Can I sell my car without a log book?

The log book is also known as a V5C registration certificate, and it acts as proof of ownership. It’s what the DVLA uses to track the registration and tax history of a car and lists a summary of the key stats such as the make, model, engine size and vehicle registration number.

Every time a car changes hands, the log book must be updated. After selling your car, you need to register the sale of the vehicle online at the DVLA website or by post. The new owner will then receive an updated V5C in the post within a few weeks of you registering the sale. Any remaining car tax you’ve paid will then be refunded back to you, as this does not transfer to the new owner.

Things will be easier if you have it, but no – you don’t need a log book to sell your car.

It’s always a good idea to gather together all your paperwork in advance of advertising your car for sale. This way, you’ll know if you’ve got your log book and can order a replacement if it’s nowhere to be found. While you can sell your car without a log book it will probably make the process more difficult as buyers may be wary of purchasing a car without one.

Prospective buyers might be concerned that the car is stolen or written off, or that you’re looking for a quick sale because it’s got some serious issues. It may also create suspicion that you could have a number plate log book loan secured against the car. All these potential issues could lead to you having to negotiate on the price and may attract less interest to your ad.

To learn more about the V5 document, check out this handy guide on how to sell your car without a V5. If you’re not in a mad rush to sell, then it’s worth applying for a replacement log book.

If you’re the registered owner of your car and there are no details to be changed, you can apply for a duplicate log book online via the DVLA website. You should receive your new registration certificate within a few days.

To update your name, address or any of the vehicle details, you’ll need to apply for a replacement log book by post. It can take up to six weeks to be processed this way, so apply in good time. There’s a small charge to get the new V5C issued, but it’s well worth it if you want to get the best price when you sell.

If you haven’t been able to get a new V5C document in time for selling your car, you need to issue a bill of sale when you make the transaction. It’s always good practice to do this for any car sale, even if you have the log book to hand.

This receipt will provide evidence that you’ve sold the car to the new owner, and you can use this information when contacting the DVLA to notify them of the change of registered keeper.

You’ll need to include both parties’ full names and addresses, the vehicle make and model, registration information and the price paid. Remember to get the new owner to sign and date the document, and you should do the same too. Make two copies so you can keep one for yourself and give one to the new owner.

Yes – it’s really important to inform the DVLA as soon as you’ve sold the car, as the registered keeper remains on record and is the person responsible for vehicle tax, insurance and its MOT status.

You won’t be able to do this online without the log book reference number, so you’ll need to send them a letter in the post with a copy of the bill of sale. Send details of your name and address and the new owner’s information, along with the make and model of the car, the date you sold it, and the registration number to: DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BA.

There’s really no reason to worry if you can’t find your log book when advertising your car for sale. Getting a replacement is relatively straightforward, and even if you don’t have time to organise this, it’s still legal to sell your car without a log book. Just follow our advice and you’ll ensure the transfer of ownership is all above board.

Need to secure a quick sale? Check out our handy tips on how to prepare your car to sell quickly to get the best price.