V5C and paperwork explained
Selling a car involves more than just agreeing a price. We walk you through every document clearly so there are no loose ends after the sale.
What is the V5C and why does it matter?
The V5C is the vehicle registration certificate issued by the DVLA. It records who the registered keeper is — not necessarily the legal owner.
- The V5C shows the registered keeper, not proof of legal ownership
- It is important to update the keeper details when you sell
- The seller keeps Section 6 (yellow slip) as confirmation of the sale
- The new keeper section goes to the DVLA
- We complete the DVLA notification together, usually online
- If you do not have the V5C, we can discuss the options
Documents you should have ready
Having the right documents available makes the sale smoother and ensures everything is handled properly.
📄 V5C logbook
The most important document. If you do not have it, you can apply for a duplicate from the DVLA. Tell us in advance if the V5C is missing.
👥 Photo ID
A valid driving licence or passport is required to confirm your identity. This protects both parties.
🏠 Proof of address
A recent utility bill, bank statement or council tax letter confirming your address helps complete the paperwork accurately.
🔧 Service history
A full or partial service history, stamped service book or digital records. Not essential, but it can affect the valuation positively.
💰 Finance agreement
If the car has outstanding finance, bring your agreement and the settlement figure from your lender. This must be settled before the sale completes.
🔑 All keys
Both sets of keys if available. Missing a spare key can affect the offer, so mention it when you call.
The DVLA keeper change
When you sell your car, you and the buyer need to notify the DVLA that the registered keeper has changed. This is done by completing the relevant section of the V5C.
The quickest and most reliable method is online via the DVLA website using the reference number on the V5C. We can do this together at the point of sale using a smartphone or laptop.
Once processed, you will receive confirmation that the keeper change is registered. You should keep this confirmation for your records.
Frequently asked paperwork questions
What if I do not have the V5C?
It is still possible to sell a car without the V5C, but it requires additional steps. We will discuss this with you before the visit. You can apply for a duplicate V5C from the DVLA for a fee, or we may proceed differently depending on the circumstances.
Who fills in the V5C when selling?
The seller completes Section 6 (the yellow slip) and retains it as proof that they sold the vehicle. The rest of the V5C is completed by the buyer. We guide you through this at the point of sale.
Do I need to cancel my road tax?
Road tax cannot be transferred to a new owner. When you notify the DVLA of the keeper change, your road tax is cancelled automatically and you receive a refund for any complete months remaining.
What happens with a car that has outstanding finance?
If there is outstanding finance secured against the car (HP or PCP), it must be settled before the vehicle can be sold legally. You will need to contact your lender for a settlement figure. We can discuss how to handle this when you call.
Is the V5C proof that I own the car?
No. The V5C only shows the registered keeper, which is not the same as legal ownership. Legal ownership is determined by who purchased the vehicle and whether any finance is secured against it.
Have a paperwork question?
Call us and we will talk you through it. We are happy to answer any questions before you commit to anything.