Selling a vehicle
What to do with the V5C when selling
Checked on 7 September 2026.GOV.UK, Tell DVLA you have sold, transferred or bought a vehicle (as of 7 September 2026)
What to do with the V5C when selling
Use the DVLA online service while both sides have the details to hand. DVLA cancels the seller's tax and refunds complete unused months. The buyer starts a separate tax licence.
The seller's handover
Record the buyer's details accurately, notify DVLA, and give the buyer the green new keeper slip. Keep the confirmation that DVLA accepted the transfer.
If there is no V5C, the online transfer service cannot be used. Write to DVLA with the seller's name and address, registration, make and model, exact sale date, and the new keeper's name and address.
What happens to the tax
DVLA cancels the seller's licence after the keeper change and refunds any complete months left. The buyer gets none of that licence and must tax the vehicle before driving it.
The buyer's handover
Check that the registration, vehicle identification number and seller details agree with the vehicle and the document. Keep the new keeper slip and use it to tax immediately.
Common questions
- Who sends the V5C to DVLA?
- The seller completes the keeper change online or sends the required V5C section. The buyer keeps the green new keeper slip.
- What happens to tax after a sale?
- The seller's tax is cancelled and complete unused months are refunded. The buyer must arrange a new licence before driving.
- Can I report a sale without the V5C?
- Yes, but not through the online service. GOV.UK says the seller must write to DVLA with the vehicle, sale and new keeper details.