A V5C, or vehicle logbook, contains detailed information about a car and its owner. This official document contains the vehicle's registration number, make, model, colour, body style, engine size, and VIN. Even if the registration number changes, such as with a private plate, the car's VIN remains unique. You can use it to find VIN numbers, confirm vehicle identity with a car details checker, and even check car insurance history in some cases.
The V5C also lists the vehicle's CO2 emissions, car tax band, registration date, and past owners. It also includes the registered keeper's name and address.
When selling a car, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) must receive the V5C with the required sections. This keeps vehicle records current.
What Does a V5C Logbook Look Like?
DVLA provides a paper vehicle logbook, the V5C. There are two V5C models with different looks.
The 2004 model is blue and green. The DVLA released a red-and-pink variant in 2012. By encouraging vehicle owners to upgrade, blue and green logbooks became rarer to improve security.
The theft of several blank old-style V5C documents led to the change in design. The revised colour scheme makes stolen documents more visible and less valuable to crooks, reducing fraud risk.
What Information Is Included on a V5C?
The V5C document has 10 sections, including vehicle and ownership information. For clarity, each section is described below:
Section 1: Vehicle Details
This section contains vehicle technical information, including make, model, registration number, VIN, engine size, fuel type, and colour. You can use these details with a car details checker or to find vin number.
Section 2: Registered Keeper
The current registered keeper's name and address are here. It may also provide past owners' information.
Section 3: Special Notes
Here, you may read about the vehicle's import, rebuild, or taxi usage.
Section 4: Changes to Current Vehicle Details
This part informs the DVLA about car registration alterations such as colour, engine capacity, and fuel type.
Section 5: Previous Keeper(s)
This section lists previous car owners' names, residences, and dates. This helps buyers evaluate a vehicle's ownership history.
Section 6: New Keeper or Change of Name/Address
After selling or transferring the car, or changing the keeper's name or location, updated information is here.
Section 7: New Keeper Declaration
The current and future owners must sign this section to legally transfer ownership.
Section 8: Motor Trader Notification
Motor vendors buying vehicles use this section. It contains the trader's name, address, and the receiver's signature.
Section 9: Notification of Sale or Transfer to a Motor Trader, Insurer, or Dismantler
A motor trader, insurance firm, or dismantler must complete this part with the buyer's data and seller's signature and send it to the DVLA.
Section 10: New Keeper's Supplement (Green Slip)
The new owner keeps this tear-off slip as evidence of ownership until the DVLA issues the amended V5C. It proves that the owner has changed.
Each section is essential to keeping vehicle records correct and up-to-date, assuring legal compliance throughout ownership transfers and modifications.
When and Why You Should Update Your V5C?
You do not have to keep your V5C logbook up to date if your personal information or the car you own does not change. However, there are times when you need to ask the DVLA for a new or improved V5C. Some of these are:
- A name or address change
- Changes that are very important to the car, like a new colour, a different type of fuel, or more seats.
- You can give the car to a family member or someone in your family.
If you are giving or selling something, you must fill out the New Keeper section of the V5C, just like you would during a private sale.
When you want to sell your car:
- Fill out Sections 6 and 8 of the V5C for a private sell.
- You need to fill out Section 9 if you are selling the car to a motor seller, an insurance company, or getting it scrapped.
You can sell your car to your insurance company if it has been "written off," which means it is so ruined that it can not be fixed for a reasonable price.
To avoid problems, you must not keep the V5C once you no longer have the car. If you do not tell the DVLA that you are no longer the owner of the vehicle, you could be responsible for any fines or tickets the new owner gets for parking, speeding, or other violations.
How to Change the Address on Your V5C Logbook?
It is easy to change your address on your V5C logbook, and you can do it online or by post.
Here are the methods to change your V5C address:
1. Updating the V5C Address Online
You must be the listed owner of the car to change your address online. These things are what you will need:
- The registration number of the car
- The eleven-digit number from the V5C record
Keep this in mind:
- The new address has to be in the UK. You cannot use the online service if you live in the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man.
- If your car tax is about to run out in the next four weeks, you need to pay for it before you send in your address change.
- ou can only use the web service from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day.
2. Updating the V5C Address by Post
If you would rather change your address by post:
- If you got your V5C after 2012, write your new address in Section 3 of it.
- Use the address on the logbook to send the whole thing to the DVLA.
When it comes to V5C logbooks from before 2012:
- Change the address in Section 6, then sign the book and send it to the address in Section 8.
What to Do with the V5C When Buying or Selling a Vehicle?
If you want to legally transfer ownership of a car in the UK, you must make sure that the V5C record is up to date and sent to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).
Responsibilities When Selling a Vehicle
- The new owner needs to fill out Sections 6 and 10 of the V5C.
- The seller must give the permanent proof of ownership, the V5C/2 part, also called the "green slip," to the new owner.
- Next, you need to post the filled-out V5C to the DVLA.
Responsibilities When Buying a Vehicle
As the buyer:
- You need to make sure that the seller gives you the V5C record that is properly filled out with your information.
- Keep the V5C/2 (green slip), which you can use as temporary proof that you own the car.
- Use the information on the green slip to get the car taxed instantly if it needs to be. You can also use a car details checker at this stage to ensure records match and even check car insurance status.
How the V5C Is Used When Purchasing a Car?
The V5C logbook can help you, as a buyer, make sure that the person selling the car is actually the registered owner. Verify that the V5C registration number, colour, manufacture, and model match the vehicle.
There is no need for the buyer to update the V5C; the seller must do it. You should verify that the vendor completed the procedure for your peace of mind.
The seller should:
- Give you the green V5C slip that says "new keeper."
- Tell the DVLA about the sale and give them your full name and address.
Selling a Car: V5C Responsibilities and Process
You are responsible for giving the DVLA the new owner's information when you sell a car.
You must:
- Fill out the green "new keeper" slip and give it to the buyer.
- Let the DVLA know that the owner has changed. You can do this:
• Online, by using the official service for the government, or
• Via post, by sending the filled-out V5C to the DVLA at the address on the form.
As soon as you tell the DVLA, you are no longer officially responsible for the car and any taxes, fines, or fees that come with it.
Lost Your V5C? Here's What to Do
It is important to get in touch with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) immediately if you lose your V5C logbook. You can ask for a duplicate either online or over the phone at the DVLA.
When to Apply for a Replacement V5C
Request a new V5C if your old one has been:
- Lost
- Stolen
- Damaged
In these situations, you can also fill out a V62 form and send it in.
Replacement Steps and Fees:
- A new V5C costs £25 extra.
- The information below is what you need to give:
• Registration number of the vehicle
• Vehicle Identification Number
• Your full name
• The address where the vehicle was registered
Delivery Times and Follow-Up:
- The new V5C is usually sent out within five business days.
- You should get in touch with the DVLA for help if you do not get it within two weeks.
- You will have to pay the £25 fee again to ask for another copy if you have not received the replacement after six weeks and have not told the DVLA.
Responding quickly to V5C loss or damage ensures you comply with vehicle registration rules and may complete any essential vehicle transactions.
How to Apply for a Replacement V5C Logbook
The GOV.UK website or the DVLA may provide a V5C logbook replacement. The vehicle's registration address will get the updated V5C via post. Taxing your car and other formal transactions require this document.
You must submit the car registration number, VIN or chassis number, complete name of the registered keeper, and vehicle address to get a new V5C. This information should be accurate to prevent application delays.
V5C FAQs
Can You Tax a Vehicle Without the V5C?
You may tax a vehicle without a V5C using the 11-digit reference number from a V11 reminder letter or the 12-digit reference number from a V5C/2 (green slip) if you recently acquired it.
Is It Possible to View Your V5C Online?
Viewing the V5C document online is impossible. The DVLA issues it on paper.
Can You Sell a Car Without the V5C Document?
Yes, but not suggested. Sell a car without the V5C, but issue a documented receipt and have the buyer apply for a new V5C using a V62 form. This may delay registration.
