Is the V5C proof of ownership?

No. The V5C logbook is a record of the registered keeper, not proof of legal ownership. The registered keeper is the person responsible for taxing and keeping the vehicle. The legal owner may be different — especially when a car is on finance, where the finance company holds legal title until the final payment.

What should I check on a V5C when buying a used car?

Check: the registered keeper's name and address match the seller and the address where you are viewing the car; the VIN/chassis number matches the car physically; the make, model, colour, and engine size match; the number of previous keepers is as stated; and the document reference number is not listed as stolen.

What do I do if the V5C is missing?

Apply for a replacement V5C from DVLA using a V62 form, which costs £25 and takes 6 weeks by post (faster online). When buying, be very cautious if the seller does not have the V5C — it may have been used to commit fraud or the car may be stolen. A new keeper supplement (V5C/2) is acceptable for temporary use but the full V5C should be obtained.

How do I update the V5C when I buy a car?

Complete Section 6 (new keeper details) of the V5C with the seller, keep the yellow V5C/2 slip, and send the completed V5C to DVLA. DVLA will issue a new V5C in your name within 4–6 weeks. Alternatively, update online using the 11-digit reference number on the yellow slip at gov.uk/change-name-address-v5c.

What Is a V5C Certificate? Complete Logbook Guide

What the V5C Contains

The V5C is a multi-section document printed on DVLA security paper. Key information includes:

Section 1 — Registered Keeper

Name and address of the current registered keeper. This should match the person selling you the car.

VIN / Chassis Number

The Vehicle Identification Number — a unique 17-character code. Verify this against the plate on the dashboard and door jamb.

Vehicle Details

Make, model, colour, engine size, fuel type, body type, and number of seats as recorded by DVLA.

Previous Keepers

The number of previous registered keepers. More than 3–4 on a relatively young car warrants explanation.

Document Reference Number

An 11-digit reference used for taxing the vehicle online and for the new keeper to update records with DVLA.

V5C Is Not Proof of Ownership

This is the most misunderstood fact about the V5C. It is a keeper record, not a title deed. When a car is on PCP or HP finance, the finance company holds legal title — the V5C still shows the driver as registered keeper. The keeper cannot legally sell the car without clearing the finance first.

This is why an outstanding finance check is essential when buying used — the V5C alone does not protect you.

What to Check on the V5C When Buying

Keeper's name and address match the seller and the collection address
VIN matches the dashboard plate and door jamb stamp
Make, model, and colour match the physical car
The document does not look tampered with or reprinted
Watermark is visible when held to light (security feature)

Updating the V5C After Purchase

Complete Section 6 with the seller, keep the yellow V5C/2 new keeper supplement, and post the V5C to DVLA. Alternatively, do it online using the 11-digit document reference. DVLA issues a new V5C in your name within 4–6 weeks.

Run a vehicle history check on VEHIXA to verify V5C details against DVLA records before buying.