How to Fill in the V5C When Selling a Car? (UK Guide)

The most common mistake when selling a car is failing to fill out the V5C correctly. This can lead to penalties and unexpected letters months later. If you want a smooth sale, this simple guide walks you through how to fill in the V5C and register a new keeper the right way.

Key Takeaways: How to Fill in the V5C When Selling a Car?

• Always complete the correct section before handing over the car.
• Complete Section 2 when selling to a private buyer and Section 4 if it’s a dealer.
• Give the buyer the green slip and keep the remaining document.
• Notify the DVLA immediately, ideally online.
• Mistakes or delays can result in fines or liability after the sale.
• Confirmation from the DVLA officially ends your responsibility for the vehicle.

Sell Your Car Efficiently

Not sure about your V5C or already completed the paperwork? Get multiple instant offers from trusted UK car buyers, with free collection and no hidden hassle. Sell with confidence today.

Sell My Car

What Is a V5C Logbook?

A V5C logbook, also known as a V5, is the official vehicle registration document issued by the DVLA. It records who is responsible for registering and taxing a vehicle in the UK.

One of the most common misunderstandings is that the V5C proves ownership. It does not. The document simply shows who keeps and uses the vehicle on the road.

Inside the logbook, you will find key information about the vehicle, including the registration number, VIN, fuel type, engine size, colour, and keeper history. There will also be the name and address of the registered keeper.

When you sell a car, this document allows the DVLA to transfer responsibility from you to the new keeper.

What Does a V5 Look Like?

The current V5C is printed as a red A4 document folded into several pages. Older versions were blue, but both serve the same purpose.

The logbook contains numbered sections designed for different situations such as selling the car, changing keeper details, scrapping the vehicle, or exporting it abroad. Each section has a specific role, which is why filling in the correct part is essential.

You will also notice a detachable green slip included within the document. This small section becomes important during a sale because it allows the buyer to tax the vehicle immediately.

V5C Sections Explained

How to Fill in the V5C When Selling a Car (Step-by-Step)

The process of completing a V5C is straightforward once you understand which section applies to your situation. Whether you are selling privately or trading the vehicle in, the goal is the same: 

Step 1: Selling to a Private Buyer (Section 2)

When selling your car privately, you will need to complete Section 2 of the V5C. This part records the details of the new keeper and confirms the specific date when keeper responsibility transfers.

You should carefully enter the buyer’s full name and address, making sure the postcode is accurate. Both parties must then sign the form to confirm the transfer.

Step 2: Provide the “Green Slip” (Section 6)

After filling in the main transfer section, you must detach the green slip, officially known as the V5C/2, and hand it to the buyer.

This section includes the car registration number, reference number, date of sale, and the car’s tax class.

This slip acts as temporary confirmation that they are now responsible for the vehicle. It allows the new keeper to tax the car immediately and drive it legally while waiting for their updated V5C to arrive from the DVLA.

Step 3: Selling to a Dealer or Trader (Section 4)

If you are part-exchanging your car or selling it directly to a dealer, auction house, or car buying service, a different section applies. Section 4 is used to record the details of the dealership or trade buyer taking possession of the vehicle.

You will enter the business name, address, car’s mileage, and date of sale. Dealers often manage registration changes regularly, but it is still sensible to ensure the transfer has been completed properly.

Choose How to Notify the DVLA

After completing the correct section of the V5C, you must inform the DVLA that the vehicle has been sold.

You can do this in one of two ways. Only use one method.

Method 1: How to Register a New Keeper Online?

Registering a new keeper online is now the quickest and safest way to complete a car sale in the UK. The process only takes a few minutes and immediately updates:

1. Tear Out the Green Slip

Before going online, look for Section 6 (the green V5C/2 slip) inside your V5C logbook. This section contains the 11-digit reference number needed to complete the keeper transfer digitally.

The buyer keeps the green slip after the sale, but you will need the information printed on it to notify the DVLA online. Make sure the logbook has been filled in correctly before starting the online process.

2. Go to GOV.UK

Visit the official DVLA change of keeper service through GOV.UK. Always use the government website rather than third-party services to avoid unnecessary fees or scams.

Once on the page, select the option to tell the DVLA you have sold or transferred your vehicle.

3. Select Your Sale Type

You’ll be asked if you sold the car to a private person or a motor trader (like a garage or a buying service). This step is important because the legal paperwork differs for each.

4. Enter Vehicle Details

You will need your car’s registration number and the 11-digit Document Reference Number from the front of your V5C. This confirms you are the registered keeper making the change.

5. Enter Buyer Details

Type in the new owner’s name and address. Always suggest adding their email address too; they’ll get an instant confirmation, which builds huge trust between you and the buyer.

6. Confirm and Submit

Double-check the date of sale! Once you hit submit, the car is officially no longer recorded as the registered keeper. You’ll get an email confirmation instantly. Note: Once you’ve done this step, you must destroy your old physical logbook.

Method 2: Notify the DVLA by Post

If you prefer using the paper logbook, you can notify the DVLA by post once the sale has been completed.

After filling in the correct section of the V5C, carefully detach the relevant part of the logbook and send it to:

DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BA

The section you post depends on how you sold the vehicle. Section 2 applies when selling privately, while Section 4 is used if the car is sold or part-exchanged with a motor trader.

What If I’ve Lost My V5C? (The V62 Process)

Most sellers don’t expect to lose a V5C, but it doesn’t stop them from selling their car.

If the logbook is missing, you will need to apply for a replacement using the V62 form through the DVLA.

The V62 application requests basic vehicle and keeper details so the DVLA can issue a new logbook. There is usually a small fee of £25.

Common Mistakes That Lead to DVLA Fines

Selling a car is straightforward, but small errors can leave you legally responsible. The most common mistakes include:

• Failing to notify the DVLA: If the DVLA isn’t informed, the vehicle remains registered in your name, leaving you liable for fines or penalties.
• Handing over the full V5C without completing the transfer section: This removes proof that the DVLA was notified and can cause disputes later.
• Entering incorrect buyer details: Misspelt names, missing flat numbers, or wrong postcodes can delay registration.
• Forgetting to update your own address first: If you’ve moved house and didn’t tell the DVLA, then try to sell your car using an old V5C, you can be fined up to £1,000.
• Relying on dealers or buyers to complete the paperwork: Legally, responsibility stays with you until the DVLA records are updated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I keep any part of the V5C?

Yes. When you sell a car, you should always keep the remaining part of the V5C after giving the buyer the green slip (V5C/2). This part acts as proof that you notified the DVLA of the sale. Never hand over the full logbook without completing the correct section.

What information do I need to provide to the DVLA if I sell my car?

When notifying the DVLA of a sale, you will need the vehicle registration number, the reference number from the V5C, and the buyer’s full name and address. If you’re selling to a dealer, their business name and address are required instead.

Can I sell without a V5C?

Yes, you can, but it’s less straightforward. If your V5C is lost, you need to apply for a replacement using the V62 form from the DVLA. While waiting for the new logbook, you can still sell the car, but it’s crucial to notify the DVLA.

Is V5C proof of ownership?

No. The V5C proves who is the registered keeper, not who legally owns the vehicle. Ownership is usually proven by a sales receipt, invoice, or bill of sale. However, completing the V5C correctly ensures the registered keeper is updated, which protects you from fines or liability after the sale.

How do I tax my car if my V5C logbook is missing?

If your logbook is missing, you can still tax your car, but you’ll need to apply for a replacement V5C first using the V62 form. However, if you have the V11 tax reminder letter sent by the DVLA, you can tax your car online, by phone, or at a post office. 

Wrapping Up: How to Fill in the V5C When Selling a Car

Filling in the V5C correctly is one of the most important steps when selling a car in the UK. The process itself is simple, but accuracy matters. Completing the right section, giving the buyer the green slip, and notifying the DVLA immediately ensures the vehicle is no longer linked to you.

Take a few extra minutes to follow the correct steps. It protects you from fines, prevents future disputes, and allows both seller and buyer to move forward with confidence.