Understanding V5C and Car Ownership Transfer UK - Complete Guide

Everything you need to know about V5C logbooks and transferring car ownership in the UK. Learn what each section means, how to verify authenticity, red flags to watch for, and the complete transfer process for buying or selling.

By How To Car Guides14 November 2024Updated 21 November 20249 min read

The V5C registration certificate (commonly called the logbook) is the most important document when buying or selling a car. Yet many buyers don't understand what it actually proves, what to check, or how to transfer it correctly.

Getting this wrong can lead to serious problems: buying a stolen vehicle, losing your money to fraudsters, or having legal issues with DVLA. This guide explains everything you need to know about V5C documents and the ownership transfer process.

What you'll learn:

What the V5C is and what it actually proves
Every section of the V5C explained
How to verify a V5C is genuine
Red flags that should concern you
Step-by-step ownership transfer process
Online vs paper transfer options
What happens after you buy

What Is the V5C?

Understanding the Document

The V5C, also known as the Vehicle Registration Certificate or logbook, is an official DVLA document that records:

The vehicle's details
The registered keeper's details
The vehicle's registration history

Critical understanding: The V5C proves who the registered keeper is, NOT who the legal owner is. This is an important distinction.

Registered Keeper vs Legal Owner

Registered keeper:

Person responsible for taxing and insuring the vehicle
Person DVLA contacts about the vehicle
Shown on the V5C
Not necessarily the legal owner

Legal owner:

Person who legally owns the vehicle
Could be finance company (PCP/HP)
Could be employer (company cars)
Could be different from registered keeper

Example scenarios:

Scenario	Registered Keeper	Legal Owner
Own car outright	You	You
PCP/HP finance	You	Finance company
Company car	You	Your employer
Leased car	You	Leasing company
Parents' car in your name	You	Arguably your parents

Why this matters: When buying a car, even if the seller is the registered keeper on the V5C, there might be a legal owner (like a finance company) who has rights to the vehicle. This is why running a finance check is essential.

Get a comprehensive car check including finance with CarSorted

V5C Sections Explained

Understanding each section helps you verify the document and complete transfers correctly.

Front of the V5C

Section 1: Registered Keeper Details

Name of registered keeper
Address
Postcode

Check: This should match the seller's ID and the address where you're viewing the car.

Section 2: Vehicle Details

Registration number
Make
Model
Body type
Colour
Date of first registration
Date of first registration in UK (if imported)
Year of manufacture
Engine number
Cylinder capacity (cc)
Fuel type
Revenue weight (commercial vehicles)

Check: All details should match the actual vehicle you're viewing.

Section 3: Number Plate and VIN

Current registration number
VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)

Check: The VIN on the V5C must match the VIN on the car in multiple locations.

Section 4: Previous Keeper Information

Details of how current keeper acquired vehicle
Date of registration to current keeper

Section 5: Number of Previous Keepers

Total number recorded on DVLA database

Note: Not all keepers may be shown - DVLA doesn't always have complete historical records.

Rear of the V5C

Section 6: New Keeper Supplement (V5C/2)

The green "new keeper" slip
Detachable from main document
Used to temporarily prove you're the new keeper
Contains fields for new keeper details

Section 7: Declaration by Registered Keeper

Seller signs here when selling
Confirms accuracy of details

Section 8: Notification of Destruction

Used if vehicle is scrapped
Not relevant when buying

Section 9: Declaration of Sale/Transfer to Motor Trader

Used when selling to a dealer
Different process from private sale

Section 10: Permanent Export

Used when taking vehicle out of UK
Not relevant for domestic purchases

Section 11: Changes to V5C

Used to notify changes (address, colour, etc.)
Tear-off section sent to DVLA

Document Reference Number

Located in the watermarked area, this unique reference number is needed for:

Taxing the vehicle online
Verifying the V5C is genuine
DVLA enquiries

How to Verify a V5C is Genuine

Fraudsters create fake V5C documents. Know how to spot them.

Security Features to Check

1. Watermark

Hold up to light
"DVL" watermark visible throughout
Should be embedded, not printed on

2. Colour printing

Multi-colour document (red, green, blue sections)
Difficult to reproduce accurately
Poor colour reproduction = fake

3. Embossed stamp

DVLA embossed stamp on document
Raised to touch
Positioned correctly

4. Paper quality

Official paper has distinct feel
Not standard printer paper
Consistent across document

5. Document reference number

11-digit reference number
Matches when checked online
Unique to document

6. Hologram (newer documents)

Security hologram present
Changes when tilted
Difficult to replicate

Online Verification

DVLA Vehicle Enquiry Service: gov.uk/get-vehicle-information-from-dvla

Enter registration number and get:

Make and model
Colour
Date of first registration
CO2 emissions
MOT status
Tax status

Check: These details must match the V5C exactly.

What this doesn't verify:

Whether the V5C you're holding is real
The registered keeper (data protection)
Whether there's outstanding finance

Physical Verification

Compare VIN numbers:

Find VIN on V5C (Section 3)
Find VIN on car (multiple locations):
- Dashboard (visible through windscreen)
- Driver's door pillar/frame
- Under bonnet (bulkhead)
- Service book
All must match exactly

VIN location varies by manufacturer - check all accessible locations.

V5C Red Flags - What Should Concern You

These warning signs suggest problems with the V5C or vehicle.

Serious Red Flags (Walk Away)

1. No V5C available

"It's in the post" is not acceptable
You have no proof of who owns the car
Could be stolen
Action: Walk away

2. V5C not in seller's name

"I'm selling for a friend" is high risk
Could be stolen
May have outstanding finance
Action: Walk away from private sales. Dealers may have just acquired it.

3. VIN doesn't match

VIN on V5C doesn't match car
Car may be cloned (stolen vehicle with fake identity)
Serious fraud
Action: Walk away immediately

4. V5C looks altered

Corrections, white-out, or amendments
Different pen colours
Glued sections
Action: Walk away

5. Photocopied V5C

Not the original document
No security features
Possibly fraudulent
Action: Walk away

6. Recent issue date but old keeper

V5C issued recently but keeper registered years ago
Might indicate lost/stolen V5C replacement
Investigate further
Action: Ask questions, proceed with caution

Moderate Concerns (Investigate)

7. Multiple recent keepers

3+ keepers in last 2 years
Could indicate problem car
Or legitimate reasons (fleet vehicles, etc.)
Action: Ask why, verify history

8. Keeper details don't match viewing location

Seller's address doesn't match V5C address
Ask for explanation (recently moved?)
Verify identity carefully
Action: Check ID matches V5C, verify story

9. Missing previous keeper details

DVLA doesn't always have full history
More common on older cars
Less concerning on its own
Action: Note it, not a deal-breaker alone

10. Different colour than listed

Car colour doesn't match V5C
Could be legally changed (notify DVLA)
Could indicate respray after accident
Action: Ask for explanation, check for respray evidence

The Ownership Transfer Process

How to correctly transfer ownership when buying privately or from a dealer.

Buying Privately - Step by Step

Before the sale:

Step 1: Verify seller identity

Ask for photo ID (driving licence ideal)
Name must match V5C registered keeper
Address should match V5C (or have explanation)

Step 2: Verify V5C authenticity

Check security features
Verify details match car
Check VIN matches in multiple locations
Run online check at gov.uk

Step 3: Check for finance

Run car history check
Finance outstanding = don't buy privately Check for outstanding finance with CarSorted

At the sale:

Step 4: Complete the V5C

Seller must:

Complete Section 6 (new keeper details) with your information
Complete Section 8 (sale notification)
Sign the declaration in Section 7

You receive:

The green V5C/2 new keeper slip (tear-off section)
This proves you bought it and when

Seller keeps:

The rest of the V5C to send to DVLA

Step 5: Payment

Complete payment (bank transfer for large amounts)
Get receipt with:
- Date
- Amount paid
- Registration number
- VIN
- Seller's signature

After the sale:

Step 6: Tax the vehicle immediately

Tax doesn't transfer with the car
Must tax before driving away
Use V5C/2 reference number or V5C reference
Online: gov.uk/vehicle-tax

Step 7: Seller sends V5C to DVLA

Seller posts remaining V5C to DVLA
DVLA updates records
You receive new V5C in your name (2-4 weeks)

Step 8: Register as keeper online (optional but faster)

Visit gov.uk/sold-bought-vehicle
Enter V5C/2 reference number
Confirm you are new keeper
Speeds up the process

Buying from a Dealer - Step by Step

Dealers handle most of the process, but you should still verify.

What the dealer should provide:

V5C or V5C/2 new keeper slip
Receipt with full details
Warranty documents
Service history

Your responsibilities:

Step 1: Verify vehicle details

Check registration matches
Check VIN matches
Verify V5C details

Step 2: Complete any required sections

Dealer may complete on your behalf
Or ask you to sign new keeper section

Step 3: Tax the vehicle

Dealer may handle this
Or you tax online before collection

Step 4: Await new V5C

DVLA sends new V5C to you (2-4 weeks)
Dealer notifies DVLA of sale

Online vs Paper Process

Online notification (fastest):

Visit gov.uk/sold-bought-vehicle
Need V5C reference number
Complete online
Immediate confirmation
New V5C typically arrives 2-3 weeks

Paper notification:

Post V5C to DVLA
Slower process
New V5C typically 4-6 weeks
Keep proof of posting

Recommendation: Use online process where possible for speed and confirmation.

What Happens After You Buy

Immediate Steps (Within 24 hours)

1. Tax the vehicle

Essential - cannot drive legally without it
Online at gov.uk/vehicle-tax
Immediate effect

2. Ensure insurance is active

Must be insured before driving
Add vehicle to existing policy or get new policy
Carry proof of insurance

3. Register as new keeper

Online or wait for seller to post V5C
Speeds up new V5C arrival

Within First Week

4. Receive confirmation

Email confirmation if registered online
Letter from DVLA acknowledging notification

5. Store V5C/2 safely

Proves you bought the car
Proves date of purchase
Keep until new V5C arrives

Within 2-6 Weeks

6. Receive new V5C

Posted to your address
In your name as registered keeper
Check all details are correct

7. If V5C doesn't arrive

Wait 6 weeks (postal delays happen)
Contact DVLA: 0300 790 6802
May need to apply for replacement (V62 form)

Keep Records

Documents to keep:

New V5C (when received)
V5C/2 (keep copy even after new V5C arrives)
Purchase receipt
Service history
MOT certificates
Insurance documents

Common V5C Questions

What if the seller doesn't have the V5C?

Private sale: Do not proceed. The V5C is essential proof of the right to sell. "Lost" V5Cs are a major fraud indicator.

Dealer sale: More acceptable - dealers often acquire cars before V5C arrives. They should:

Show proof of purchase/provenance
Provide V5C/2 new keeper slip
Explain when full V5C will be available

What if the V5C is in a different name?

Private sale: Serious red flag. The registered keeper should be selling the car. Don't proceed unless there's a verified, legitimate explanation (recently inherited, etc.) with proof.

Dealer sale: Normal - dealers don't register cars in their name for short-term stock.

Can I drive without a V5C?

Yes, legally you can drive without having the V5C document. You need:

Valid tax
Valid insurance
Valid MOT (if required)

The V5C is a registration document, not a driving permit. However, you cannot tax a vehicle without V5C or V5C/2 reference number.

What if V5C details are wrong?

If you're the registered keeper:

Complete Section 11 of V5C
Send to DVLA
Receive corrected V5C

If you're buying:

Ask seller to correct before sale
Or accept in writing that you'll correct after
Minor errors (typos) are less concerning than major discrepancies

What if I lose my V5C?

Apply for replacement:

Online: gov.uk/vehicle-registration-certificate-v5c
By post: V62 form from Post Office
Cost: £25
Time: 2-4 weeks

Can I check who the registered keeper is?

No - this information is protected. DVLA doesn't publicly share registered keeper details.

You can check:

Vehicle details (make, model, colour)
Tax and MOT status
CO2 emissions

You cannot check:

Registered keeper name
Keeper's address
Previous keeper details

Legal Requirements Summary

When Buying a Car

You must:

Tax the vehicle before driving (tax doesn't transfer)
Ensure valid insurance
Register as new keeper with DVLA
Keep vehicle details current with DVLA

You should:

Receive V5C or V5C/2
Verify all details before purchase
Run car history check
Keep purchase receipt

When Selling a Car