How to Change Ownership of a Car? (DVLA V5C Guide)
It’s important to update Registered Keeper status as quickly as possible once you buy or sell a vehicle. However, forgetting to update could result in unexpected fines. You must notify the DVLA online or by post. The process is simple and can be done in minutes.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process, step-by-step, focusing on the easiest and fastest way to get the transfer done correctly.
Step-by-Step: How to Change Ownership of a Car (DVLA Process)
It is a legal requirement to change ownership, and it is straightforward, and you can do it while sitting at home. Here’s how you can change ownership of a car by following these steps:
DVLA Transfer Overview
| Step | Action | Where to Do It | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Step 1 | Gather logbook (V5C), buyer/seller details | At home | – |
| Step 2 | Complete transfer online via DVLA site | GOV.UK transfer service | Instant confirmation |
| Step 3 | Send V5C by post (if paper method) | DVLA, Swansea | 5 working days |
| Step 4 | Inform DVLA if sold to dealer/scrapyard | Online or via V5C/3 form | 2–5 working days |
Step 1: Gather What You Need
Before going through the process, you must make sure that you should have the following information and documents.
- V5C Registration Certificate: Mandatory document, either paper or online
- 11-Digit Reference Number: Found on the front page of the V5C. Essential for the quickest method (online transfer).
- Full name and address of the new keeper.
- Your own details and contact information.
- The exact date the vehicle was sold/transferred.
Step 2: Transfer Ownership Online (Most Common)
The most common and quickest way to notify DVLA that you are no longer the keeper. The seller should follow these actions:
- Go to the official UK Government’s DVLA online service.
- Enter the vehicle’s 11-digit registration number.
- Fill in the details of the new keeper.
- Submit the form, and the new keeper should receive their updated V5C logbook within 3 to 5 working days.
Step 3: Transfer Ownership by Post (Paper Method)
If you cannot or prefer not to use the online service, you can complete the transfer using the V5C form by post. These are the steps to follow:
- Complete Section 6 of the V5C with the new keeper’s details.
- Both the seller and buyer sign Section 8.
- Post the completed logbook to: DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BA
- The DVLA will send you a letter confirming the change of keeper within weeks.
Step 4: If You Sold to a Dealer or Scrap Yard
The process is different when the vehicle is sold to a motor trade business, an insurer, or an Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF, or scrap yard).
Selling to a Motor Trader/Dealership
The dealer is classified as a “motor trade”.
- Fill in Section: Complete Section 9 of your V5C (if your logbook was issued before April 2019) or Section 4 (if issued after April 2019) – titled “sell, transfer or part-exchange your vehicle to the motor trade”.
- Separate Documents: Detach this completed section and post it to the DVLA at the motor trade address: DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BD
- Give Remainder: Give the rest of the V5C logbook (the main part) to the dealer.
- Seller’s Responsibility: It is your responsibility to ensure the relevant section is sent to the DVLA, even if the dealer offers to do it for you.
Scrapping Your Vehicle (ATF)
You must scrap your car at an Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF).
- Fill in Section: Fill in the same section as above (Section 9 or Section 4) with the name and address of the ATF.
- Post to DVLA: Detach and post this section to the DVLA (address: SA99 1BD).
- Certificate of Destruction (CoD): The ATF must issue you an official Certificate of Destruction (CoD) within seven days. This document proves the car has been scrapped and relieves you of all legal responsibility for the vehicle.
- Give Remainder: Give the rest of the V5C to the ATF.
- Confirmation: You will receive a letter from the DVLA confirming you are no longer the keeper.
Owner vs Registered Keeper: What’s the Difference?
It is one of the most misunderstood parts of car ownership in the UK, and it is important to understand.
The person or business who is responsible for the vehicle’s day-to-day use and keeping it legally compliant is the “registered keeper”. Their name appears on the V5C logbook. And the keeper is responsible for MOT, vehicle tax, and fines.
However, being the registered keeper doesn’t always mean you’re the legal owner. The legal owner is a person or company who paid for the car or has proof of purchase. Not all owners are the registered keeper. For example:
- If you finance or lease a car, the finance company remains the legal owner until it’s fully paid off.
- If a parent buys a car for their child, the parent may be the owner, while the child is listed as the registered keeper.
Comparison of Owner and Registered Keeper
| Term | Who They Are | Legal Responsibility | Can Be the Same Person? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Owner | The person who paid for the car | Financial responsibility | Yes |
| Registered Keeper | The person named on the V5C logbook | Responsible for tax, MOT, insurance | Often, but not always |
Common DVLA Transfer Mistakes to Avoid
The process is straightforward, and it is mandatory to notify DVLA. To ensure a smooth transfer, be vigilant about these common mistakes:
- Failing to Notify the DVLA Immediately: Otherwise, you would face fines, tax or even a speeding penalty.
- Letting the buyer drive before completing the transfer: If the buyer drives the car before the DVLA has been notified, you could be held responsible.
- Not Keeping the V5C/3 Tear-of: You need to tear off the V5C/3 and send it to the DVLA if selling to the trade.
- Assuming Road Tax Transfers: Road tax (VED) is non-transferable. If you don’t notify the DVLA, your tax is not cancelled.
- Losing your copy of the V5C or receipt: Always keep proof of sale and a copy of the completed logbook section. This protects you if any disputes or mistakes arise later.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does It Take to Change Car Ownership?
The process is simple, and it depends on the method used. Via online, the process is performed instantly. Once submitted, both the seller and buyer usually receive confirmation emails straight away. However, by post, it typically takes a week or two for DVLA to process the transfer and send new V5C logbook.
How to change ownership of a car without v5?
If you have lost or damaged it, then you need extra steps to follow. The seller should apply for a replacement V5C themselves before the sale. They must use the V62 form and pay a £25 fee. Fill in the form with all the vehicle and new keeper details, send it to the DVLA, and the transfer will be processed once approved. However, you can sell a car without a V5C by following the same procedure.
How to change ownership of a car after death?
The process depends on who is receiving the car and who is handling the deceased’s estate. For the whole process, you need a death certificate, proof of ownership or estate authority and completed V5C details. Then write a cover letter explaining that the registered keeper is deceased and that you are handling the estate. And send all supporting documents to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BA.
How can I check who owns a car in the UK?
In the UK, the DVLA does not publicly disclose personal information of the registered keeper. However, you can check vehicles’ basic details, like make, model, tax status and MOT. For legal and reasonable cause, you can request keeper details from DVLA.
Final Thoughts: How to Change Ownership of a Car?
As for now, you may be aware of how to change the ownership in the UK. It is straightforward, and all you can do online while sitting on the couch. However, it is important to inform DVLA promptly as you buy or sell a car. Otherwise, you may be fined or penalty you.
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