Transfer Car Ownership (2025)

DVLA Guide to Buying, Selling and Changing Keepers

Transferring car ownership in the UK requires the current registered keeper to tell the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) as soon as the vehicle changes hands. This applies whether the car is sold, gifted to a family member, inherited, scrapped, or written off.

The process is mandatory for private individuals, motor dealers, insurers, and finance companies.

Reporting the change to DVLA updates the vehicle’s official keeper record. This ensures the correct person is responsible for road tax, legal notices, penalties, and official mail.

Failing to update the DVLA can leave the former keeper legally liable for fines, unpaid tax, or enforcement actions, even after the car has left their possession.

This guide explains how to complete a DVLA ownership update step by step. It includes every transfer scenario, how to use the V5C logbook online or by post, and which documents you need to comply with UK vehicle laws.

What Is DVLA Notification and Why Is It Required?
When Should You Notify the DVLA of a Vehicle Ownership Change?
2.1 What if it’s a Private Sale or Purchase?
2.2 What if You Sold the Car to a Dealer or Motor Trader?
2.3 How Do You Transfer the Vehicle to a Family Member?
2.4 What if the Vehicle Is Inherited After Death?
2.5 What About Exports or Imports?
2.6 What if the Car Is on Finance or Lease?
2.7 How Do You Notify DVLA After a Write-Off or Insurance Payout?
2.8 How to Report Vehicle Scrappage or Disposal?
How to Notify DVLA of an Ownership Transfer
3.1 Online Transfer via V5C
3.2 Offline Notification by Post (V5 Form)
3.3 Step-by-Step Instructions for Each Method
3.4 DVLA Change of Address or Name Requirements
Selling Your Car: What to Do Legally
4.1 What Paperwork Do You Need to Sell a Car?
4.2 UK Law on Private Car Sales
Verify Vehicle Status: Conduct a Car History Check
Frequently Asked Questions

What is DVLA Notification, and Why is it Required?

DVLA notification is the legal process of informing the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency that a vehicle has a new registered keeper.

This must happen when the car is sold, traded, gifted, inherited, scrapped, exported, or written off.

The responsibility to notify lies with the current registered keeper and must be completed as soon as the change occurs.

By updating the V5C logbook, you tell the DVLA who now owns the vehicle. This ensures the right person is responsible for road tax, penalties, and legal issues.

The former keeper may still receive fines, tax demands, or enforcement notices without this update.

You can inform DVLA online using the GOV.UK website or send the paperwork by post. This applies to all vehicles, cars, motorcycles, vans, and fleets, even if no money is exchanged.

Once the DVLA processes the update, the new keeper is officially recorded in the national vehicle register.

What is Considered a Change of Ownership by DVLA?

The DVLA defines a change of ownership as any situation in which the legal responsibility for a vehicle passes to someone new.

This includes private sales, trade-ins at a dealership, gifts to family, transfers after death, scrappage through an authorised treatment facility (ATF), or insurance write-offs.

Ownership is also considered changed when a vehicle is:

Registered to a new business
Assigned to the motor trade
Switched from personal to commercial use
Imported into the UK
Exported out of the country

These changes affect who is legally accountable for road tax, insurance, penalties, and DVLA notices.

What matters most is a shift in the registered keeper’s legal responsibility. DVLA must be informed, like family handovers or internal fleet updates, even when no money is exchanged.

If the V5C logbook isn’t updated, the former keeper may still be liable for fines or unpaid tax.

What Happens if You Don’t Tell DVLA?

If you fail to tell DVLA about a change in ownership, you could still be held responsible for the vehicle, even if it’s no longer yours.

This includes paying road tax, fines for speeding or parking, and any offences the new driver commits.

Until DVLA receives and processes the update, the car stays linked to your name. You might get penalty letters, tax reminders, or automated fines. In serious cases, enforcement could involve debt collectors, County Court Judgments (CCJs), or bailiffs.

DVLA only accepts changes made through the V5C logbook, either online at GOV.UK or by post.

The transfer isn’t legally recognised until you receive confirmation.

This rule applies to every type of transfer, including selling, part-exchanging, gifting, inheritance, scrappage, and insurance write-offs.

What are the Legal Responsibilities of Sellers and Buyers?

When a vehicle changes hands, both the seller and the buyer must meet legal requirements set by the DVLA.

These steps ensure the car is registered correctly, road tax is reassigned, and legal liability moves to the new keeper.

Seller’s Legal Responsibilities

The seller must:

Notify DVLA straight away using the V5C, online at GOV.UK or by post
Retain the green V5C/2 slip and hand it to the buyer at the time of transfer
Enter the buyer’s full name and address clearly on the V5C
Allow DVLA to cancel vehicle tax automatically; any refund is issued directly
Inform their insurer of the sale to end cover and remove liability

Skipping any of these steps may leave the seller legally responsible for tax, fines, or enforcement notices linked to the vehicle.

Buyer’s Legal Responsibilities

The buyer must:

Collect the V5C/2 slip from the seller as proof of purchase
Register for vehicle tax immediately using the reference number on the slip
Insure the vehicle before driving it on public roads
Wait for confirmation from DVLA that the car is now registered in their name

Failing to tax or insure the vehicle can result in penalties, clamping, or prosecution under Continuous Insurance Enforcement (CIE) and Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) laws.

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When Should You Notify the DVLA of a Vehicle Ownership Change?

You must tell the DVLA as soon as a vehicle changes ownership.

It doesn’t matter whether money is involved or the transfer is temporary or permanent, it doesn't matter.

This rule applies to private sales, business transfers, and family handovers.

Ownership change means a new person or company becomes legally responsible for road tax, insurance, and driving penalties.

Scenarios That Require DVLA Notification

You must report the change to DVLA in any of the following situations:

Private Sale or Purchase
The car is sold directly between individuals.
Sale or Trade-In to a Dealer
The vehicle is handed over to a trader or used as part of a dealership deal.
Transfer to a Family Member
The car is gifted to a spouse, child, or relative.
Inheritance After Death
The vehicle is passed on through probate.
Insurance Write-Off
The insurer takes over after declaring the car a total loss.
Scrappage at an Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF)
The car is dismantled and deregistered by a licensed scrappage operator.
Import or Export
The vehicle is permanently brought into or taken out of the UK.
Business or Fleet Reassignment
The vehicle is moved within a company or reallocated across a fleet.

Required Action

Use the V5C logbook to update DVLA, either online at GOV.UK or by post.

Until the update is confirmed, the previous keeper stays legally responsible for taxes, fines, and any enforcement action.

What If It’s a Private Sale or Purchase?

In a private car sale, where both parties are individuals, and no dealer is involved, the same legal responsibilities apply, but they must be handled directly by the seller and buyer.

The DVLA does not consider the transfer complete until it updates the vehicle’s record.

What the Seller Must Do

If you're selling privately, you are responsible for:

Notifying DVLA using the V5C, online at GOV.UK or by post
Giving the green V5C/2 slip to the buyer as proof of the sale
Clearly writing the buyer’s full name and address on the logbook
Informing your insurer to cancel the policy and end the liability

You remain legally responsible for tax, fines, and driving offences until DVLA confirms the update.

What the Buyer Must Do

If you're buying from a private seller, you must:

Keep the V5C/2 slip and use its code to tax the car right away
Arrange insurance before driving the vehicle on public roads
Wait for DVLA to confirm the registration is now in your name

Failure to meet these steps may result in fines, clamping, or prosecution under Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) and Continuous Insurance Enforcement (CIE) laws.

What If You Sold the Car to a Dealer or Motor Trader?

If you sell or trade-in your car to a motor trader or dealership, you’re still legally required to tell DVLA.

The transfer isn’t complete until DVLA updates the vehicle record.

What You Must Do as the Seller

When selling to a dealer, you must:

Notify DVLA straight away online at GOV.UK or by posting Section 9 (V5C/3 Yellow Slip)
Accurately enter the dealer’s business name and address on the form
Keep proof of notification, such as a confirmation email or postal receipt
Inform your insurer that the vehicle has been sold, so your coverage ends

You remain responsible for road tax, fines, and motoring offences until DVLA confirms the change.

After Section 9 is sent, the dealer keeps the rest of the logbook (V5C) for resale.

The Dealer’s Limitations

A dealer can’t complete the DVLA update on your behalf unless you start the process.

Even if they say they’ll “take care of everything,” DVLA only accepts ownership changes from the registered keeper.

If you don’t submit the update, you could still be legally tied to the car.

What If You Transfer the Vehicle to a Family Member?

Transferring a car to a family member is legally treated the same as any other change of ownership.

Whether the vehicle is a gift, part of an inheritance, or simply handed over, DVLA must be informed by the current registered keeper.

What the Current Keeper Must Do

If you're giving the car to a relative, you must:

Notify DVLA straight away using the V5C logbook, either online or by post
Give the green V5C/2 slip to the new keeper as proof of transfer
Write their full name and address clearly in the logbook
Tell your insurer the car is no longer in your name to cancel cover

You remain responsible for road tax, fines, and offences until DVLA confirms the update.

What the Receiving Family Member Must Do

The new keeper must:

Use the V5C/2 reference to tax the car immediately
Ensure the vehicle before driving it on public roads
Wait for DVLA confirmation before assuming full ownership

Being family doesn’t change the legal process. All ownership changes must follow the same steps, between spouses, parents, or children.

What If the Vehicle is Inherited After a Death?

When someone dies, and their vehicle is inherited, DVLA treats this as a formal change of ownership. Whether the car stays within the family, is sold, or passed to a named beneficiary, the vehicle record must be updated.

You can’t tax, insure, or legally drive the car until DVLA confirms the change.

What the Executor or Administrator Must Do

If you're handling the estate, you’ll need to:

Complete Section 6 of the V5C with the new keeper’s name and address
Send the V5C to DVLA with a cover letter explaining your role
Include a copy of the death certificate, plus probate or letters of administration if applicable

The estate remains legally responsible for road tax, fines, and compliance until DVLA processes the update.

What the Heir or Beneficiary Must Do

Once DVLA has updated the record:

Tax the vehicle right away using the new V5C reference
Insure it before driving on public roads
Check that all personal details on the new logbook are correct

Failing to update the registration can delay probate or lead to legal documents being sent to the wrong person.

What About Exports or Imports?

When a car is taken out of or brought into the UK, DVLA must be informed.

These events affect tax, registration, and legal responsibility.

Exporting a Vehicle from the UK

If you're permanently exporting the car:

Fill in Section 5 of the V5C and send it to DVLA before the vehicle leaves the UK
Include the export date and the country it’s going to
Keep the rest of the logbook as proof you’ve submitted the update

DVLA will add an export marker to your vehicle record and cancel tax liability. You remain responsible until confirmation is received.

If the export is temporary (under 12 months):

You don’t need to inform DVLA
The vehicle must stay taxed and insured while abroad

Importing a Vehicle into the UK

For a permanent import, the new keeper must:

Register the vehicle within 14 days using form V55/5
Provide ID, proof of purchase, and a NOVA certificate from HMRC
Pay any VAT or customs duties due
Complete registration to receive a V5C logbook and UK plates

Until the process is complete, the car cannot be taxed or legally driven.

Declaring SORN During Transition

If the car will be off the road during import or export:

Submit a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN) to DVLA
This temporarily suspends tax requirements
You can read the full guidance on GOV.UK’s SORN pages

What If the Car is on Finance or Lease?

You can’t transfer ownership of a financed or leased car without the company's approval.

DVLA only updates its records when the finance or lease provider confirms the change.

If you try to update keeper details without this consent, you risk breaking the contract, which could lead to penalties or legal action.

Finance Agreements (e.g., PCP or HP)

If your vehicle is under a finance agreement:

Contact your finance company to request permission or a settlement figure
Don’t update the V5C logbook until the finance company confirms they’ve released their interest
Get written proof or a settlement letter before selling or transferring the car
Send the DVLA update only after legal ownership has been reassigned

The finance provider legally owns the car until the agreement is fully paid.

Read about Outstanding Finance on a Car I Bought.

If the Car is Leased (e.g., PCH or Business Lease)

If your car is leased:

Speak to your lease company about end-of-contract or transfer rules. Most block private transfers
Don’t submit anything to DVLA unless the lease company authorises the change
Return the car or follow their official return process

DVLA only accepts updates from the registered keeper, typically the lease company, not you.

How Do You Notify DVLA After a Write-off or Insurance Payout?

If your car is written off, you must notify DVLA. This applies whether the insurer takes the car or you keep it after receiving compensation.

A write-off is a legal change in the car’s status and affects your responsibility for tax, insurance, and registration.

Need to check your car’s status? Run an instant Car Insurance Check.

If the Insurer Takes Possession

If the insurer keeps the vehicle:

Complete Section 9 (V5C/3) and post it to DVLA
List the insurer’s name and address as the new keeper
Keep a copy of your insurance payout for your records

Once DVLA processes the update, they’ll remove your legal responsibility and may apply a write-off code, Category A, B, S, or N.

If You Keep the Vehcle After a Payout

If the insurer lets you keep the car after paying out:

You don’t need to update DVLA straight away
You remain responsible for tax, insurance, and any future DVLA changes
DVLA must be informed if the car is later sold, scrapped, or transferred

This usually applies to repairable (Category S) or cosmetic (Category N) write-offs.

Learn more: How do You Know if Your Car is Written Off?

How to Report Vehicle Scrappage or Disposal?

If your vehicle has been scrapped or dismantled, you must tell DVLA.

You remain legally responsible for the car until DVLA confirms the update and removes your name from the record.

If You Scrap the Vehicle Through an ATF

To scrap your vehicle legally:

Take it to a DVLA-approved Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF)
Complete Section 9 (V5C/3) and post it to DVLA with the ATF’s name and address
Ask the ATF for a Certificate of Destruction (CoD) as proof of scrappage
Keep both the CoD and DVLA acknowledgement
Cancel your insurance once DVLA confirms the update

DVLA will deregister the vehicle and end your tax and liability obligations.

If You Sell the Vehicle for Parts or Private Dismantling

If the car is sold for parts instead of scrapped:

Fill in the buyer section of the V5C and send it to DVLA with the purchaser’s details
Confirm the buyer is a licensed dismantler or motor trader
Keep a signed receipt or invoice as proof of sale

Never abandon the vehicle or give it to an unlicensed party. Doing so is illegal and may result in fines or prosecution.

How to Notify DVLA of an Ownership Transfer

You must tell DVLA when a vehicle changes hands, whether sold, gifted, inherited, traded, or scrapped.

It’s a legal requirement; only the current registered keeper can submit the update using the V5C logbook.

Official Methods of Notification

DVLA accepts two methods:

Online via GOV.UK – fastest option with instant confirmation
By post using the V5C – suitable if documents are missing or special circumstances apply

Both methods update the registered keeper and transfer legal responsibility for:

Vehicle tax
Fines and penalties
Parking or traffic enforcement

When to Use Each Method

Choose the online service if:

You have the complete V5C
The transfer is straightforward (sale, gift, trade)
You need immediate confirmation

Choose the postal method if:

The V5C is incomplete or damaged
The transfer involves probate, insurance, or scrappage
You don’t have internet access

Until DVLA confirms the change, you remain legally responsible for the vehicle. Ensure all names, addresses, and dates are accurate to avoid delays.

Related information: DVLA Ownership Guide.

Up next: How to complete the transfer online or by post.

Online Transfer via V5C

The fastest way to tell DVLA about a change in vehicle ownership is through its online service at GOV.UK.

The update is processed instantly and confirmed by email, with a letter sometimes sent by post.

You must be the current registered keeper and have the complete V5C logbook to use this service.

Step-by-Step: Notify DVLA Online

Visit GOV.UK/sold-bought-vehicle, the official DVLA page for reporting changes
Select the type of transfer: sale, gift, trade-in, scrappage, or export
Enter the 11-digit reference number from your V5C logbook
Provide the new keeper’s full name and address exactly as required
Confirm the date when the vehicle changed hands
Submit the form to DVLA to complete the update
Hand the green V5C/2 slip to the new keeper as proof of transfer
Wait for confirmation by email; a letter may also be sent by post

Important Legal Notes

The new keeper must tax and insure the vehicle before driving it
This online service cannot be used if extra documents are required, such as probate or insurance paperwork
Only the person named as keeper on the V5C can submit the transfer online

Offline Notification by Post (V5 Form)

If you can’t use the online GOV.UK service, you must notify the DVLA by post. This method is legally valid and often necessary when missing documents or the logbook is incomplete.

When to Notify by Post

Use this option if the V5C is damaged, incomplete, or partly unavailable
Choose postal notification when you need to submit legal paperwork such as a death certificate or probate
Use it if online access isn’t possible or the transfer falls outside standard cases

How to Notify DVLA by Post

Fill out the correct section of the V5C based on the transfer type
Write the new keeper’s full name and address clearly and accurately
Record the exact handover date to mark the transfer of legal responsibility
Tear off and give the appropriate keeper slip to the new owner as proof of transfer
Send the completed V5C and any supporting documents to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BA
Keep proof of postage by using tracked or recorded delivery

Processing and Confirmation

DVLA may take up to six weeks to process postal updates
The new keeper will receive a replacement V5C logbook by mail
The previous keeper remains legally responsible until DVLA confirms the change

Step-by-Step Instructions for Each Method

You can notify DVLA of a vehicle ownership change online or by post. Both options meet legal requirements but differ in speed, confirmation method, and document handling.

Use the table below to compare each process and select the method that suits your situation.

Step	Online via Gov.UK	Postal Submission via V5C
1	Visit GOV.UK/sold-bought-vehicle	Find the correct section in your V5C (Section 6 or 9)
2	Choose the transfer type (sale, trade, gift, etc.)	Enter the new keeper’s name, address, and transfer date
3	Enter the 11-digit V5C document reference number	Detach and give the relevant slip to the new keeper
4	Confirm all details are accurate	Post the completed V5C to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BA
5	Submit the update and get instant confirmation.	Keep proof of postage; DVLA may take up to 6 weeks

Key Differences

Online updates are processed instantly; post can take 4 to 6 weeks
Postal submission is required if documents are missing or legal paperwork is involved
Online provides immediate confirmation by email; post relies on DVLA’s mail response
Only the registered keeper with a complete V5C can use the online service

Choose the method based on your documentation and how quickly you need confirmation.

The current keeper remains legally responsible until DVLA processes the update.

DVLA Change of Address or Name Requirements

Changing your name or address does not count as a change of ownership, but DVLA still requires your V5C logbook to reflect accurate personal details.

Failing to update this information may lead to missed notices, penalties, or enforcement action.

What's the Difference?

Type of Change	Is it an Ownership Transfer?	Requires DVLA Update?	How to Notify DVLA?
New address	❌	✅	Online via Gov.UK
Name Change	❌	✅	By post with proof
Keeper Change	✅	✅	Online or by post via V5C

Always ensure your V5C is accurate.

This maintains legal compliance and ensures DVLA sends correspondence to the correct person at the correct address.

Selling Your Car: What to Do Legally?

To sell a car legally in the UK, you must complete specific documentation and notify DVLA of the change.

This ensures the transfer is recognised, and you’re no longer liable for tax or penalties.

What Paperwork Do You Need to Sell a Car?

The proper documents protect both seller and buyer and support a smooth ownership transfer.

Required Documents for Sale

V5C logbook
Confirms you’re the registered keeper and is used to notify DVLA of the transfer
V5C/2 new keeper slip (green slip)
Given to the buyer as temporary proof of ownership and used for taxing the vehicle
MOT certificate
Required if the vehicle is over three years old to show it is roadworthy
Bill of sale or receipt
Should state the sale date, buyer and seller details, and agreed price
Service records (optional)
Not legally required, but valuable for resale value and buyer confidence
Spare keys and manuals (optional)
Recommended that private sellers complete the handover

Legal Obligation

You must notify DVLA of the sale using the V5C logbook, either online or via GOV.UK or by post
Until DVLA confirms the update, you remain legally responsible for the vehicle’s tax, fines, and any enforcement notices

What is UK Law on Private Car Sales?

Private car sales in the UK are legally binding agreements.

Although made between individuals, sellers must comply with DVLA rules and fundamental consumer protection laws to complete the transfer properly.

Seller Responsibilities

Be the legal owner
You must legally own the car or have full authority to sell it. Selling a financed or disputed vehicle is unlawful.
Give an accurate description
All information provided, spoken or written, must reflect the vehicle’s actual condition. Misrepresentation may lead to legal action under the Misrepresentation Act 1967.
Disclose faults or legal claims
Known issues, such as mechanical problems or outstanding finances, must be declared. Concealing them may trigger civil claims or sale reversal.
Provide the correct paperwork
This includes the V5C logbook, the V5C/2 new keeper slip, and an MOT certificate if the car is over three years old.
Notify DVLA without delay
The transfer is not legally recognised until DVLA processes the change via the V5C.

Buyer Duties and Legal Risks

Inspect the vehicle before agreeing to purchase, as private sales are typically “as seen”
Use the V5C/2 slip to tax and insure the car immediately after purchase
Be aware that if the seller fails to follow legal steps, they may remain responsible for vehicle tax, driving offences, DVLA fines for failing to notify, and potential civil disputes or compensation claims

Verify Vehicle Status: Conduct a Car History Check

Before buying or selling a car in the UK, it’s vital to confirm its background.

A car history check reveals legal, financial, and mechanical issues using trusted data from DVLA, insurers, police, and finance providers.

What Does a Vehicle History Check Include?

A complete report uncovers potential red flags affecting value, legality, or safety.

Key Checks Performed

Outstanding finance
Confirms if the car is still under a finance or lease agreement
Write-off status
Shows if the vehicle has been written off by insurers (Categories A, B, S, or N)
Stolen vehicle record
Matches against police databases to verify lawful ownership.
Mileage discrepancies
Flags irregular odometer readings using MOT records and service history
DVLA registration details
Check the V5C logbook data, plate changes, and keeper history
Import/export status
Identifies if the car was registered outside the UK or is marked for export

Access our DVLA Stolen Car Check.

Why It Matters

Sellers can prove the car’s legitimacy and support its value with a verified history
Buyers avoid hidden risks that could lead to financial loss, safety concerns, or legal disputes

Always check a vehicle’s history before completing a sale or purchase.

👉 Car History Check – Free & Full Reports for UK Vehicles

Frequently Asked Questions About Changes in Vehicle Ownership

To change car ownership without a logbook, the buyer must submit a V62 form to DVLA with a £25 fee. This application allows DVLA to issue a new V5C registration certificate in the new keeper’s name. Without the original logbook, DVLA will verify entitlement using internal checks, which can take up to six weeks.

Learn about Car Owner Details by Registration Number.

A replacement V5C vehicle registration certificate costs £25. If you're the current keeper, you can request a new logbook online. If the vehicle has changed hands or the document is missing, a V62 form must be submitted by post.

Run a V5C Logbook Check.

A V62 form is used to apply for a replacement V5C when the logbook is missing, lost, or unavailable during a private sale. The form allows DVLA to update the vehicle keeper details and reissue a registration certificate.

Read on the V5C Registration Certificate.

A new V5C logbook usually arrives within six weeks. Online applications by the current registered keeper may be processed more quickly, while V62 or change-of-ownership requests typically take longer.

No, car tax is not transferable when ownership changes. When a vehicle is sold, the tax is automatically cancelled. The new keeper must tax the car in their name before using it on public roads.

Use our free calculator to determine How Much to Tax My Car?

Yes, a valid MOT certificate is transferred to the vehicle when sold. The MOT remains valid until its expiry date, but the new owner becomes responsible for the vehicle’s roadworthiness from the date of purchase.

Yes, you can legally sell a car that has been declared SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification). However, it cannot be driven until taxed and insured by the new keeper. The SORN does not transfer and must be reapplied for if required.

Conduct a free SORN Check.

No, you cannot change car ownership at a Post Office. DVLA ownership changes must be submitted by the registered keeper, either online or by posting the V5C. Post Offices handle only tax and licensing services.

Learn about the Car Ownership Check.

If you forgot to notify DVLA that you sold your car, you should act immediately. Use the GOV.UK online service or post the V5C with a cover letter including the sale date and buyer details. You remain legally responsible until DVLA confirms the update.

Start with a DVLA Vehicle Check.