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Lost your V5C logbook and wondering how to sell your car without it? Here’s everything you need to know.

Wondering how to sell a car without a V5C logbook and whether it’s legal? The good news is, yes, you can, but it’s a little trickier than selling with one. This handy guide will walk you through how to sell a car without a V5C.

Remember, you can sell your car through Á«»¨Ö±²¥. We’re here to help you through every step of your car-changing journey.

What is a V5C and why is it important?

The V5C for your car, commonly referred to as the vehicle logbook, is the registration document that has your details and information on the car. It’s not legally proof of ownership, but it’s used to show who’s responsible for taxing and registering the car.

While many other aspects of motoring have gone fully digital, the V5C is still sent out in paper form. You can update the details online, but there’s no fully digital copy.

On top of indicating the name and address of the registered keeper, the V5C contains other information such as the make and model, colour, engine size and a car’s unique Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). These can be checked against the car to make sure the logbook is for that particular car.

Can I sell my car without the V5C?

You can sell a car without a V5C logbook, but it may be more difficult and could require you to lower the price.

Not having a V5C is likely to put off potential buyers, as it can be a sign of a stolen vehicle. Not to say that’s the case, but you do have to put yourself in the shoes of the person parting cash for your car who has never met you before.

You may even find buyers will look to haggle the price down in the absence of a V5C, so shelling out and waiting for one to be issued may not look so bad with that in mind.

Buyers faced with a car with no logbook may worry that the seller has taken out a ‘logbook loan’. This involves borrowing money using your car as security, handing the logbook over to the lender as security until the loan is repaid.

How to sell a car without the V5C

If you’re planning to sell your car without the V5C though, here’s how:

1) Make sure you have a bill of sale

If you don’t have a V5C and choose not to buy a replacement, you’ll need to give the buyer the following details so they can replace the logbook:

• Make and model
• The vehicle registration model
• VIN number
• The buyer’s full name
• The date of sale
• The buyer and seller’s signature
• The agreed price and payment terms
• Written agreement that the car has been ‘sold as seen’

2) List the car for sale

When you list the car for sale, make sure you’re clear and up front about the fact that it doesn’t have a V5C. It’s better than putting off buyers by surprising them further down the line, and saves wasting both your time and the buyer’s by filtering out those who don’t want to buy it without the logbook.

3) Let the DVLA know

You’ll need to inform the DVLA about the sale in writing. See our FAQs for more information.

4) Make sure a V62 is filled out

The buyer must fill out a to become the registered keeper of the car.

5) Confirm this change with the DVLA

Shortly after the sale has gone through, contact the DVLA to confirm that you’re no longer legally responsible for the car.

One helpful tip: If you know the document reference number from your lost V5C, perhaps from a note or photo, you can use it to transfer the car’s registration without waiting for a new logbook. This usually only works with a trusted dealer, as private buyers are unlikely to accept just a reference number. It’s also a good reminder to never share your V5C details online.

Getting a replacement V5C for your car

Here’s how to get a replacement V5C, depending on your circumstances:

If your details have not changed

You can or over the phone (0300 790 6802). You’ll need to be the registered keeper and provide the car’s registration number, VIN number, name, and postcode as registered on the current V5C.

If your details have changed

For this, you’ll typically need to complete a V62 application form and send it to the DVLA.

What to do with a V5C when selling your car

Once the car is sold, you have to hand over the green ‘new keeper slip’ to the buyer, which acts as a temporary document showing the new owner’s name and address. You must then let the DVLA know that the car has been sold, providing the full name and address of the buyer. This will also trigger any car tax refund you might be owed.

If the new buyer plans to take the car abroad and register it there, you must fill out the ‘permanent export’ section and send it to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BD.

Selling a car without the V5C FAQs

How long does a V5C take to arrive?

If you have bought a new car, the new V5C logbook in your name should arrive within four weeks. Notify the DVLA if it has not arrived after four weeks as, if it has still not arrived after six weeks and you failed to do this, you’ll have to pay £25 for a replacement.

If you’ve bought a second hand car and the transfer has been done online, a new V5C should be sent out to you within three to five days. If transferring ownership by post, allow four weeks for the V5C to arrive, contacting DVLA if it does not turn up by then.

How do I know if a V5C logbook is genuine?

Hold the V5C up to the light and look for a ‘DVLA’ watermark, which should feature throughout the document. The DVLA also advises that if the V5C’s serial number is between BG8229501 to BG9999030, or BI2305501 to BI2800000, it could be stolen and you should call the police.

Is it illegal to sell a car without a V5C?

No, it’s not illegal to sell the car without a V5C logbook. However, it can make the sale harder and potentially lower the price. We’d advise that you get a replacement V5C before selling, as buyers may be hesitant or require proof of ownership.

Can I sell a car while waiting for the V5?

Yes, it’s possible to sell a car while waiting for a V5C replacement, but it saves hassle to get a replacement before selling to build trust with the buyer.

How do you inform DVLA of the sale of a car without V5?

If you sell a car without the V5C, you must let the DVLA know about the sale in writing. This letter should include the car’s registration number, make and model, the date of sale, your name and address, and the name and address of the new keeper. You should also let the new keeper know that they need to apply for a new V5C using form V62.

Do I need a V5C if I scrap my car?

No, you don’t need a V5C to scrap your car. While having it can make the process easier, especially as proof of ownership, it’s not essential. If your car is declared SORN (off the road), you can still scrap it without the V5C. Just make sure to let the DVLA know that the car is being scrapped, and they’ll update their records accordingly.

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Looking for a new set of wheels? With Á«»¨Ö±²¥ you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Á«»¨Ö±²¥ is your one stop shop for new car deals.

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