What is a V5C log book?

What the V5C is

The V5C is your vehicle registration certificate, usually called the log book. DVLA issues it. It records the registered keeper (the person responsible for the vehicle), the registration number, the make, the vehicle identification number (VIN) and how many previous keepers there have been.

You need it when you sell the vehicle, move house, or change something about the vehicle.

Who it is for

Every registered vehicle in the UK has a V5C, including in Northern Ireland. If you buy a used vehicle, the seller tells DVLA and a new V5C is sent to you. If you buy a new vehicle, the dealer usually registers it for you.

How much things cost

You cannot get a refund for a replacement once you have used the service, even if you later find the old log book.

How to get a replacement

1. Online: use DVLA's online service if you are the registered keeper. It is open Monday to Friday 7am to 9pm, and weekends 7am to 8pm.
2. By phone: call DVLA. You cannot use this if your details have changed.
3. By post: fill in form V62 and send it to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1DD. You must use the post if you need to change details or did not get a V5C for a new vehicle.

Contact DVLA if it has not arrived after 2 weeks (online or phone) or 4 weeks (post). If you wait more than 6 weeks, you must pay £25 for another one.

Changing your details

• Address: you can update it online if you are the registered keeper. You need the registration number, the log book reference number and your new UK address. You can be fined up to £1,000 if you do not tell DVLA. If you change your name and address at the same time, you must do it by post.
• Vehicle changes: you must tell DVLA about changes to colour, engine, cylinder capacity, fuel type, seating capacity, the weight of a large vehicle, and some structural changes. This is done by post.

Buying and selling

When you sell privately:

• give the green 'new keeper' slip to the buyer
• tell DVLA online that you have sold it
• destroy the rest of the log book

The buyer gets a new log book within 5 to 7 working days. Vehicle tax does not transfer, so the buyer must tax it, or make a SORN, before driving it.

If you sell to a motor trader, give them the whole log book, including the green slip, tell DVLA online, and destroy the yellow motor trade section.

If you buy a vehicle with no V5C, you can apply to register it in your name with form V62, which costs £25.

Related guides

• How do I get a replacement log book (V5C)?
• How do I change the keeper on a V5C log book?
• Do I need to tax a car I have just bought?
• How do I tell DVLA I've sold my car?
• How do personalised number plates work?

Where this comes from

• Get a vehicle log book (V5C) (GOV.UK)
• Change the address on your vehicle log book (GOV.UK)
• Change vehicle details on a V5C (GOV.UK)
• Tell DVLA you've sold, transferred or bought a vehicle (GOV.UK)
• Vehicle registration: new and used vehicles (GOV.UK)