Why you must notify DVLA
Until DVLA updates its records, you are still the registered keeper of the vehicle. This means that any penalties, fines, congestion charges or parking notices issued after the sale could arrive in your name. Notifying DVLA promptly removes this liability.
How to notify DVLA online
The fastest method is online at gov.uk/sold-bought-vehicle. You will need:
- The vehicle's registration number
- The 11-digit reference number from the V5C
- The date of sale
- The buyer's details (for private sales)
Once submitted, DVLA will send a confirmation. Any remaining full months of road tax will be automatically refunded to your account on record.
Notifying by post
If you prefer, complete Section 6 of the V5C (or give the completed V5C to the buyer) and post the relevant sections to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BD. Keep a copy before posting.
When selling to us, we handle the DVLA notification as part of the process. You keep the yellow Section 10 slip as your proof of sale.
What if I forget to notify DVLA?
You could be liable for parking fines, road traffic penalties and congestion charges accumulated after the sale. It is also possible to be contacted about insurance or MOT queries related to the vehicle. The process takes minutes and is well worth doing on the day of sale.
Road tax refund — what to expect
DVLA will automatically refund any complete remaining months of vehicle excise duty (road tax) after the change of keeper is registered. The refund goes to the address on the DVLA record. Allow up to six weeks for the cheque to arrive.