The DVLA recently introduced an electronic system for car log book documentation when buying or selling a used car in the UK.

The electronic changeover began with driving license paper counterparts, quickly followed by the elimination of road tax discs. Now the V5C log book has gone the same way. In particular, the electronic system pertains to selling a vehicle to trade or private car buyers. Simply put, you no longer need to post the V5 log book to the driver vehicle licencing agency after selling up.

Visit the DVLA here to declare change of ownership

Read on for the full details of the DVLA’s changes to the UK V5C document, and how they affect you when selling or buying a car.

The Details You Need to Know

Selling your car still requires you to complete the V5C/2 section (‘the new keepers supplement’.) You fill in this short form with the new keepers full name, address and date of sale. The new keeper should keep the green supplement along with the car history and other documentation. Usually the new owners details would be added to the main body of the log book, you’d both sign and date before sending the entire document to the DVLA, via post. But the new electronic system means you can simply head over to the DVLA’s website and inform them online.

After informing the DVLA of the changes to the vehicles keeper details, you’ll get an email confirmation and letter posted to your home, confirming all of the changes.

When buying a new car you must supply an email address along with your physical address details. Your new log book should arrive within five working days. Selling up to a dealer (motor trader) and the procedure is exactly the same.

After you’ve sold your old car, the DVLA will send you a refund of any remaining tax you have left on your old vehicle. As you probably already know, road tax is no longer a transferable item between owners.

 

The Electronic System is Optional, For Now…

That’s right. It’s not mandatory for you to use the online system. You can inform the DVLA in the traditional way by completing the log book’s new keeper information and sending the document off via post. But it will take a little longer and there’s obviously a little risk involved with the postal system (not that I’ve ever had any bother during the last 20 years.)

Thankfully, the V5C document still exists and unlike the paper counterpart of your driving license and the good old tax disc, you still get a real registration document. Remember, after informing the DVLA of the keeper changes you’re advised to destroy your old V5 log book.

What if you’ve lost your V5 log book document?

If you’ve damaged, lost or had your log book stolen you’ll need to apply for a new one by calling the DVLA or by completing their V62 form and sending it to their office. As you might expect, there’s a fee of £25 and it can take up to six weeks to get the new log book (but it usually arrives in less than fourteen days.

About the Author

The Used Car Guy is a website authored by Marcus Rockey, offering free information, advice and guidance to used car buyers and sellers throughout the UK. You can find free, specialist guides for selling a used car, buying a used car and car finance options all garnered from more than twenty five years of direct experience within the used car industry.