New Keeper Responsibilities — What to Do After Buying a Used Car
Buying a used car is not just a financial transaction — it comes with immediate legal responsibilities. Here is exactly what you need to do in the right order.
Before You Drive Away
Two things must be in place before you legally drive a newly-purchased car on a public road:
- Insurance in your name — arrange this before collecting the car. Your existing policy may or may not cover a new vehicle temporarily — check with your insurer first. A temporary or short-term policy is an alternative if you need a few days.
- Road tax in your name — the seller's tax is automatically cancelled at point of sale. Tax the vehicle instantly online at gov.uk/vehicle-tax using the 12-digit number from the green slip the seller gives you.
The Green Slip (New Keeper Supplement)
The V5C logbook has a tearaway section at the end called the new keeper supplement (printed on green paper — hence "the green slip"). The seller completes and signs this, then tears it out and gives it to you. Keep it safely — it is your temporary proof of ownership and the DVLA reference you need to tax the car before your full V5C arrives.
Registering as New Keeper with the DVLA
The seller completes their section of the V5C and sends it to the DVLA. The DVLA then sends you a new V5C in your name, typically within two to four weeks. You do not need to take any action to receive this — the DVLA triggers the process once the seller's notification arrives.
If you do not receive a V5C within four weeks, contact the DVLA — it may not have received the seller's notification. You can apply for a replacement V5C using form V62 (£25 fee).
MOT, Service, and Practical Checks
Once you have the paperwork in order, attend to any practical maintenance:
- Check when the MOT is due (DVSA database) and book if within two months
- Check when the car was last serviced — book if overdue
- Check tyre condition and pressures
- Verify all fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, screenwash)
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need to do immediately after buying a used car?
Before driving: arrange insurance in your name and tax the vehicle online. After the purchase: notify the DVLA that you are the new keeper (using the new keeper supplement from the V5C), and apply for a full V5C in your name if not provided by the seller.
Does road tax transfer when I buy a used car?
No. Road tax is automatically cancelled when a vehicle changes hands. The previous keeper receives a refund for any remaining full months of tax. You must re-tax the vehicle in your name before driving — you can do this instantly online at gov.uk/vehicle-tax.
How long do I have to register as the new keeper with the DVLA?
There is no strict legal deadline for notifying the DVLA of a keeper change, but it is strongly advisable to do so promptly. Any penalty notices, camera fines, or enforcement actions will be sent to the registered keeper on file — so if you do not register, the previous keeper may receive your fines.
What is the green slip (new keeper supplement)?
The green slip is the new keeper supplement section of the V5C logbook (section 6). The seller completes this and hands it to you at the time of sale. It contains a 12-digit reference number that you can use to tax the vehicle online immediately — before your full V5C arrives.
If the seller doesn't have a V5C, can I still register as the new keeper?
Yes, but it is more complicated. You can apply to the DVLA for a replacement V5C using form V62 (available on GOV.UK). There is a £25 fee. Note that buying a car without a V5C is risky — it may indicate the car is stolen, written off, or has other issues. Exercise caution.
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