Why this matters straight away
Vehicle tax doesn't pass to you when you buy, so the vehicle has to be taxed in your name before you drive it. The question is what you have to prove it with.
If the seller gave you the green new keeper slip
The usual process is that the seller gives you the green ‘new keeper’ slip from the V5C and sends the rest to DVLA, who post a new V5C to you. With the slip you can tax the vehicle online straight away using its reference number.
If the new V5C never arrives, you apply for one by post using form V62 and send the slip with it. The slip must be from the most recent V5C. You can check the date on it against the last V5C issue date on the vehicle enquiry service.
If you have no slip
Ask the seller whether they still have it. If not, the postal application with form V62 still works, but GOV.UK asks for £25 when the slip isn't included. Pay by cheque or postal order, as the form explains.
You may be able to tax it at a Post Office
If you also need to tax the vehicle, you may be able to do that and apply for the new V5C at the same Post Office visit. Complete form V62, take it with £25 to a branch that deals with vehicle tax, and check the branch offers this service before you travel. More on the V62.
A missing logbook is a warning sign
Buying a vehicle with no V5C is a risk, and it's worth being cautious before you hand over money:
- Ask the seller why it's missing, and be wary if the answer is vague.
- Check the seller's name and address are the ones the vehicle is registered to.
- Run a vehicle history check. It's the check that picks up outstanding finance, theft markers and write-off records, which a V5C alone won't show.
Bought it already and want it sorted?
You don't need us. Everything above can be done yourself on GOV.UK. If you'd rather hand over the forms and the chasing, that's what we do, for a fee we tell you before you commit.
Questions people ask
Can I tax a car I've just bought without the new V5C?
Yes, if you have the green new keeper slip: GOV.UK's tax service accepts the reference number from it. Without the slip you'll need to apply for a V5C, which you can do at the same time as taxing at a Post Office that offers it.
The seller never gave me the green slip. What now?
Ask them first. If they don't have it, apply by post with form V62. GOV.UK asks for £25 when the slip isn't included.
How long will the new V5C take?
By post it's usually around 4 weeks. Contact DVLA if it hasn't arrived after 4 weeks.
Is it safe to buy a car with no logbook?
Not without extra care. A missing V5C is a warning sign. Check why it's missing, check the seller's details match the registration, and run a vehicle history check before you pay.