. It identifies the registered keeper and says it is not proof of ownership. Check the seller and the vehicle separately before paying.
How much does a V62 application cost?
The usual fee is £25. The form lists limited exceptions, including a new keeper who encloses the green new keeper slip.
Can I drive home without the V5C?
Only if the vehicle is taxed and otherwise legal. A new keeper without the green slip cannot use the immediate tax route, so arrange recovery rather than assume the seller's tax remains.

Sources

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