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Paperwork & ownership

What is a V5C? UK car logbook explained

What a V5C registration certificate (logbook) is, what the green new-keeper slip is for, how to get a replacement, and what not to share when selling.

Time:
8 minutes
Level:
Beginner

Before you start

“What is a V5?” is one of the most Googled car-admin questions in the UK. The V5C is the vehicle registration certificate — still nicknamed the logbook — issued by DVLA. It records the vehicle and the registered keeper. It is central to taxing, selling and proving who DVLA should write to, but it is not a simple “title deed” like some countries use.

What you’ll need

  • Your V5C (all pages) if you have one
  • Green ‘new keeper’ slip when buying or selling
  • Form V62 application if you need a replacement logbook
  • GOV.UK sold/bought vehicle service when the keeper changes

Step-by-step guide

  1. 1

    Know what it is: the V5C lists registration number, make/model, engine and keeper name/address. Older logbooks look different; current ones include a green new-keeper section.

  2. 2

    Registered keeper ≠ automatic legal owner: finance companies, leased cars and family arrangements mean the person on the V5C may not be the only party with rights to the car.

  3. 3

    Buying: you should receive the green new-keeper slip. Tax and insure before driving. DVLA should then send a new V5C to your address — keep the slip until it arrives.

  4. 4

    Selling privately: give the buyer the green slip only after payment is secure; tell DVLA you have sold the vehicle (online preferred) with the buyer’s details so tax liability stops with you.

  5. 5

    Protect the document reference number: you can let a serious buyer look at the V5C in person, but do not post clear photos of the whole logbook or share the reference number online — it helps fraudsters.

  6. 6

    Lost V5C: apply for a replacement (V62 process / GOV.UK guidance) before you need to sell. Selling without a logbook is possible but messier — you must still tell DVLA in writing if you cannot use the online service.

  7. 7

    Name or address changes: update the V5C with DVLA before you rely on it for a sale or tax refund.

  8. 8

    Personalised plates: if you want to keep a private registration, transfer it off the car before sale.

What to check

  • Does the VIN/chassis number on the V5C match the car’s stamped VIN and plate?
  • Does the colour, fuel type and engine size roughly match the car you are looking at?
  • Is the keeper address current? Out-of-date keepers complicate sales and refunds.

Pro tips

  • Store the V5C at home. If the car is stolen with the logbook inside, fraud is easier.
  • Traders and auction buyers may handle keeper change differently — still get proof of sale.
  • Next reads: /guides/sell-car-uk and /guides/car-ownership-paperwork-uk

FAQs

What is a V5 or V5C?

V5C is the DVLA vehicle registration certificate, commonly called the logbook. People say “V5” as shorthand. It identifies the vehicle and registered keeper.

What is the green slip on the V5C?

The new-keeper slip. The seller gives it to the buyer so they can tax the vehicle and be recorded as the new keeper while DVLA issues a full V5C.

How long does a new V5C take?

Often a few weeks after DVLA processes the keeper change. Times vary — keep the green slip and any online confirmation.

Can I drive without the V5C in the car?

Yes. You do not need to carry the logbook while driving. You do need correct tax, insurance and MOT as applicable.

Safety first

Never send your only V5C to a stranger “for a check” or share the document reference number on a classified advert. That is a common scam pattern.