Transferring Car Ownership: Complete V5C Transfer Guide

Transferring car ownership correctly is essential for legal protection and avoiding future problems. This comprehensive guide covers the entire V5C transfer process for both buyers and sellers.

Understanding the V5C Transfer

What Is Being Transferred?

Important distinction:

• V5C registers the keeper, not legal owner
• Keeper = responsible for taxing and registering
• Owner = legal owner (may be finance company)

The transfer:

• Changes registered keeper
• Updates DVLA records
• Links vehicle to new keeper
• Doesn't necessarily transfer legal ownership

Why this matters:

• Finance company can be legal owner
• You can be registered keeper
• V5C doesn't show finance
• Always HPI check before buying

Timeline Overview

What Happens When

Day of sale:

• Seller completes V5C Section 6
• Seller signs Section 8
• Buyer receives V5C/2 green slip
• Seller posts V5C to DVLA (or notifies online)
• Buyer can drive immediately (if insured and taxed)

Next 24 hours:

• Seller should notify DVLA
• Online or by post
• Records start updating

Within 2 weeks:

• Buyer should send V5C/2 to DVLA
• Or notify online
• Confirms new keeper

2-6 weeks:

• New V5C arrives at buyer's address
• In buyer's name
• Keep safely

If V5C doesn't arrive after 6 weeks:

• Contact DVLA
• May need to apply for duplicate
• Check address correct

For Sellers: How to Transfer

Before the Sale

Prepare V5C:

• Locate your V5C logbook
• Check your details correct
• Ensure it's the latest version
• Have it ready for buyer

Never sell without V5C:

• Buyer can't register as keeper
• Legal complications
• Very suspicious
• Apply for replacement if lost (£25, 4-6 weeks)

On the Day of Sale

Step 1: Complete Section 6

Enter new keeper details:

• Full name (as appears on their ID)
• Complete current address
• Postcode
• Date of sale
• Sale price (optional but recommended)

Be accurate:

• Exact spelling
• Complete address
• Correct postcode
• Clear handwriting or print

Step 2: Sign Section 8

Seller signature:

• Sign in Section 8
• Date the signature
• Matches your name on V5C
• Confirms transfer

Step 3: Separate the V5C

Tear off V5C/2 (green slip):

• New keeper supplement
• Perforated section
• Give to buyer immediately
• Buyer keeps as proof

What buyer receives:

• Green V5C/2 slip
• Has 11-digit reference number
• Proof of purchase
• Allows immediate taxing

Step 4: Post to DVLA

Send remaining V5C to:

DVLA
Swansea
SA99 1BA

When to send:

• Within 24 hours of sale
• As soon as possible
• First class post recommended
• Don't delay

What to send:

• Main V5C document (without green slip)
• Completed Section 6
• Signed Section 8
• That's all - no covering letter needed

Online Notification (Faster)

Alternative to posting:

Use gov.uk/sold-bought-vehicle

You'll need:

• V5C/2 reference number (11 digits)
• V5C document reference number
• Vehicle registration
• New keeper details

Process:

1. Go to gov.uk website
2. Select "Tell DVLA you've sold"
3. Enter all details
4. Confirm transfer
5. Instant confirmation

Benefits:

• Immediate DVLA notification
• Email confirmation
• Faster processing
• No lost post risk
• Proof of notification

Still give buyer V5C/2:

• They need physical green slip
• Has reference number
• Their proof
• Allows them to tax

After You've Sent

What happens:

• DVLA updates records
• You're no longer registered keeper
• No longer responsible for vehicle
• Automatic tax refund processed

Tax refund:

• Calculated automatically
• Full months only
• Sent by cheque
• Takes 4-6 weeks
• To your registered address

Example:

• 9 months 2 weeks remaining
• Refund for 9 months only
• 2 weeks lost
• Cheque sent automatically

Keep records:

• Copy of signed V5C
• Proof of postage
• Online confirmation if used
• Buyer's details
• Date of sale
• For 6 months minimum

For Buyers: How to Register

At Point of Purchase

What you receive:

• V5C/2 green slip
• Completed with your details
• 11-digit reference number
• Proof of purchase

Check immediately:

• Your name spelled correctly
• Address complete and correct
• Date of sale noted
• Seller signed

Keep V5C/2 safe:

• You'll need it to tax vehicle
• Proof you're new keeper
• Reference for DVLA
• Keep for 6 weeks minimum

Immediate Actions

Within 24 hours:

1. Arrange insurance

• Must have before driving
• Shop around for quotes
• Activate policy
• Keep documents

2. Tax the vehicle

• Use V5C/2 reference number
• Tax online at gov.uk/vehicle-tax
• Or phone/Post Office
• Immediate effect

3. Check MOT valid

• gov.uk/check-mot-history
• Must be current if 3+ years old
• Book if expired or due soon

You can drive immediately once:

• Insured
• Taxed (if not SORN)
• MOT valid (if required)
• V5C/2 in hand

Notify DVLA as New Keeper

Within 2 weeks (recommended):

Option 1: Online (fastest)

gov.uk/sold-bought-vehicle

You'll need:

• V5C/2 reference number
• Your details
• Date purchased
• Vehicle registration

Process:

1. Select "Tell DVLA you've bought"
2. Enter V5C/2 reference
3. Confirm your details
4. Submit notification
5. Email confirmation

Benefits:

• Instant notification
• Faster V5C arrival
• Email proof
• No posting

Option 2: By post

Complete V5C/2 section:

• Your full name
• Your address
• Date became keeper
• Your signature

Send to:

DVLA
Swansea
SA99 1BA

Post:

• First class recommended
• Keep copy or photo
• Note date sent
• Proof of postage useful

Waiting for V5C

What to expect:

• New V5C in 2-6 weeks
• In your name
• At your address
• Keep V5C/2 until arrives

If doesn't arrive:

• Wait 6 weeks
• Then contact DVLA
• 0300 790 6802
• May need to apply for duplicate

When V5C arrives:

• Check all details correct
• Your name and address
• Vehicle details match
• Store safely

If details wrong:

• Contact DVLA immediately
• Correct any errors
• Don't ignore mistakes
• May need new V5C

Buying from a Dealer

Dealer Process

Dealers handle transfer:

• Complete V5C
• Notify DVLA
• Handle paperwork
• Professional service

Your responsibilities:

• Provide full name
• Provide complete address
• Sign documentation
• Verify details

What dealer does:

1. Completes V5C transfer
2. Notifies DVLA
3. Provides you receipt
4. May provide temporary cover note

V5C timeline:

• Dealer sends to DVLA
• 2-6 weeks to arrive
• At your address
• Contact dealer if issues

Always confirm:

• Dealer will notify DVLA
• Get written confirmation
• Receipt showing transfer arranged
• Your correct details used

Tax and insurance:

• Still your responsibility
• Arrange before collection
• Dealer may help but check
• Must have both

Private Sale Considerations

Additional Buyer Protections

Bill of sale:

• Get written receipt
• Include all details
• Seller and buyer sign
• Date and time

What to include:

• Date of sale
• Sale price
• Vehicle details (reg, VIN, mileage)
• Seller's name and address
• Buyer's name and address
• Both signatures
• "Sold as seen" or condition statement

Example:

Bill of Sale

Date: 12 November 2025
Vehicle: Ford Focus, Reg: AB12 CDE, VIN: WF0XXXXXXXXXXXXX
Mileage: 45,678

Sold by: John Smith, 123 Main St, London, SW1A 1AA
Sold to: Jane Doe, 456 High St, Manchester, M1 1AA

Price: £8,500 (paid in full)

Condition: Sold as seen, test driven, V5C provided

Seller Signature: _________________ Date: _______
Buyer Signature: _________________ Date: _______

Payment evidence:

• Bank transfer reference
• Receipt if cash
• Proof of payment
• Date and amount

Protect yourself:

• Photos of transaction
• Seller ID (with permission)
• V5C documents
• All correspondence

Special Circumstances

Deceased Owner

If inheriting vehicle:

Documents needed:

• Death certificate
• Probate documents (if applicable)
• Your ID
• Your relationship to deceased

Process:

1. Write to DVLA
2. Include documents
3. Explain relationship
4. Request transfer
5. May need legal advice

Address:

DVLA
Swansea
SA99 1BA

Include:

• Cover letter
• Death certificate copy
• Probate/will copy
• Your details
• Vehicle details

Company Cars

From company to individual:

Company provides:

• Authorisation letter
• Company V5C
• Transfer documentation
• Signed by director/authorised person

Letter should state:

• Company authorises transfer
• Your name as new keeper
• Vehicle details
• Company stamp/signature

Process as normal:

• Complete V5C
• Notify DVLA
• Wait for new V5C
• Company letterhead helps

Gifted Vehicles

No money exchanged:

Still complete V5C:

• Transfer as normal
• Can note "Gift" in sale price
• Or leave blank
• Same process

Relationship:

• Family members
• Friends
• Inheritance
• Same legal process

Important:

• Still change keeper
• Recipient still liable for tax
• Insurance needed
• Legal transfer essential

If Things Go Wrong

V5C Not Received

After 6 weeks:

Contact DVLA:

• Phone: 0300 790 6802
• Explain situation
• Provide details
• Ask for status

Possible issues:

• Lost in post
• Wrong address
• Still processing
• Not sent by seller

Solutions:

• Apply for duplicate V5C
• Cost: £25
• Form V62
• Takes 4-6 weeks

Keep V5C/2:

• Until V5C arrives
• Proof of keeper status
• Can use to tax
• Keep safely

Seller Didn't Notify DVLA

How you know:

• Penalty notices arrive at their address
• DVLA records not updated
• You receive their mail

Seller's problem:

• They're still registered keeper
• Liable for penalties
• Their responsibility
• Should have notified

Your protection:

• You sent V5C/2
• Proof of purchase
• Not your fault
• Keep documentation

What to do:

• Notify DVLA yourself
• Provide proof of purchase
• Send V5C/2 if not already
• Update records

Wrong Details on V5C

Mistakes found:

• Name misspelled
• Address wrong
• Vehicle details incorrect

Contact DVLA:

• Immediately
• Phone: 0300 790 6802
• Explain error
• Provide correct details

May need:

• Proof of identity
• Proof of address
• Original documents
• Statutory declaration

Correction:

• DVLA investigates
• New V5C issued
• May take weeks
• Keep all correspondence

Seller Has No V5C

Red flag situation:

Never buy without V5C:

• Can't verify keeper
• Might be stolen
• Could have finance
• Legal complications

If seller claims lost:

• They should apply for replacement
• Takes 4-6 weeks
• Costs £25
• Don't buy until they have it

Exception:

• Just purchased (has V5C/2)
• Company car (has authority letter)
• Acceptable with proof

Record Keeping

What to Keep

Seller should keep:

• Copy/photo of signed V5C
• Proof of postage/online confirmation
• Buyer's details
• Bill of sale
• For 6 months minimum

Buyer should keep:

• Original V5C/2
• Bill of sale
• Payment proof
• All correspondence
• Until V5C arrives, then 6 months

Why keep records:

• Dispute resolution
• Penalty protection
• Proof of transaction
• Legal protection
• Reference if issues

Digital backups:

• Photo all documents
• Save emails
• Store securely
• Cloud backup
• Multiple locations

Legal Responsibilities

Buyer Obligations

You must:

• Notify DVLA of keeper change
• Tax vehicle before use
• Insure before driving
• Maintain MOT
• Update address if you move

You're responsible:

• From date of purchase
• For all legal requirements
• For vehicle condition
• For penalties if non-compliant

Seller Obligations

You must:

• Notify DVLA of sale
• Provide V5C/2 to buyer
• Be honest about condition
• Settle outstanding finance
• Provide accurate information

Your liability ends:

• When DVLA notified
• Records updated
• Proof kept
• Transfer complete

Keep proof:

• Of notification
• Of sale date
• Buyer's details
• For parking fines/speeding tickets

Summary

Key Takeaways:

Seller process:

1. Complete V5C Section 6 (new keeper details)
2. Sign Section 8
3. Give buyer V5C/2 green slip
4. Send V5C to DVLA (or notify online)
5. Within 24 hours

Buyer process:

1. Receive V5C/2 at purchase
2. Arrange insurance immediately
3. Tax vehicle before driving
4. Notify DVLA within 2 weeks (online or post)
5. Wait 2-6 weeks for V5C

Online notification:

• gov.uk/sold-bought-vehicle
• Fastest method
• Email confirmation
• Reduces delays
• Recommended

Timeline:

• Day 1: Complete transfer, buyer gets V5C/2
• Days 1-2: Seller notifies DVLA
• Weeks 1-2: Buyer notifies DVLA
• Weeks 2-6: New V5C arrives

Important:

• V5C registers keeper, not owner
• Tax doesn't transfer (buyer must tax)
• Both parties should notify DVLA
• Keep all records 6 months minimum
• Never buy without V5C

If problems:

• Contact DVLA: 0300 790 6802
• Apply for duplicate after 6 weeks
• Keep V5C/2 as proof
• Document everything

Red flags:

• No V5C available
• Seller won't notify DVLA
• Details don't match
• Rushed process
• Walk away if concerned

Best practice:

• Use online notification (faster)
• Both parties notify DVLA
• Keep comprehensive records
• Bill of sale for private purchases
• Photos of all documents
• Proof of payment

Transferring car ownership correctly protects both buyer and seller legally and financially. Take the time to complete the process properly, notify DVLA promptly, and keep thorough records. The few minutes spent doing this correctly can prevent months of complications later.