Sell My Car DVLA | DVLA Complete Car Selling Guide

Have you just sold your car? That is great news, but you shouldn’t forget to notify the DVLA. Otherwise, it can be a total nightmare for you. One small mistake could cost you a £1,000 fine. You might even pay for someone else’s speeding tickets. This guide explains exactly how to notify the DVLA.

At a Glance: How to Notify the DVLA If I Sell My Car

Here is how you can transfer ownership of a car by following these steps:

Step 1: Find your V5C logbook document.

Step 2: Decide whether to notify online or by post.

Step 3: Use the online service for instant confirmation.

Step 4: Give the buyer the green “New Keeper” slip.

Step 5: Destroy the old logbook if you did it online.

Step 6: Wait for your vehicle tax refund cheque.

Why You Must Tell the DVLA When You Sell Your Car

The DVLA tracks registered vehicle keepers. Selling your car does not update records automatically. You must notify the DVLA yourself.

Failing to tell DVLA causes real problems. You may receive speeding fines later. You could also face vehicle tax penalties.

The DVLA uses the V5C logbook. This document confirms the keeper changes. Without updating it, liability stays with you. Do not delay this process, and notify us as soon as you hand over the car.

Two Methods of Notifying the DVLA Online

Method 1: Notify the DVLA Online (The Best Way)

This is the method we highly recommend. It is fast, secure, and instant. You get peace of mind immediately. This service is not available 24 hours a day. It usually runs from 7 am to 7 pm. Do this as soon as the buyer leaves.

Once you review the confirmation, you must destroy the old V5C logbook. Cut it up into pieces. Do not give the full logbook to the buyer. Give them only the green V5C/2 slip.

How to do it:

1. Go to the GOV.UK “sold or bought a vehicle” page.
2. Select “Sold it to a private individual.”
3. Enter the 11-digit reference number from your V5C.
4. Enter the buyer’s full name and address.
5. Submit the form and wait for confirmation.

Method 2: Notify the DVLA by Post (The Slow Way)

This is the paper one, which is slower than the online method. That is completely fine too, but it takes a little bit longer.  

How to do it:

1. Open your V5C logbook to the inside page.
2. Find the “New Keeper” section (Section 2).
3. Write the buyer’s name and address clearly.
4. Both you and the buyer must sign it.
5. Tear off the green V5C/2 slip.
6. Give the green slip to the buyer.
7. Put the rest of the V5C in an envelope.
8. Send the envelope to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BA.

The “Green Slip” vs. The “Yellow Slip”

This part confuses almost everyone. Which slip do you give away? It depends on who you sold the car to.

Selling privately, like a person, you must use the Green Slip (V5C/2). This stands for “New Keeper Supplement”. It acts as their temporary logbook. They need this to tax the car immediately.

Selling to a trader, like a dealer/company, you must use the Yellow Slip (V5C/3). This stands for “Selling to a motor trader.” Dealers handle the process differently.

If you sell to a dealer, they will often do the notification online for you. They use their own secure portal. If they do this, keep the yellow slip. You do not need to post it. Just ensure you see the confirmation screen.

Keeping Your Private Number Plate

Do you have a personalised registration plate? Do not sell the car yet! You must take the plate off first.

If you sell the car with the plate on, the buyer becomes the legal owner of the plate. You lose the rights to that registration mark. It is very hard to get it back.

The correct process:

1. Apply to put the plate on “Retention”.
2. This costs £80 online at GOV.UK.
3. Wait for the new V5C for the car.
4. The car gets its original age-related plate back.
5. Now you can sell the car safely.

Do not skip this step. We see people lose valuable plates often. Always transfer it to a Retention Document (V778).

What If I Have Lost My Logbook?

You cannot follow the standard process without a V5C. You need the reference numbers on the document.

If you lost it before the sale, you should apply for a replacement immediately. It costs £25. It takes about 5 days by phone. It can take weeks by post.

If you must sell it today, you cannot use the online notification service. You must use Form V62 instead.

Using Form V62:

1. Download Form V62 from the government website.
2. Fill in the vehicle details.
3. Fill in the new keeper’s details.
4. Send this to the DVLA in Swansea.

This is a messy way to sell. The buyer might be suspicious. They cannot tax the car easily without the green slip. Try to find your logbook first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I just send the whole logbook to the DVLA?

No, never send the entire logbook to the DVLA. You must separate the document into sections first. The green “New Keeper” slip (V5C/2) is essential. You must physically give this green slip to the buyer. 

They need it to tax the car immediately. You only send the main pages (Sections 1-8) to Swansea. If you do it online, you destroy the main pages.

Does road tax transfer to the new owner?

No, road tax never transfers to the new owner. This rule changed back in 2014. The tax is linked to the person, not the car. Your tax is cancelled the moment the sale is reported. The new owner must tax the vehicle immediately. They cannot use any “leftover” tax on the car.

What if the buyer never registers the car?

This is why you must notify the DVLA yourself. Do not rely on the buyer to do it. If you report the sale online, you are safe. Your legal liability ends the moment you get confirmation. It does not matter if the buyer delays their part. The DVLA will chase them, not you.

Can You Sell a Car Without a V5C Logbook?

Yes, it is legal to sell without a V5C. However, it makes the process much harder. You will likely get a lower price for the car. Buyers are often suspicious of cars without paperwork. You must provide a full receipt or “Bill of Sale.” The buyer will have to apply for a new logbook.

Do You Get a Car Tax Refund After Selling?

Yes, you get a refund for any full months left. The DVLA processes this automatically when you notify them. You do not need to fill out a separate form. They will send a cheque to your registered address. This usually arrives within 6 to 8 weeks. You won’t get a refund for the current month.

What information do I need to provide when notifying the DVLA about the sale?

When notifying the DVLA about the sale, you need to provide the buyer’s name and address, the date of sale, and the vehicle registration number.

What should I do if I haven’t received confirmation from the DVLA after notifying them about the sale?

If you haven’t received confirmation from the DVLA after notifying them about the sale, you can contact them directly to enquire about the status of your notification.

Final Thoughts:

Selling your car is a big moment. Don’t let the final paperwork ruin it. Remember the golden rule: Notify the DVLA immediately. The online method is your best friend. It is fast, safe, and gives instant proof.

Always separate the green slip for the buyer. Never give them the full logbook. And look forward to that tax refund cheque.