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How do I change the keeper on a V5C log book?

For people selling, buying or giving away a car or other vehicle privately.

Applies to: England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland Last checked against official sources: 6 October 2026

The seller tells DVLA about the new keeper, online or by post, and gives the buyer the green 'new keeper' slip.

  • Online, the seller needs the 11 digit reference number from the latest V5C.
  • By post, the seller fills in the right section of the V5C and sends it to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BA.
  • The seller then gets a refund for any full months of vehicle tax left.
  • The buyer gets a new V5C in 5 to 7 working days if done online, or usually within 4 weeks by post.
  • The buyer must tax the vehicle before driving it.

Key facts

  • Online: 11 digit V5C reference
  • Post: DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BA
  • Online: new V5C in 5 to 7 days
  • Missing V5C after 6 weeks: £25

What the V5C does

The V5C (log book) shows who the registered keeper of a vehicle is. The keeper is the person responsible for taxing it and dealing with DVLA. When a vehicle is sold or given to someone else, including a family member or friend, DVLA must be told so the log book can be moved into the new keeper's name.

Who does what

TaskSeller (current keeper)Buyer (new keeper)
Tell DVLAYes, online or by postNo, the seller does this
Green new keeper slipFills it in and hands it overKeeps it and uses it to tax the vehicle
Vehicle taxGets a refund for full months leftMust tax it before driving it
New V5CDestroys the old one if done onlineReceives a new one in their name

What you need

  • the vehicle's latest V5C
  • the 11 digit reference number on it (for the online service)
  • the buyer's name and address
  • the date of sale

How to change the keeper online

This is the quickest way.

  1. The seller goes to the DVLA online service to tell DVLA they have sold or transferred the vehicle.
  2. Enter the 11 digit reference number from the V5C and the new keeper's details.
  3. Fill in the green new keeper slip and give it to the buyer.
  4. Destroy the rest of the old V5C.

The seller gets an email (if they gave an email address) and a letter confirming they are no longer the keeper. The online service is open from 7am to 9pm on weekdays and 7am to 8pm at weekends.

How to change the keeper by post

  1. The seller fills in the new keeper's details in the V5C.
  2. The seller gives the buyer the green new keeper slip.
  3. The seller posts the V5C to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BA.

You cannot use the online service if you have already sent the V5C by post.

How long it takes

MethodNew V5C arrives
Online5 to 7 working days
By postUsually within 4 weeks

If the buyer's V5C has not come within 4 weeks, they should contact DVLA. If they leave it more than 6 weeks after the change without telling DVLA, they will have to pay £25 for a replacement.

Things to know

  • The buyer must tax the vehicle, or make a SORN, before using it. They can tax it straight away using the reference number on the green new keeper slip. The tax does not pass from the seller to the buyer.
  • If you sell to a motor trader, dealer or car buying service, the steps are a little different. The DVLA service asks you this first.
  • If there is no log book, the buyer can send form V62 to DVLA to register the vehicle in their name. This costs £25.
  • When the new V5C arrives, check all the details are correct.

Related guides

Where this comes from

Get it done

This takes you to the official service, which is free to use.

Tell DVLA about a change of keeper

Common questions

Who tells DVLA, the buyer or the seller?

The seller (the current keeper) tells DVLA, online or by sending the V5C. The buyer keeps the green new keeper slip.

What if my new V5C does not arrive?

Contact DVLA if it has not arrived within 4 weeks. If you wait more than 6 weeks without telling DVLA, you will have to pay £25 for a replacement.

Does the tax go with the car?

No. The seller's tax is cancelled and refunded for full months left, and the buyer must tax the vehicle before driving it.

Official sources

  1. 1.Tell DVLA you've sold a vehicle privately (GOV.UK)www.gov.uk/sold-bought-vehicle/y/no/sold-it/sold-it-privately-to-a-person-or-business
  2. 2.Vehicle registration: new and used vehicles (GOV.UK)www.gov.uk/vehicle-registration/new-and-used-vehicles
  3. 3.Tell DVLA you've bought a vehicle (GOV.UK)www.gov.uk/sold-bought-vehicle/y/no/bought-it

Checked against GOV.UK on 6 October 2026

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