V5C Logbook Guide: What to Check When Buying a Car

Essential guide to checking V5C logbook documents when buying a used car in the UK. Learn what to verify, red flags to avoid, and how to spot forgeries.

By Car Buying Guide UK17 October 20258 min read

The V5C logbook is one of the most critical documents when buying a used car. Knowing what to check can prevent you from buying a stolen vehicle, a car with hidden finance, or one that's been illegally modified. This guide covers everything you need to verify.

Before You Check: Understanding the V5C

What the V5C Shows

Vehicle details:

Registration number
Make and model
Colour
Engine size and type
CO2 emissions
Date of first registration
VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)

Keeper information:

Current keeper name and address
Date became keeper
Previous keeper details (partial)

Important limitations:

Does NOT prove legal ownership
Does NOT show outstanding finance
Does NOT show insurance write-off history
Does NOT guarantee mileage accuracy

You're checking the keeper, not the owner:

Keeper = person responsible for taxing/registering
Owner = legal owner (may be finance company)
V5C shows keeper only

Essential V5C Checks Before Buying

1. Document Authenticity Check

Security features to verify:

Watermark:

Hold document to light
Should see "DVL" watermark
Visible throughout paper
Faint but clear

Paper quality:

Thick official paper stock
Not standard printer paper
Textured feel
Blue/green background pattern

Hologram:

Steering wheel hologram
Changes angle when moved
Clear and sharp
Not a sticker

Printed details:

Clear professional printing
No smudging or poor quality
Consistent fonts
Barcode present

Serial number:

Unique document reference
Top right corner
Check format looks genuine
V5C/2 reference on green slip

DVLA branding:

Official DVLA logo
Correct colour scheme
Professional appearance
Government branding

2. Vehicle Details Match

Compare V5C to actual vehicle:

Registration plate:

Exact match required
Check front and rear plates
Note any discrepancies
Wrong plate = major red flag

VIN verification:

Check VIN on V5C
Find VIN on car (dashboard, driver door pillar)
Must match exactly
17 characters
No letters I, O, Q (to avoid confusion with numbers)

Where to find VIN on car:

Dashboard (visible through windscreen)
Driver side door pillar sticker
Under bonnet (various locations)
Boot floor under carpet
Service book

Make and model:

Exact match required
Check specific variant
Verify trim level if shown
Examples: "Golf GTI" not just "Golf"

Colour:

Should match current colour
If respray, should be updated on V5C
Recent colour change with no V5C update = suspicious

Engine size:

Verify exact capacity
Check under bonnet if unsure
Modified engine = major concern
Should match model designation

3. Keeper Details Verification

Seller must be registered keeper:

Name check:

Full name matches V5C exactly
Ask for photo ID (driving licence)
Compare name and address
Middle names should match

Address verification:

V5C address matches ID
If moved recently, should have updated V5C
Recent address change acceptable with proof

Signature match:

Compare ID signature
Will need to sign V5C on sale
Signature style should be consistent

If names don't match:

Acceptable explanations:

Recently purchased (has V5C/2 green slip)
Company car (company letter provided)
Family member selling (with permission letter)
Deceased owner (probate documents)
Name change (marriage certificate/deed poll)

NOT acceptable:

"Buying for a friend"
"Selling for a mate"
Vague explanations
Evasive answers
No documentation

4. Date Checks

Issue date on V5C:

Red flags if recently issued:

2015 car with 2025 V5C issue date
Suggests recent change
Could indicate problems

Why recently issued V5C is concerning:

Possible mileage clocking (new V5C to hide)
Imported vehicle (legitimate but check)
Rebuilt after write-off
Stolen recovery vehicle
Cloned identity
Previously scrapped

Legitimate reasons for recent issue:

Lost original (can verify with seller story)
Address change
Name change (marriage/divorce)
Imported vehicle (check import docs)
Damaged original

Always ask:

Why was new V5C issued?
Can they show old V5C or evidence?
Check MOT history for mileage verification
Run HPI check

Date became keeper:

Shows when seller acquired car
Recent purchase acceptable
Very recent (days ago) = suspicious
Why are they selling so quickly?

5. Previous Keeper Information

Section 3 shows:

Partial previous keeper details
Not full information
Helps verify history

What to look for:

Frequent keeper changes = concern
Many owners in short time = problems
Long-term keeper = usually positive
Recent change = verify with V5C/2

Check total number of keepers:

Compare with seller's claims
Verify with HPI check
MOT history shows keeper changes
Excessive keepers = red flag

6. Condition and Alterations

Document condition:

Unacceptable issues:

Torn or ripped pages
Water damage
Stains covering information
Missing sections
Pages stuck together
Fire damage

Major red flags:

Handwritten corrections
Crossed-out details
Overwriting
Different ink colours
Obvious alterations
White-out/correction fluid
Photocopied appearance

Even small alterations:

Void the document
Indicate fraud
Could be stolen
Walk away immediately

Acceptable wear:

Minor age-related fading
Slight creasing
Coffee stain not obscuring info
Normal handling wear

7. Number of Keepers vs Vehicle Age

General guidelines:

Low mileage car:

2015 car, 30,000 miles, 1 keeper = excellent
2015 car, 30,000 miles, 8 keepers = concerning

Age considerations:

1 year old: Should be 1-2 keepers
3 years old: 1-3 keepers acceptable
5 years old: 2-4 keepers normal
10 years old: 3-6 keepers expected

Red flags:

5+ keepers in 2 years
Multiple changes in short period
Recent rapid changes
Suggests problematic car

8. Import Markers

Check if imported:

V5C will show:

Different country codes
Import approval numbers
Recent issue date on old car
Modified information

Imported cars acceptable if:

Proper import documentation
IVA certificate (if required)
UK approval completed
MOT history available
Service history present

Additional checks for imports:

Why was it imported?
From which country?
RHD or LHD?
Any modifications made?
Insurance costs (can be higher)
Parts availability

Concerns with imports:

Mileage in km not miles
Different spec
Previous accident history unknown
Currency conversion affects value
Potential hidden damage

9. Special Markers and Codes

Look for:

Q plate:

Unknown age/origin
Kit cars
Severe damage
Rebuilt vehicles
Significantly affects value

Cherished transfer:

Private plate history
Original plate shown
Check matches vehicle age
May hide true age

Category markers:

Insurance write-off categories
Should be declared
Check against HPI
Major value impact

10. V5C Sections Status

Check which sections completed:

Section 6 (Selling/transferring):

Should be blank when you view
You'll complete this on purchase
If completed already = wrong

Section 7 (New keeper details):

Should be blank
Your details go here
Pre-completed = don't buy

Section 9 (Updates):

Check for recent changes
Multiple changes = investigate
Address changes noted

Green Slip (V5C/2)

When Viewing Without Full V5C

Private seller should have:

Full V5C document
Not just green slip
All pages present

Dealer may only have:

Green slip (new keeper supplement)
This is acceptable for dealers
Full V5C sent by DVLA to buyer

If private seller only has green slip:

Ask why:

Recently purchased? (when?)
Where is full V5C?
When do they expect it?
Do they have any V5C copy?

Verify:

V5C/2 reference number is genuine
Check vehicle on gov.uk database
Verify keeper details
Run HPI check

Consider:

Waiting until full V5C arrives
Risk of not having full document
Potential complications
Walk away if uncomfortable

Red Flags: When to Walk Away

Document Red Flags

Immediate deal-breakers:

No V5C available
- "Lost it" excuse
- "In the post"
- "At home"
- Don't buy without seeing it
Obvious forgery
- Poor quality printing
- Missing security features
- Wrong paper type
- Photocopied appearance
Alterations visible
- Handwritten changes
- Crossed out details
- White-out used
- Overwriting present
Damaged beyond reading
- Water damaged
- Fire damaged
- Torn critical sections
- Information obscured
Recently issued on old car
- No credible explanation
- Seller evasive
- Story doesn't add up
- Other concerns present

Seller Red Flags

Warning signs:

Name doesn't match
- No acceptable reason
- Vague explanations
- Won't show ID
- Evasive about ownership
Pressuring quick sale
- "Must sell today"
- "Other buyer interested"
- Won't let you check documents
- Rushing the process
Refusing checks
- Won't let you photograph V5C
- Can't provide other documents
- Avoiding questions
- Defensive responses
Meeting away from address
- Not at V5C address
- Car park meetings
- Service station
- Won't go to address
Story inconsistencies
- Changing details
- Contradictory information
- Can't answer basic questions
- Different from advert

Vehicle Red Flags

V5C vs vehicle mismatches:

Registration doesn't match
- Wrong number
- Plates don't match each other
- Doesn't match V5C
VIN doesn't match
- Different to V5C
- Can't find VIN on car
- VIN looks tampered with
- Numbers don't align
Details wrong
- Wrong colour (not updated)
- Wrong model
- Engine size different
- Specifications don't match
Evidence of identity change
- New VIN plate
- Tampered VIN
- Replaced chassis plate
- Suspiciously new plates

Combining V5C Check with Other Checks

Complete Vehicle Check Process

1. V5C verification (this guide)

Document genuine
Details match vehicle
Keeper verified
No red flags

2. HPI check (essential)

Outstanding finance
Stolen status
Insurance write-off
Mileage history
Keeper changes

3. MOT history (free check)

gov.uk/check-mot-history
Mileage verification
Previous failures
Structural issues
Consistency check

4. Service history

Matches mileage
Regular servicing
Dealer or independent
Stamps and receipts

5. Physical inspection

Professional inspection
Mechanical condition
Body condition
Signs of damage

All checks must align:

V5C matches HPI
MOT matches mileage
Service history consistent
Physical condition supports claims

If Checks Don't Align

What to do if discrepancies:

Minor issues:

Recent address change not updated
Small administrative delays
Explainable differences

Major issues:

Mileage inconsistent
Write-off not declared
Finance not mentioned
Details don't match

For major issues:

Don't proceed with purchase
Walk away politely
Report suspected fraud (if applicable)
Find another vehicle

After Verification: Taking Photos

Document the V5C

Before purchasing:

Photograph all pages
Clear, readable images
Include security features
Date-stamped if possible

What to capture:

Front page (vehicle details)
Keeper details page
Previous keeper section
V5C reference numbers
Any special markings

Why photograph:

Proof of what you checked
Reference for future
Evidence if issues arise
Compare with received V5C

Transfer Process Verification

During sale:

Seller completes Section 6
Your details entered correctly
Seller signs Section 8
You receive V5C/2 green slip
Photograph completed sections

Keep copies:

V5C/2 green slip
Your completion
Bill of sale
All correspondence

Common Questions

Can I buy without seeing the V5C?

No - Never buy a car without seeing the original V5C document. This is the most important document check.

What if seller says V5C is "in the post"?

Wait until it arrives - Legitimate sales can wait. Rushed sales are suspicious.

Is a photocopy acceptable?

No - Only original V5C acceptable. Photocopies can't be verified for security features.

Can the V5C be in a different name?

Sometimes - Must have legitimate reason and supporting documentation. Recently purchased with V5C/2 slip is acceptable.

Should I verify the V5C reference number?

Yes - Check vehicle on gov.uk/check-vehicle-tax using registration. Confirms vehicle exists in DVLA database.

What if there are two V5Cs?

Major red flag - Only one genuine V5C exists per vehicle. Could indicate cloning or fraud. Walk away.

V5C Checklist

Print this checklist when viewing:

Document authenticity:

Vehicle matching:

Registration number matches car exactly
VIN matches (check 3 locations)
Make and model correct
Colour matches (or explained)
Engine size matches
First registration date reasonable

Keeper verification:

Issue and history:

V5C issue date appropriate for car age
Recent issue explained if applicable
No suspicious recent changes
Import status clear if applicable
No category markers unexplained

Condition:

Supporting checks:

HPI check completed and clear
MOT history checked and consistent
Service history reviewed
Physical inspection completed
All checks align with V5C

Photographs taken:

All V5C pages
Vehicle VIN locations
Registration plates
Seller ID (with permission)

Summary

Critical takeaways:

V5C is essential:

Never buy without seeing original
Check all security features
Verify every detail matches
No alterations acceptable

Match vehicle details:

Registration must match exactly
VIN verification critical
Make/model/colour confirm
All details consistent

Verify keeper:

Seller must be registered keeper
Photo ID required
Address should match
Legitimate exceptions need proof

Check issue date:

Recent V5C on old car = investigate
Must have credible explanation
Verify with other checks
Walk away if suspicious

Watch for red flags:

No V5C = don't buy
Alterations = walk away
Name mismatch = verify or leave
Pressure = refuse

Combine all checks:

V5C alone isn't enough
HPI check essential
MOT history review
Service history verification
Everything must align

Trust your instincts:

If something feels wrong, it probably is
Don't let pressure override concerns
Other cars available
Your money deserves protection

The V5C check is your first line of defence against fraud, stolen vehicles, and hidden problems. Take your time, be thorough, and never proceed if you have doubts. A few minutes of careful checking can save you thousands of pounds and significant legal trouble.