What Is A Vehicle Log Book (V5C)?

If you're a newly qualified driver, or someone who has had a break from driving and is now buying a car for the first time, you might be feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the jargon. A common question from first-time buyers is, “What is a vehicle log book?”. Also known as the V5C, the vehicle log book serves many important purposes, so it's crucial to understand exactly what it is and when you might need it.

In this guide, we'll explain what a vehicle log book is, the situations in which you'll need one, how to order a replacement, and much more. Read on for the full breakdown!

What is a vehicle log book?

A vehicle log book, or V5C registration certificate, details who the registered keeper of a vehicle is. Your vehicle log book contains essential information, including personal details such as your name and address, as well as details about the car, like its registration number, modifications, previous registered keepers, colour, and engine size.

There are many situations in which you'll need your vehicle log book. For example, if you need to update your name or address, you must notify the DVLA. One way to do this is through the vehicle log book. You will also need it if you make changes to your vehicle, such as modifications. Other uses, which we'll explore in more detail below, include applying for a SORN, scrapping your vehicle, and taxing your vehicle.

It's important to note that the vehicle log book does not prove ownership of the car—it simply indicates that you are the registered keeper.

Who is the registered keeper?

The registered keeper of a vehicle is not always the same person as the owner—it can differ. The owner is the individual who purchased the vehicle and has the physical proof to back it up (the V5C is not proof of ownership). The registered keeper, on the other hand, is the person who uses the car, taxes it, and is generally responsible for parking tickets and fines.

When might the owner and registered keeper differ? If the car is a company vehicle, the company owns the car, but the employee who regularly uses it will likely be the registered keeper. Similarly, a newly qualified driver might receive a car as a gift from their parents—making the parents the owner(s), and the driver the registered keeper.

How do I get a vehicle log book?

You'll typically receive a vehicle log book when you purchase a vehicle. If it's a brand-new car, the dealership will usually register the vehicle on your behalf, and you'll receive your vehicle log book within about 6 weeks. If the dealership doesn't handle it, you can register the vehicle yourself. If you're buying a used vehicle, the seller will either register the vehicle to you online or by post.

The DVLA recommends that you don't buy a vehicle unless it comes with a vehicle log book. Unfortunately, some sellers forge or alter log books, so the DVLA has ways for you to check that you have the legitimate version.

How to check your log book is genuine

  • Look for the DVLA watermark. Hold the log book up to the light, and you should be able to see the official watermark.
  • Check that the name under 'registered keeper' matches the person selling the vehicle.
  • The seller's address should match the one on the log book.
  • Look at the serial number. If it's between BG8229501 and BG9999030, or BI2305501 to BI2800000, the V5C may be stolen—contact the police if this is the case.
  • Cross-check the vehicle identification number and engine number with the details in the log book.

When would I need a vehicle log book?

Now that you know what a vehicle log book is and how to get one, let's look at when you'll actually need it. There are several situations in which you'll need your V5C:

Selling your car
If you're selling your vehicle, you’ll need the 11-digit reference number from your vehicle log book. You'll also need to provide the buyer with the green 'new keeper' slip from the log book. After this, you must inform the DVLA that you’ve sold the vehicle. You'll receive email confirmation and a letter from the DVLA confirming that you are no longer the registered keeper. You may also get a refund for any full months left on your vehicle tax. The new keeper will receive an email confirmation and a new log book within 5 working days.

Scrapping your car
If you're scrapping your car, you need to notify the DVLA—failing to do so could result in a fine of up to £1,000! While you can scrap your car without the log book, doing so will involve extra bureaucracy.

To scrap your vehicle, you must take it to an Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF), usually at no charge. You'll need to hand over your log book, but keep the yellow 'sell, transfer or part-exchange' section and send it to the DVLA. You’ll receive a letter within about 4 weeks confirming that you’re no longer the registered keeper.

If you plan to keep parts from the car, you must declare it as off the road before you begin. Once that’s done, you can keep the parts (as long as the vehicle is off the road, e.g., in a garage), and proceed with scrapping it as outlined above.

Registering your car as off road (SORN)
If you're not using your car or scrapping it, you won’t need to pay for tax or insurance, so you should declare the car as off road. To apply for a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN), you'll need the 11-digit reference number from your vehicle log book. If you don’t have it, you can use the 16-digit reference from your vehicle tax reminder letter (V11).

Taxing your vehicle
To tax your vehicle, you'll need either a recent reminder letter from the DVLA or your vehicle log book. If you're taxing a car for the first time, you'll need the green 'new keeper' slip from the log book.

Updating personal information and vehicle changes

If your name, address, or vehicle details change, you’ll need to update your vehicle log book. Failing to update your details correctly could result in a fine of up to £1,000.

Changing your address or name
To update your address with the DVLA, write your new address in section 3 (for the new style log book) or section 6 (for the old style log book). If you’ve changed your name, you must write your full new name in section 3 or section 6 and provide a note explaining the change.

If you're updating both your name and address, you’ll need to provide proof of the name change (such as a deed poll if it's not due to marriage or divorce).

Changes to your vehicle
If you make changes to your vehicle, such as altering the colour, replacing the engine, or making other modifications, you must inform the DVLA. Any changes could affect your vehicle tax, and the DVLA might inspect your modifications to ensure they’re safe.

You’ll need to update your log book if you change any of the following:

  • Colour
  • Chassis or body shell
  • Cylinder capacity
  • Engine
  • Fuel type
  • Seating capacity
  • Weight (for large vehicles)
  • Body type (e.g., converting a van to a campervan)
  • Chassis or frame number (for motorbikes)
  • Vehicle identification number (VIN)

Lost log book? How to apply for a replacement

If you lose your vehicle log book, or if you're not sure you ever received one, you need to apply for a replacement as soon as possible. Without it, you’ll have difficulty taxing or selling your vehicle.

  • By phone: If you're the registered keeper, you can pay £25 for a replacement log book by phone. The DVLA can be contacted on 0300 790 6802, Monday to Friday, 8 am to 7 pm, and Saturday, 8 am to 2 pm.
  • By post: Download and complete form V62, then send it to the DVLA with a £25 cheque or postal order made payable to 'DVLA, Swansea'. The address is:

If you didn’t receive a log book with your new vehicle
If you didn’t receive a log book with your new vehicle, you need to complete form V62 and send it along with the green 'new keeper' slip. You’ll need to pay a £25 fee by cheque or postal order. Send it to the DVLA at:

DVLA
Swansea
SA99 1DD

You can also apply to tax your vehicle at the Post Office using form V62 and a £25 fee. You’ll typically receive your log book by post within 6 weeks.

Now you're equipped with everything you need to know about the vehicle log book, whether you're buying, selling, or scrapping a car.

For further help or if you're looking to pass your driving test, Leo Driving School is here to assist you every step of the way.