V5C logbook: lost it, moving, selling or scrapping?
Everything you need to know about the V5C vehicle log book in plain English. What it is, how to replace it, how to change the details, and what to do with it when you sell or scrap your car.
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What is a V5C?
The V5C is the vehicle registration certificate, usually called the logbook. DVLA issues it, and it shows who the registered keeper is, plus the car's details such as make, model, colour, engine size and the VIN (chassis number).
It proves who is responsible for the car, for tax, fines and telling DVLA about changes. It does not prove who owns it. A receipt or bill of sale does that.
Your V5C, sorted. Whether you have it or not.
We built our process so the logbook never holds you up, never costs you extra, and never gets lost on the way.
No V5C? Just tell us
Let us know when you book. Our team can produce your scrapping certificate (certificate of destruction) directly with DVLA, so you do not need to buy a replacement logbook first.
Got it? Upload it
Upload your V5C securely to your booking. Found it after you booked? Upload it or email it to us later, at any time before collection.
Our driver does the paperwork
Our driver fills in the paper V5C with you at collection and takes a copy there and then, so it can never get lost between you and us.
Missing logbook? It almost never changes your price. We rarely charge anything for a missing V5C. The only exception is occasionally on some salvage vehicles, and we will always tell you before collection.
Should you pay £25 for a new V5C?
Many people pay for a replacement they do not need. Answer two quick questions to find out if you should.
Pick your situation
Choose what applies to you for the exact steps, what it costs and how long it takes.
Your V5C is lost, stolen or damaged
If your details have not changed, you can get a replacement online or by phone. The new V5C is posted to the address DVLA has on record.
- Have your registration number, VIN (chassis number), and the name and postcode on the V5C ready.
- Apply on GOV.UK using the "Get a vehicle log book (V5C)" service. You must be the registered keeper.
- Pay the £25 fee by debit or credit card. It is not refunded if you later find the old one.
- Wait 5 to 7 working days. Contact DVLA if nothing arrives after 2 weeks.
Scrapping the car anyway? You do not need to replace it first.
Scrap a car without a V5C →You have moved house
You must update your V5C when you move, and it is usually free. You can be fined up to £1,000 if you do not tell DVLA.
- Find the 11-digit document reference number on your V5C.
- Update your address online with DVLA, or write the new address on the V5C and post the whole logbook to DVLA.
- If your car needs taxing in the next 4 weeks, tax it first using your current V5C.
- Also update your driving licence and any vehicle tax Direct Debit.
You have changed your name or the car's details
Changes such as a new name, a new colour or a modified engine cannot be done with the online replacement service. You update the V5C by post.
- Fill in the change section on your V5C. Use the correct section for the change.
- Include any evidence DVLA asks for, for example proof of a name change.
- Post the whole V5C to DVLA.
- A new V5C with the updated details is posted to you.
You are selling privately
When you sell to a private buyer, you tell DVLA the car is no longer yours and give the buyer the new keeper slip. Any full months of tax left are refunded automatically.
- Tell DVLA online straight away. You need the 11-digit reference on the V5C.
- Give the buyer the green new keeper slip from the V5C.
- DVLA sends the new keeper their own V5C.
- Keep a note of the date, time and buyer's details in case of fines after the sale.
You are scrapping your car, or selling it to us
When a car is scrapped, the V5C goes to the licensed scrap yard and the registered keeper tells DVLA. Our yards are dismantlers. Our driver completes the V5C with you at collection, keeps a copy, and you get a certificate that proves the car has been scrapped.
- Get your price online and book a free collection.
- Upload your V5C to your booking, or hand it to our driver, who fills it in with you. Keep the yellow "sell, transfer or part-exchange to the motor trade" section. No V5C? Just tell us when you book.
- DVLA is told the car has gone to a licensed yard. You can be fined £1,000 if DVLA is not told.
- You are paid the same day by bank transfer, and any full months of tax are refunded.
You want to keep your private number plate
Take the private number off the car before you scrap or sell it. DVLA then puts the car back on its original registration and sends you a new V5C.
- Apply to DVLA online or by post to take the number off. It costs £80 and you need the car's V5C.
- DVLA sends you a V778 retention document, which proves the number is yours, and a new V5C showing the car's original registration.
- Wait until both arrive. If you scrap or sell first, you can lose the right to the number.
- Book your collection with us using the car's new registration, and give our driver the new V5C, not the old one.
You bought or sold a car without a V5C
It is possible, but there are extra steps, and you should be careful. A missing logbook can be a sign that something is wrong with the car.
- Bought one? Apply for a new registration certificate using form V62, and include the green new keeper slip if you have it.
- Sold one? Write to DVLA with your name and address, the reg, make and model, the exact date of sale and the new keeper's details.
- Before buying any car without a V5C, check the VIN on the car and its MOT history.
- If the car is not worth the hassle, you can still scrap it with proof of ownership and ID.
Where's my V5C?
Enter when you applied and we will show when it should arrive, when to chase DVLA, and the deadline to avoid paying again.
The parts of the V5C that matter
Tap the numbers to see what each part of the logbook is for and when you need it.
Illustration only. The layout of a real V5C varies and personal details are hidden.
The three bits most people use
Document reference number
The 11-digit number on the front of the V5C. You need it to change your address, tell DVLA you have sold the car, or tax it online. Never share a photo of it publicly.
Green new keeper slip
Give this to a private buyer when you sell. It shows they are the new keeper until their own V5C arrives from DVLA.
Yellow motor trade section
For selling, part-exchanging or scrapping through the motor trade. When you scrap a car, you keep this yellow section and hand over the rest.
Lost your V5C? You can still scrap or sell your car
You do not need to pay £25 for a new logbook just to scrap a car. With proof of ownership and ID, our yards can still take it.
- Free collection from your door, any condition
- Paid the same day by bank transfer
- No V5C? We can produce your scrapping certificate, saving you £25
- Our driver fills in the paperwork and keeps a copy
- Average payment £176, up to £5,380 paid for the best cars
Keeping your private plate? You will need a new V5C
If your car has a private number like AB 12 CDE and you want to keep it, you must take it off the car before it is scrapped or sold. This is called putting the number on retention.
When DVLA takes the number off, the car usually goes back to its original registration, and DVLA issues a new V5C with the new details. That new logbook is the one we need when we collect your car. The old one is no longer valid.
Do not scrap or sell the car until your V778 and new V5C arrive. If you do, you can lose the right to your private number for good. Numbers starting with Q or QNI cannot be kept.
To keep a number, the car must:
- Be registered with DVLA in the UK
- Be able to move under its own power
- Be a type of vehicle that needs an MOT
- Be available for DVLA to inspect if asked
- Have been taxed or SORN for the last 5 years without a break
- Be taxed or SORN now
The DVLA fee is £80 and you need the car's current V5C to apply. If your car is not able to move under its own power, speak to DVLA before you book a collection.
V5C checks that protect you
A fake or mismatched logbook is a common sign of a stolen or cloned car. Run these checks before you hand over any money.
V5C match check, free by reg
Enter the registration and compare what the official records say with what is printed on the logbook. If anything does not match, walk away.
Match the VIN. The VIN on the V5C must match the VIN on the car, usually at the bottom of the windscreen and on a plate in the door frame.
Check the address. See the car at the address printed on the V5C, not in a car park or lay-by.
Look for the watermark. Hold the V5C up to the light. A genuine one has a DVL watermark.
Check the MOT history. Mileage that drops between tests, or a history that does not match the story, is a red flag. Check it free by reg.
V5C and DVLA guides
V5C logbook questions
What is a V5C logbook?
The V5C is the vehicle registration certificate issued by DVLA. It shows the registered keeper and the car's details, such as make, model, colour and VIN. It shows who is responsible for the car, not who legally owns it.
How much does a replacement V5C cost?
A replacement V5C usually costs £25. You can apply online or by phone if your details have not changed, and it normally arrives in 5 to 7 working days.
Is it free to change the address on my V5C?
Yes, updating your address is usually free. You can do it online with the 11-digit reference number, or by post. You can be fined up to £1,000 if you do not tell DVLA you have moved.
Can I scrap my car without a V5C?
Yes. You need proof that the car is yours and photo ID. You do not need to buy a replacement logbook first. See how scrapping without a V5C works.
Which part of the V5C do I keep when I scrap my car?
Keep the yellow section for selling, transferring or part-exchanging to the motor trade, and hand over the rest of the V5C with the car. DVLA must be told the car has gone to a licensed scrap yard.
I have lost my V5C. Do I need to buy a new one before you collect my car?
No. Just tell us when you book. Our team can produce your scrapping certificate directly with DVLA without a replacement logbook, saving you the £25 fee. A missing V5C rarely changes your price. Occasionally it can on some salvage vehicles, and we will tell you before collection.
How do I send you my V5C?
Upload it securely to your booking, or upload or email it to us later if you find it after booking. If you have the paper copy at collection, our driver will fill it in with you and take a copy, so it cannot get lost.
I want to keep my private number plate. What do I do?
Take the number off the car with DVLA before you scrap it. It costs £80. DVLA sends you a V778 retention document and a new V5C showing the car's original registration. Wait for both to arrive, then book your collection using the new registration and give us the new V5C.
Does the V5C prove I own the car?
No. The V5C shows the registered keeper, who is responsible for the car. Proof of ownership is usually a receipt, invoice or bill of sale.
What do I do if I bought a car without a V5C?
Apply to DVLA for a new registration certificate using form V62. Be careful buying any car without a logbook, and check the VIN and MOT history first.
How long does a new V5C take to arrive?
A replacement usually arrives in 5 to 7 working days. After an address change by post it can take up to 4 weeks. If it has not arrived after 6 weeks and you have not told DVLA, you will have to pay £25 for another.
Scrap or sell your car, logbook or not
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