How to Tax a Car Without V5? A Simple Guide
How to tax a car without V5? Many drivers find themselves asking this when buying a used car or when they have misplaced important documents. The process can feel unclear and stressful. Fortunately, there are official alternatives that make it possible.
This guide will walk you through the steps, so you can tax your vehicle legally.
Let’s dive in!
What is a V5C Logbook and Why Does It Matter?
The V5C logbook is your vehicle’s registration certificate. It’s issued by the DVLA. It shows who’s responsible for taxing and registering the vehicle. But it doesn’t prove ownership. You have to notify the DVLA to change the ownership of the vehicle.
You’ll find key details inside. These include the keeper’s name, address, and vehicle specifics. That covers make, model, VIN, emissions, colour, engine size, and more. It also lists previous keepers and tax class.
Remember, the V5C shows the registered keeper, not the legal owner. The DVLA sends fines and updates to that person. Ownership is proven by a bill of sale or receipt. So, while the logbook’s vital, it’s about responsibility, not rights.
While the V5C logbook identifies the registered keeper, it does not legally prove ownership. So, you can still sell a car without the V5 by providing other proof of ownership.
What Other Documents Do You Need to Tax a Car Without a V5?
To tax a vehicle in the UK, you need to give the DVLA a valid reference number. This number must come from one of three documents. The one you use depends on your situation.
a. V5C/2 Green Slip
If you’ve just bought a car, the seller should give you this slip. It’s the green section from the old V5C. The slip includes a 12-digit reference number. You can use this to tax your car straight away online or at the Post Office. It’s valid while the DVLA processes the change of keeper.
b. V11 Reminder Letter
This is the letter the DVLA sends when your vehicle tax is due. It includes an 11-digit reference number. You can use this number to tax your car online or at the Post Office. It can be used instead of the logbook, but only if the vehicle is already in your name.
c. V62 Form (Application for a V5C Logbook)
If you don’t have a V5C or a green slip, you’ll need to apply for a replacement. Use the V62 form. You can do this online or by picking up the form at a Post Office. The application costs £25. While waiting for the new logbook, you can still tax the car at the Post Office if you bring the V62 form, your MOT, and the fee.
Your 3 Options for Taxing Without a V5C
If you don’t have your vehicle’s V5C logbook, you still have options to tax your car legally. The DVLA provides three main routes depending on what documents you have.
Option 1: If You Have the Green Slip (V5C/2)
The green slip is the easiest option. It is also known as the V5C/2 new keeper’s slip, is a temporary document given to you when buying a used car. It contains a 12-digit reference number linked to your vehicle.
This slip allows you to tax the vehicle immediately, even if the full V5C logbook hasn’t arrived yet. You can use this number to tax your car straight away, even before the new logbook arrives. Tax it online through the GOV.UK website or head to a Post Office that handles vehicle tax.
Using the green slip ensures you remain legal on the road while the DVLA processes the new keeper details and sends out the full V5C certificate.
Option 2: If You Don’t Have a V5C or Green Slip
If you’ve got neither the logbook nor the green slip, you’ll need to apply for a replacement. Without either document, you can’t tax the car straight away unless you use the DVLA’s combined online service. This lets you apply for a new logbook and tax the vehicle at the same time. It’s the quickest way to get back on the road legally.
You can do this at GOV.UK. Just follow the steps, enter your details, and pay the £25 fee. Make sure your MOT is valid if the car needs one. The service is straightforward and avoids postal delays.
If you’d rather apply by post, you’ll need to complete form V62. Download it, fill it in, and send it to: DVLA Vehicle Customer Services, Swansea, SA99 1DD. Include a valid MOT (if needed) and the £25 fee.
Postal applications take up to four to six weeks. If the DVLA doesn’t yet have you listed as the keeper, it might take even more time. Until your new V5C arrives, you won’t be able to tax the car.
Option 3: If You Have a V11 Reminder
The V11 is a letter from the DVLA that reminds you to renew your vehicle tax. It includes your car’s details and a reference number you can use to tax it. This can be useful if you’ve lost your V5C and don’t have the green slip.
You can use the V11 to tax your car online at GOV.UK. Or you can go to the Post Office and show the reminder in person. Either way, it gets you taxed without needing the full logbook.
However, this option only works if the vehicle is already in your name. You’ll also need a valid MOT if your car requires one.
Ready to Sell Your Car? Make Sure the Paperwork’s in Order
Ensure you have proper documents ready to make the sale smooth and hassle-free. Get instant offers from verified UK buyers, arrange free collection, and receive quick payment. All through Exchange My Car.
Common Mistakes and What to Avoid
Taxing a car without a V5C logbook is possible. But many people slip up and face delays or fines. Here’s what you need to avoid.
a. Trying to Tax Without the Right Document
You cannot tax a car without a valid DVLA reference number. You must have one of the following:
- V5C logbook in your name
- V11 tax reminder letter
- V5C/2 green slip
- V62 form if the V5C is lost or missing
Without one of these, your application will likely be refused. It is a strict process.
b. Not Being the Registered Keeper
You need to be the registered keeper to tax a car. If you have just bought it, the DVLA must update the records. Make sure the seller has sent the details. If not, send a V62 form yourself.
c. Forgetting MOT and Insurance
You still need a valid MOT if your vehicle is over three years old. You also need insurance. Without both, your tax cannot go through. Driving without either is illegal.
d. Delaying the V62 Application
If your V5C is lost or stolen, apply for a replacement right away. Use the V62 form. Waiting will only delay taxing or selling your car.
e. Driving a Vehicle Without Tax
This is a serious offence. You can be fined, clamped, or have your car seized. Always tax your vehicle before driving on public roads.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive the car while waiting for my V5C?
Yes, as long as the car is taxed and insured, you can drive it while waiting for your V5C. The V5C is not proof of ownership but confirms who is registered as the keeper. If you have the green slip (V5C/2), you can tax the car straight away. If not, apply using form V62. Once the vehicle is taxed, you’re legally allowed to drive it. Driving without a tax is illegal.
Is the £25 V62 fee refundable?
No, the £25 fee paid when applying for a replacement V5C using the V62 form is not refundable. This fee covers the administrative cost of issuing a new logbook. You should only apply for a replacement if you genuinely need it. Such as when the original V5C is lost, stolen, damaged, or never received.
Can I SORN the vehicle without a V5C?
Yes, you can declare the vehicle off the road (SORN) even without a V5C. You’ll need your registration number and some personal details. It’s quicker if you have the green slip or a reference from your V62 application, but they’re not always required. A SORN means the vehicle must not be driven or parked on public roads.
What if the DVLA has outdated address info?
You should update your address immediately through the GOV.UK website. There are separate online services for updating your driving licence and vehicle logbook. Keeping your address up to date ensures you receive important documents like the V5C, tax reminders, and MOT notices. Failing to update it can cause delays or legal issues.
Can I insure a car without a V5C?
Yes, you can still insure a car without the V5C. Most insurers will accept alternative proof of purchase, such as a receipt, invoice, or sales contract. While private sales may be tricky, there are still trusted companies that buy any car directly, provided you meet certain ownership and identification requirements. However, having the logbook can make things easier if you need to make a claim or sell the car later.
Conclusion: How to Tax a Car Without V5
Taxing your car without a V5C might seem complicated, but with the right documents like the green slip, a V11 reminder, or a completed V62 form, you can still stay road legal and avoid unnecessary fines.
If missing paperwork, delays, or DVLA admin are becoming too much, it may be time to consider whether keeping the car is worth the hassle.
Looking for more expert motoring advice? Explore our blog for practical guides and tips every UK driver should know.
Sell Your Car Easily?
Ensure you have proper documents ready to make the sale smooth and hassle-free. Get instant offers from verified UK buyers, arrange free collection, and receive quick payment. All through Exchange My Car.
