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Anyone who owns a car most likely has a V5. Also known as a V5C logbook or V5C registration certificate, this document usually indicates ownership of a vehicle. But if you’re a first-time owner of a car, you may be wondering, ‘What does a V5 look like?’ We’ve got the answer to this popular question in this blog post. You should also stick around if you have other questions about the V5C, because this detailed guide has all the information.
Table Of Contents
- 1 What Does A V5C Logbook Look Like?
- 2 What Does A V5C Logbook Contain?
- 2.1 1. Section 1: Vehicle Details
- 2.2 2. Section 2: Registered Keeper/Owner
- 2.3 3. Section 3: Special Notes
- 2.4 4. Section 4: Changes To Vehicle Details
- 2.5 5. Section 5: Previous Owners
- 2.6 6. Section 6: New Keeper
- 2.7 7. Section 7: New Keeper Declaration
- 2.8 8. Section 8: Motor Trader Notification
- 2.9 9. Section 9: Notification Of Sale/Transfer Of The Vehicle
- 2.10 10. Section 10: New Keeper’s Supplement
- 3 Do You Have To Update A V5C Logbook?
- 4 How To Apply For A Vehicle Logbook
- 5 What Do I Do If You Lose My V5C?
- 6 What Happens To The V5C When I Buy Or Sell A Car?
- 7 Frequently Asked Questions
- 8 Conclusion
What Does A V5C Logbook Look Like?
A V5C logbook looks like a multi-page form with different sections. There are two types of V5 logbooks, and they look slightly different. The older style of the logbook, which was introduced in 2004, is blue and green. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) then launched a newer version in 2012 in red and pink. The DVLA has since promoted drivers to update their logbook, so you’ll rarely find the older version these days.`
So now that we know what a V5 looks like, what’s the exact purpose of this logbook? Unlike your car license, which permits you to drive, the V5C logbook holds all information about a vehicle and its registered keeper. The V5C document contains basic information like the make, model, vehicle registration number, vehicle identification number (VIN), size, fuel type and vehicle colour.
The V5C isn’t the only place to find your VIN. Our blog post details everything you need to know about finding your VIN.
The V5 logbook also contains more details like the name and address of the vehicle owner as well as those of its previous owners. So, if you’re buying a used car from a person, the address on the V5C should be the same as the location where the vehicle has been put up for sale.
So in basic terms, it helps identify the vehicle and proves who the registered keeper is and these details are important when completing a sale or scrapping the vehicle. You’ll also need the V5C for taxation purposes and when getting a new MOT certificate.
What Does A V5C Logbook Contain?
The V5C contains information relating to the vehicle and its owner, split into 10 sections.
1. Section 1: Vehicle Details
The first section contains details of the vehicle’s manufacturer, model, vehicle registration number, VIN, fuel type, engine size and colour.
2. Section 2: Registered Keeper/Owner
The second section contains details of the registered keeper, including their name and address. It also contains details of the previous owners.
3. Section 3: Special Notes
This section contains other important information about the vehicle that the DVLA or a new owner will need to know. It also tells you whether the vehicle was imported or used for commercial purposes.
4. Section 4: Changes To Vehicle Details
This part contains information about changes to the vehicle. So, information like you changing the colour of your car or modifying the engine goes here.
5. Section 5: Previous Owners
This is where you find more information about the previous keepers of the vehicle, if that applies. You’ll find details like the owners’ names, addresses and dates of purchases, all of which are vital when buying or selling a car.
6. Section 6: New Keeper
This section only gets completed when there’s a change in the keeper or if the current keeper’s details need to be updated. It will contain their name and address.
7. Section 7: New Keeper Declaration
This section is only to be signed by the current owner and the new keepers when the vehicle has been sold.
8. Section 8: Motor Trader Notification
This section is for motor traders, and it is only to be used when taking possession of a vehicle. It contains details like the address and signature of the person acquiring the vehicle.
9. Section 9: Notification Of Sale/Transfer Of The Vehicle
You need to complete this section and send it to the DVLA after completing the sale of the vehicle. It must contain the buyer’s details and the seller’s signature.
10. Section 10: New Keeper’s Supplement
This is a tear-off slip for the new keeper. You’re to retain this until you receive the updated V5C from the DVLA. It’s meant to serve as proof of registration for the new keeper temporarily.
The V5C logbook format is the same in cars, vans and trucks.
Do You Have To Update A V5C Logbook?
Yes, you have to update a V5C logbook if some of its details change. Some of the situations when you must update the V5C include:
- Change of vehicle keeper: This includes situations where you sell, give away or transfer ownership of the vehicle to someone else. Both the seller and the new keeper must fill out relevant sections of the V5C.
- Change of name or address: You also have to update the V5 when you move house or change your name (e.g., after marriage).
- Alterations to the vehicle: Making changes to the vehicle’s color, engine, body and other key details also warrants an update.
- Exporting the vehicle: If you permanently export the vehicle out of the UK.
The back of the V5C also holds information about updating the logbook and the DVLA contact details.
How To Apply For A Vehicle Logbook
You can apply for a V5C logbook from the DVLA website if you need one. Another option is to reach out to the DVLA via phone call, and they will send a new one via post to your address. You, however, need the registration number of the vehicle, VIN, chassis number, name of the owner, as well as the address linked to the vehicle.
What Do I Do If You Lose My V5C?
If you lose your V5C, you need to contact the DVLA immediately. You can do this through their online portal or over the phone. You can also apply for a new V5C document by filling out a V62 form if your current one is stolen or damaged. The DVLA charges £25 for a replacement DVLA form, and the form usually arrives within 5 days.
Reach out to the DVLA if you haven’t received your replacement form after two weeks. Keep in mind that you’ll have to pay £25 for another replacement V5C if you fail to notify the DVLA that you haven’t received the form within 6 weeks.
What Happens To The V5C When I Buy Or Sell A Car?
When you buy or sell a car, you need to update the information on the V5C. And for the buyer, you can use it to verify information about the vehicle.
Buying A Vehicle
For starters, check that the person selling the vehicle is the registered keeper. Also, check to see that all details, like registration number and colour, align with the vehicle. It’s not your job to update a V5C when buying a car; that responsibility falls to the seller. But you must make sure the seller does this correctly for your own peace of mind.
The seller will give you the new keeper slip, which is usually green. After this, they have to inform the DVLA that they have sold the vehicle and provide your name and address in the logbook.
Selling A Vehicle
The reverse is the case of the seller. You must complete the green new keeper slip and give it to the buyer. Then, use the online service to provide the DVLA with all the relevant details of the new keeper, including their full name and address.
Take a look at SDVH’s range of cars, available for hire anywhere in the UK. We also offer everything from vans to large trucks for hire.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Do I Need A V5C Logbook?
You need a V5C logbook to prove that you’re the registered keeper of a vehicle. The V5C registration certificate is the official document of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), and it proves that a vehicle is registered in your name. It also contains key details about the vehicle and is important for tax purposes.
Can You Find Your V5C Online?
No, you can’t find your V5C online because the DVLA does not provide a digital version of the V5C. The V5C is a paper document that remains in the possession of the registered keeper. You can, however, check some of the registration details of a car online using the DVLA’s information checker.
Can I Sell My Car Without A V5C?
Yes, you can sell your car without a V5C, but it is not ideal. There’s no law requiring a V5C to sell a car, but the DVLA and buyers strongly recommend having one. For one, it proves you’re the owner of the vehicle, whether it’s a car or a truck. It also ensures that the DVLA gets notified of the sale after its completion.
How Long Should I Keep My Vehicle Logbook?
You should keep your V5C logbook for as long as you own the vehicle. The DVLA gives you this document to prove that you’re the registered keeper of the vehicle, and you need it to sell, scrap or export the vehicle. You only get rid of it when you sell or lose ownership of the vehicle in some other way.
Is A V5 The Same As A Logbook?
Yes, a V5 is the same as a logbook. This is just a short name for the V5C registration certificate, which is the full official term used by the DVLA. V5 is just a common shorthand, while ‘log book’ is an everyday term people use. So when someone says ‘log book, ‘V5’ or ‘V5C’, they’re talking about the same document.
Conclusion
Now you can stop wondering, ‘What does a V5 look like?’. This red and pink book from the DVLA has 10 sections and is designed to indicate your ownership of a vehicle in the UK. So, this is one document you must know about when buying or selling a car or even for insurance purposes.
