What Paperwork do I Need to Sell My Car?

If you’re asking yourself ‘what documents do I need to sell my car?’ the logbook, also known as the V5C, should be top of the list. It’s not actually impossible to sell a car without the V5C, but trying to do so looks pretty dodgy and many buyers will give you a wide berth.

Your name and current address should be on the V5C, along with details of the car such as engine size, colour, registration and vehicle identification number. You’ll need to sign ownership over to the buyer, either by filling in section 6 of the logbook with their details and returning it to the DVLA, or (for a more hassle-free way) by doing it online at www.gov.uk/sold-bought-vehicle. It’s in your interest not to overlook this – if the DVLA thinks the car is still yours, any parking fines or tax reminders are going to land on your doormat.

Did you take your car in for a regular service and remember to get your car’s service book stamped by the dealership each time? If so, you can advertise your car as having a “full service history”, which will be a big selling point. You’ll need the service book to prove this – and to hand over to the new owner, regardless of the service history.

Most cars being sold second hand will have had some repair work done on them at some point. If you have the paperwork to show what you’ve had fixed, it can reassure buyers, create an impression of you as an honest vendor and help to seal the deal.

These are less vital these days, as all MOT test results from around 2006 onwards are now available online. However, having your paper MOT certificates together contributes to that impression of you as a careful and diligent owner, and could help you get a better price for your car. This is particularly true if you’re selling an older vehicle.

Make sure everything’s above board with the sale by issuing proper receipts for any monies received. Many sales involve an initial deposit of 10% or so, before the remaining balance is paid a few days later. You should have one copy of each for the buyer and one for the seller, hence the four receipts. The receipts should include the full names and signatures of both buyer and seller, along with the vehicle details (make, model, mileage, registration, VIN number), deposit paid, and the date.

If you’re asking “what do I need to sell my car?” don’t forget the paperwork. Make sure you’ve got it in order, and you’ll come across as a trustworthy vendor and will likely get a better price for your car. The V5C is the most important document, but the more of the other pieces of paperwork listed here you can present, the better.

For more advice, take a look at our guide on how to prepare your car to sell it quickly.