How to tell the DVLA I sold my car
June 09, 2025 by Siobhan Doyle
Sold your car? Don鈥檛 risk fines or extra tax. Our guide shows you exactly how to tell the DVLA and stay in the clear.
If you鈥檙e wondering 鈥渉ow do I tell DVLA I sold my car?鈥, you鈥檙e not alone. Telling DVLA you sold your car is important to avoid fines or ongoing tax. This handy guide explains exactly how to tell DVLA I sold my car quickly and correctly.
Did you know you can sell your car on 莲花直播? We鈥檙e here to help you through every step of your car-changing journey.
How to tell the DVLA I sold my car online
The easiest way to tell the DVLA you鈥檝e sold a car to a dealer is by using its and selecting the 鈥榮old it to a motor trader鈥 option. You鈥檒l be instructed to hand over the V5C logbook to the trader, then enter the trader鈥檚 name and postcode into the online form 鈥 after which you can select their address from a drop-down menu.
Next, enter the car鈥檚 registration number and the V5C document reference number (a help tool shows you where to find it). You鈥檒l also need to tick a box confirming that you understand you鈥檒l lose any rights to the car鈥檚 registration number.
Then, provide the date of sale and your email address to receive confirmation that the DVLA has processed your notification.
That鈥檚 all there is to it. You should receive a road tax refund by cheque within six weeks, although it often arrives sooner.
Alternatively, the dealer can notify the DVLA on your behalf, but only if you give them permission to do so.
How to tell the DVLA I sold my car by post
Since you鈥檙e reading this guide online, choosing to notify the DVLA by post may seem unusual 鈥 it鈥檚 slower and less convenient than using the online service. Nonetheless, if you prefer to do so, complete Section 9 of the V5C, titled 鈥Selling or transferring your vehicle to a motor trader, insurer or dismantler鈥. Detach this section from the V5C and post it to:
DVLA
Swansea
SA99 1BA
Telling the DVLA you鈥檝e sold your car to a private individual
If you鈥檝e sold your car privately, the process is largely the same as selling to a trader. First, give the buyer the green 鈥榥ew keeper supplement鈥 section of the V5C logbook. Then, use the same online service to notify the DVLA, entering details such as the car鈥檚 registration number and the V5C document reference. You鈥檒l also be instructed to destroy the remaining part of the V5C once the process is complete.
If you choose to notify the DVLA by post instead, the process is similar to the one outlined above for motor traders.
What if I鈥檝e sold my car abroad?
If you鈥檝e sold your car to someone overseas, the process is different. You can only notify the DVLA by post. Complete the 鈥permanent export鈥 section of the V5C logbook and send it to:
DVLA
Swansea
SA99 1BD
Include a letter with the buyer鈥檚 name and address, and give the rest of the V5C to the new owner so they can register the vehicle in its new country.
How do I tell the DVLA I sold my car without a V5C?
Although it鈥檚 not illegal to sell a car without a V5C logbook, most buyers will be cautious 鈥 so it鈥檚 strongly recommended to apply for a replacement before selling. However, if you鈥檝e already sold the car without a V5C, you can still notify the DVLA by writing to them.
In your letter, include the following details:
- Your full name and address
- The car鈥檚 registration number
- The make and model of the vehicle
- The exact date of sale
- The name and address of the new owner
Make sure all the information is accurate and complete. Missing details may lead to the DVLA rejecting your notification, meaning you鈥檒l need to repeat the process.
What to do after telling the DVLA you sold your car
The first thing to do is to tell your insurance company 鈥 there鈥檚 no point paying to cover a car that is no longer yours, and you could well be due a car insurance refund.
Speaking of refunds, you will also be due money back on any complete months of road tax you have paid in advance for. This should automatically happen when you sell your car, but we also have a separate guide on how to get a car tax refund if you鈥檇 like to know more.
Oh, and don鈥檛 forget to cancel your vehicle tracker subscription if you had one of these.
How can I prove I sold my car?
If you鈥檝e sold your car, especially privately, it鈥檚 a good idea to have proof of the sale. The key thing is a 鈥 it鈥檚 basically a paper that shows the car鈥檚 ownership has officially changed hands. And don鈥檛 forget to let the DVLA know you鈥檝e sold it too
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