Lost Your V5C Logbook? Here's How to Get a Replacement Fast
What to Do If You’ve Lost Your V5C
If your V5C logbook has been lost, stolen, damaged, or destroyed, don’t panic. Replacing it is straightforward through the DVLA.
You have three official ways to apply for a replacement:
Apply online
The fastest option if you’re the registered keeper and your details are up to date. It costs £25 and usually takes around five working days.
Apply by post (Form V62)
Used when you’re not the registered keeper, never received a logbook, or need to update your details. Also costs £25, and delivery can take 2-6 weeks.
Call the DVLA
If you can’t use the online or postal method, you can request a replacement by phone.
Phone: 0300 790 6802
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8 am to 7 pm; Saturday, 8 am to 2 pm
📌 Before applying, have these details ready:
- Your vehicle registration number (VRM)
- The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or chassis number
- The name and postcode currently on the DVLA’s record
- What to Do If You’ve Lost Your V5C
- Apply Online for a Replacement V5C
- Apply by Post with Form V62
- Can You Get a V5C Urgently?
- Buying or Selling Without a Logbook
- Frequently Asked Questions About a Missing Logbook
- Useful Links & Next Steps
Apply Online for a Replacement V5C
Replacing your V5C logbook online is the fastest and most convenient option.
If you meet the DVLA’s criteria, the application takes just a few minutes to complete.
Who Can Apply Online?
You can apply online if:
- You are the registered keeper of the vehicle
- Your name and address have not changed
- The logbook has been lost, stolen, damaged, or destroyed
- The vehicle is not part of a fleet and not registered abroad
What You'll Need
Before starting the application, make sure you have the following:
- The vehicle’s registration number (VRM)
- The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or chassis number
- The name and postcode currently recorded by the DVLA
Cost and Delivery Time
- Fee: £25
- Payment: Debit or credit card
- Delivery: Usually arrives within five working days to the registered address
Apply by Post with Form V62
If you can’t apply online, you can request a replacement V5C logbook by post using the DVLA’s official V62 form. This method is suitable when online applications aren’t allowed.
When to Use the V62 Form
Use this option if:
- You are not the current registered keeper
- You never received the original V5C logbook
- Your name, address, or vehicle details have changed
- You recently bought the car and didn’t get a logbook
Where to Get the V62 Form
- Download the V62 form from the DVLA website
- Request a paper copy by calling the DVLA
Fill in the vehicle details, select your reason for applying, and include your contact information. If you're not the registered keeper, attach the green ‘new keeper’ slip (V5C/2) if you have it.
Where to Send It
Post the completed form to:
DVLA
Swansea
SA99 1DD
Payment Method
- The fee is £25
- Pay by cheque or postal order
- Make it payable to DVLA Swansea
- Cash is not accepted
Processing takes between 2 and 6 weeks, depending on your situation and whether DVLA requires any additional checks.
Can You Get a V5C Urgently?
The DVLA does not currently offer a same-day, express, or priority service for replacing a lost V5C logbook.
All applications follow standard processing times.
If you apply online, your replacement log book usually arrives within five working days.
This is the fastest method available, provided you are the registered keeper and your details have not changed.
If you apply by post using a V62 form, processing can take between two and six weeks, depending on the DVLA's workload and whether any additional checks are required.
Even if you need the V5C urgently for taxing, insuring, or selling your car, there is no fast-track or premium service.
If time is critical, applying online remains the best option, provided you meet the eligibility requirements.
Buying or Selling Without a Logbook
It is legal to buy or sell a car without a V5C logbook, but it increases the risk for both the buyer and the seller.
The V5C confirms the registered keeper and includes key details about the vehicle’s history.
If you’re selling a car without a V5C:
- Make sure you are the legal owner of the vehicle
- Inform the buyer that the logbook is missing
- Apply for a replacement V5C as soon as possible
- Complete a V62 form if necessary and give the buyer a signed receipt
If you’re buying a car and the seller does not have the V5C:
- Be cautious, the vehicle could be stolen, written off, or under finance
- Ask for proof of ownership, service history, and a valid MOT
- Check that the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) matches what’s physically on the car
- Use the green ‘new keeper’ slip (V5C/2) if the seller has it
To stay protected, run a comprehensive vehicle history check before proceeding.
A missing logbook may indicate deeper issues, so always verify the car’s identity and legal status before committing to a sale.
Verify Car History Before You Buy
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Frequently Asked Questions About a Missing Logbook
Yes, you can legally sell a car without the V5C, but it’s riskier. The V5C confirms the registered keeper, and without it, the buyer may question the car’s legal status.
The time it takes to get a new V5C logbook depends on how you apply. Online applications usually take around five working days. Postal applications using a V62 form can take between two and six weeks.
A replacement logbook costs £25, whether you apply online or by post. The DVLA does not refund this fee, even if the original logbook is later found.
Yes, most insurers allow you to insure a car without the physical V5C, especially if you have the registration number. However, some insurers may request proof of ownership or delay cover until documents are updated.
Read our complete guide to the 9 Types of Car Insurance in the UK | Cover & Costs Explained
You can tax a car without the full V5C if you have the 11-digit reference number or the green 'new keeper' slip (V5C/2). If you have neither, you'll need to apply for a replacement logbook first.
Use our free tool and find out How Much is Your Road Tax?
If the V5C/2 green slip is lost, you can still apply for a new logbook using form V62. You’ll need to pay £25 and explain the missing slip when applying to the DVLA.
If you find your old V5C after requesting a new one, the original becomes invalid. Only the most recent logbook issued by DVLA is legally recognised — destroy the old copy to avoid confusion.
No, the DVLA does not offer refunds for replacement logbook applications. Once payment is made and the request is processed, the £25 fee is non-refundable.
Useful Links & Next Steps
If you're dealing with a missing V5C logbook, you might also need help with related tasks. Below are additional guides to help you take the next step safely and confidently.
V5C Registration Certificate for Cars, Motorcycles & Light Commercials
Understand what your V5C covers and why it matters for different vehicle types.
Transfer Car Ownership When Buying or Selling a Car
Learn how to notify the DVLA correctly when a vehicle changes hands.
Find out how to tax your vehicle if you've lost the V5C, green slip, or V11 tax reminder.
Registered Keeper vs Legal Owner
Understand the difference between the registered keeper and legal owner, and how an affidavit can be used to clarify ownership in legal or disputed situations.