Your V5C logbook explained (2025 update)

A V5C, also known as a logbook or vehicle registration certificate, is an official document issued by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) in the UK.
It proves that a vehicle has been registered and includes details such as the registered keeper's name and address, vehicle information like the registration number, your car’s unique 17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN), engine specifications like the cylinder capacity (cc), engine weight and fuel type, and your car’s emission standards.

The V5C comes in two designs: the old-style blue-green version, introduced in 2004, and the newer red-pink version, introduced in 2012. Both are valid, though the DVLA recommends updating to the newer style. The old-style V5C contains 12 sections, including the "new keeper supplement" in section 10. The new-style V5C has 11 sections, with the "new keeper slip" now in section 6.

No. the V5C shows the vehicle's registered keeper, not the legal owner, and therefore cannot serve as proof of ownership. You’ll need a receipt or invoice from when you purchased the vehicle to prove you’re the owner.

The V5C contains information about the car, its history and its registered keeper.
In the logbook, you can find who the registered keeper is and their address, along with the number of previous keepers of the car and the V5C document’s reference number. The V5C tells when the car was first registered and what type of a car it is – the car brand, model, tax class, fuel type, suspension type, engine size and number, VIN number, number of seats, the colour of the car and more. You can also find out if it’s an imported car or if the car’s been exported or scrapped.

Yes, DVLA have announced a new service update that allows you to apply online for a new V5C and tax your vehicle at the same time. The updated online service is available at www.gov.uk/vehicle-log-book (external link).
Previously, you would have had to order a replacement V5C and wait five days for it to arrive, phone DVLA’s Contact Centre to tax your vehicle.

You rarely need to use the V5C, but you’ll need to store it safely in case you need to:
• Sell or scrap the vehicle • Modify the vehicle • Change your name or address If you do any of these and don’t notify the DVLA, you could face a fine of up to £1,000. An up-to-date V5C can also be useful for tax reminders or recall notices.

You can update your address online via the DVLA website or by post. Online changes are processed instantly, and a new V5C is sent within five days. Postal changes can take up to six weeks. Both options are free and pretty straightforward.
To change your address on your V5C, you need to provide the DVLA with: • Your car’s registration number • Reference number stated in your car logbook • Your new UK address You can change your address online on gov.uk. Or you can add your new address in Section 3 of your new-styled V5C (or Section 6 of the old-style logbook) and post it to the DVLA. Remember: you need to update your new UK address on your driving licence too.

A name change must be done by post. You’ll have to fill Section 3 on the new-style logbook with your full name (Section 6 in the old-style logbook) and send the logbook to DVLA.
You’ll have to send a letter that explains why you want your name changing. If you are changing your name legally (e.g. through marriage or deed poll), you may need to provide proof.

Any vehicle modifications or upgrades to your car such as changes to the colour, engine, cylinder capacity, fuel type, seating capacity, wheel plan and VIN number need to be updated in the V5C. If you convert your car body type or fuel type - say you change a diesel or petrol car to an electric car, you’ll have to let the DVLA know so that they can update your V5C with the correct details. Similarly, if you get personalised number plate, you need to update your car records with the DVLA.

If your V5C is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can apply for a replacement online or by post using a V62 form. Only the registered keeper can request a replacement, and a £25 fee applies.
If you’re the registered keeper, then you can also apply for a duplicate logbook by calling the DVLA on 0300 790 6802. Only use this service if the details on your V5C, such as your name or address, are remaining the same. The duplicate logbook must have the same details as the lost, stolen or damaged copy.

If you’re buying a vehicle, always inspect the V5C to ensure it matches the vehicle’s details and is in good condition. The seller should provide the "new keeper" section of the V5C (section 6 for the new-style logbook or section 10 for the old-style) to prove the transfer of ownership.
Check whether the seller plans to register the change of ownership online. If they so. Give them your email address and make sure you get the tear-off V5C/2 ‘new keeper’s details’ to temporarily prove your ownership of the vehicle you’ve bought. You’ll receive an email from the DVLA when the change of ownership is registered and a new V5C will be posted to you. You’ll need to tax or SORN the new vehicle straight away. To tax a vehicle straight away, call 0300 123 4321 or fill in the form on website. You’ll need to provide the 12-digit reference number in section six of your V5C ‘new keeper’ supplement.

If you’re selling your car, you need to inform the DVLA and register the buyer as the new keeper of the car. You can do this using the V5C form. Learn more about transferring ownership of a car.
If you’ve bought a second-hand car and you haven’t received your V5C within four weeks, you can inform the DVLA and get a V5C using the V62 form. Learn more about how to use the V62 form to get a V5C.

If you want to sell the car, or the registered keeper of the car changes, you need to inform the DVLA using the ‘new keeper’ section of the V5C. Learn more about how to transfer ownership of your car.
Before selling a car, ensure you have the V5C document ready and in good condition, as the buyer will need to check it. Once you’ve finalized the sale, tell the DVLA of the ownership change. You can inform the DVLA of the change in ownership online or by post. Online changes are instant, and you will receive email confirmation. If you do it by post, the buyer will receive their new V5C within four weeks.

To notify the DVLA online, you'll need the buyer's email address. Visit www.gov.uk/sold-bought-vehicle and follow the instructions. You’ll get a confirmation email and a follow-up letter when it’s done. This method also applies if selling to a garage or dealership.
Next, complete section V5C/2 of the paper document, then give it to the new owner as proof of transfer and destroy the rest of the V5C. The buyer will receive their new V5C in the mail. The online process will also trigger a road tax refund or cancel any monthly payments.

If online isn't an option, you can mail the V5C to the DVLA. Use block capitals and a black pen.
New-style V5C forms: 1. Fill out section two: ‘selling or transferring my vehicle to a new keeper.’ 2. Enter the sale date in section six and give the new keeper slip to the buyer. 3. Mail the V5C to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BA. Old-style V5C forms: 1. Complete section six: ‘new keeper details.’ 2. Both seller and buyer sign section eight. 3. Fill out section 10 (V5C/2) and give it to the buyer. 4. Mail the V5C to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BA. The buyer should receive the new V5C in two to four weeks.

Legally, you can sell a car without a V5C but it’s not recommended.
If you lose the document, try to order a replacement before selling. If the car is already sold, write a letter to the DVLA with both your and the buyer’s details, the car’s make, model, and registration number, and the sale date.

If your vehicle is written off or scrapped, notify the DVLA using an online form or by post. Failure to report this can result in fines. Your insurance company may request the full V5C, in which case, you should inform the DVLA directly.
You’ll have to provide your insurance company’s name and postcode, along with your vehicle registration number and the 11-digit document reference number that’s printed on the front page of the logbook.

Related articles:

Buying a car: how to access DVLA online services
How do I transfer ownership and tax for a used car I've bought? Sharing your driving records using DVLA’s licence check code What is a V62 form?