DVLA issues a paper document to the vehicle keeper. This is a V5C, and it is proof of the ownership, modification of the vehicle, if the name and address changes, or when the vehicle is written off or scrapped.
Most of your required administration documents for the ownership of the vehicle, such as your driving license for driving in the UK, is digital. However, the V5C is still a physical document that you need to keep with yourself in the future. You can also call this document logbook or V5 also.
Why you need Logbook for your Vehicle?
In the logbook, you’ll find an amazing summary of the information on your vehicle. Nonetheless, many people are confused as to why they need this document. Many owners keep their logbook deep inside their closet’s drawers or under the bed with some miscellaneous items as they think they might not use it ever. Some may not even remember if they have a logbook or not.
Along with providing a detailed summary of the facts you know about your vehicle, a logbook also tells you what modifications your vehicle has undergone. Anything new changes that your vehicle goes through, such as new paint, new engine, or changing the tire, should be a part of your V5C logbook so you can notify the DVLA. A Vehicle logbook acts as the definition of a vehicle that undergoes many changes. This book really buyers when they are purchasing a used car. Let’s say if you want to buy a used car in the UK, and the vehicle looks adequate after a physical checking. In this case, a logbook will help you identify what modifications the owner of this vehicle has done to the car.
If you are looking at a blue-colored car with four doors and the logbook says there are two-doors and red color, something is not right. Hence, a logbook will protect buyers as well as sellers. A logbook assures that the seller of the car has the authorization to sell that specific car. It also ensures that what the seller has told you about the specification of the car will be the same as when you will see it physically. You should always avoid buying a vehicle from a person who is not providing you with a logbook for confirmation.
Information Included in V5C
You will find the following information from a V5 document:
- Date when the vehicle was first registered
- Name of the current keeper of the vehicle
- Names of previous keepers of the vehicle
- Complete details and specifications of the vehicle such as color, frame/chassis/VIN number, size of the engine, tax class of the vehicle, and model number.
You need to fill out the form and send it to DVLA for any changes of the keeper of the vehicle or any other changes to the vehicle. There, you will also find a section to fill if you have exported or scrapped your vehicle.
Replacing the Logbook
As many DVLA documents are now online, the V5C logbook is still available in the physical form. When you are disposing of, selling, and updating your vehicle, you need to fill the form which is specific to your condition and send the form to DVLA so that they can record the details. You do not need to replace your logbook. While selling the car, you need to record all the details of the transaction and remove the form of the V5C/2, New Keeper’s Details. You will keep the old V5C logbook. The new owner will update the information on the tax and record the sale. DVLA will issue them a new vehicle logbook. You can inform the DVLA about the transfer online, or send the V5C old form to them.
If you have a lost V5C, don’t worry. This is very common among vehicle keepers. Most people do not carry the logbook along with their vehicles. You should not panic and apply for a new replacement v5 through the post. You can download the form and fill out all the information, and send that to DVLA. You should know that you will be paying £25 for the replacement of the V5C logbook.
Conclusion
You need to keep the logbook as long as you have the vehicle. After you sell your new vehicle and you inform DVLA about the sale, the new keeper of the vehicle will apply for a new V5C logbook. Henceforth, there will be no need for your copy of the logbook. After that, you can discard this vehicle registration document. Similarly, if you are scrapping the vehicle, you need to inform DVLA about that, and they will cancel the logbook in their record. After that, you can dispose of the V5 document. Now, you know what is a V5 and how you can use it when you are buying and selling your vehicle.
