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Whether you’re buying or selling a car, transferring car ownership is a vital step in making everything legal and above board. It’s not complicated but there are some important things you need to do to stay on the right side of the DVLA and avoid future headaches.At Summit Garage, we’ve helped countless customers navigate the car ownership process smoothly. Here’s our complete guide to help you get it done right—whether you’re selling privately, buying second-hand, or passing a vehicle on to a family member.

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Why Is Car Ownership Transfer Important?

Transferring ownership isn’t just a formality, it’s how the DVLA keeps an official record of who’s legally responsible for the vehicle. Until you notify them of a change, the registered keeper will remain liable for road tax, speeding fines, MOT updates, and more.

That’s why it’s crucial to get the paperwork done straight away when buying or selling a vehicle.

What You Need Before Transferring Ownership

To transfer car ownership in the UK, you’ll need:

  • The V5C logbook (registration certificate)
  • The buyer’s full name and UK address
  • Internet access if you’re using the DVLA’s online service
  • Both parties present, ideally, if doing it in person

V5C car log book with electronic key fob

Selling a Car: How to Transfer Ownership

If you’re selling a vehicle privately or part-exchanging with a dealer like Summit Garage, here’s what to do:

1. Use the DVLA Website

You’ll need:

  • The 11-digit reference number from the V5C
  • The buyer’s name and address

2. Transfer by Post

  • New-style V5C: Complete Section 2
  • Old-style V5C: Complete Section 6 and sign Section 8

Give the green ‘new keeper’ slip (V5C/2) to the buyer and send the rest to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BA.

3. Selling to a Dealer

Complete and sign Section 9 (V5C/3). The dealer will notify DVLA. You’ll receive confirmation within 4 weeks and a tax refund if applicable.

Buying a Car: What to Check

When buying a vehicle:

  • Ask the seller to complete the online transfer with you present
  • Make sure you receive the green slip (V5C/2)
  • You should get your new V5C within 5 working days

If buying from Summit Garage, we handle all the DVLA notifications for you, so you don’t have to worry about a thing.

Gifting or Inheriting a Car

Giving a car to a family member? The process is the same as selling, just do the online or paper transfer using their details.

For inherited vehicles, you’ll need to send extra documentation to the DVLA, such as a copy of the death certificate and a completed V62 form if the logbook isn’t available.

Car Purchase Transaction

What to Do If You Can’t Find Your V5C

If you’ve lost your V5C logbook, don’t worry, you can still transfer ownership, but you’ll need to apply for a replacement first. The quickest way is to do it online via the DVLA website, where you can request a new V5C for a £25 fee.

Once your replacement arrives, you can complete the transfer of ownership as usual.

Can I Buy or Sell a Car Without a V5C?

Technically, it’s legal to buy or sell a car without a V5C logbook but it’s strongly discouraged. The V5C confirms who the registered keeper is, and without it, there’s a greater risk of fraud or hidden issues.

If you’re buying, always ask why the V5C is missing and verify the seller’s ID and proof of ownership.

If you’re selling and no longer have the V5C, you should apply for a replacement before proceeding with the sale. If the sale must go ahead, make sure to issue a signed bill of sale and complete a V62 form to register the car in the buyer’s name.

What Happens After the Transfer?

  • The old owner is no longer responsible for tax or fines
  • The new owner must tax the car before driving it
  • The DVLA updates their database and sends out a new V5C

Don’t forget: the new owner should also check the MOT status and update insurance details immediately.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Not telling the DVLA – You could end up paying someone else’s speeding tickets or tax fines
  • Not confirming the new V5C has arrived – If it hasn’t, contact DVLA within 4 weeks
  • Assuming tax transfers – It doesn’t! The new keeper must tax the vehicle before driving

Need Help? Summit Garage Has You Covered

If you’re buying a car from Summit Garage, we’ll handle all the paperwork for you, from ownership transfer to road tax advice, so you can just focus on enjoying your new wheels.

Whether you’re buying, selling, or part-exchanging, our team is always happy to help with friendly, expert advice.

Visit us in Dudley or get in touch today to explore our range of used cars, with the confidence that everything’s taken care of.

Glossary

  • V5C (Logbook) – The official registration certificate issued by the DVLA. It shows who the registered keeper of a vehicle is.
  • DVLA – Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency. Responsible for maintaining the registration and licensing of vehicles in the UK.
  • Registered Keeper – The person responsible for the vehicle’s legal and tax obligations, not necessarily the owner.
  • V5C/2 – The green “new keeper” slip, a section of the V5C given to the buyer as temporary proof of ownership.
  • SORN – Statutory Off Road Notification. Declares a vehicle off the road so it doesn’t need to be taxed or insured.
  • MOT – Ministry of Transport test. A legal requirement to ensure a vehicle is roadworthy (annually required for cars over 3 years old).
  • Part-Exchange – When you trade in your current vehicle as part of the payment towards another car.
  • V62 Form – A form used to request a replacement V5C if the original is lost or missing.