DVLA Change of Keeper: How to Transfer Car Ownership in the UK

When you buy or sell a car in the UK, you must notify the DVLA of the change of keeper. Get this wrong and you could be liable for fines, penalty charges, and even offences committed by someone else driving what the DVLA still thinks is your car.

1. What Change of Keeper Means

The V5C logbook is not proof of ownership — it is a record of the registered keeper. The registered keeper is the person responsible for taxing and insuring the vehicle. When a car changes hands, the DVLA must be notified so their records are updated.

2. The V5C Transfer Process

Here is the step-by-step process:

1. Seller fills in Section 6 of the V5C with the new keeper's name and address
2. Seller tears off the V5C/2 green slip and gives it to the buyer
3. Seller keeps the rest of the V5C and sends it to the DVLA (or notifies online)
4. Buyer uses the V5C/2 reference number to tax the car at gov.uk/vehicle-tax
5. DVLA sends a new V5C to the buyer within 2–6 weeks

3. Online Notification

The seller can notify the DVLA online at gov.uk/sold-bought-vehicle. This is faster and provides instant confirmation. You will need the 11-digit reference number from the V5C.

4. What Happens to Road Tax

Road tax (Vehicle Excise Duty) is automatically cancelled when ownership changes. This means:

• The seller receives an automatic refund for any remaining full months of tax
• The buyer must tax the car before driving it — you cannot "transfer" the existing tax
• Tax the car at gov.uk/vehicle-tax using the V5C/2 green slip reference

5. Timeline: When to Expect the New V5C

After the DVLA processes the change of keeper, a new V5C in the buyer's name typically arrives within 2–6 weeks. If it has not arrived after 6 weeks, contact the DVLA on 0300 790 6802.

In the meantime, the V5C/2 green slip is your proof of purchase and new keeper status.

6. What If the V5C Is Missing

If the seller does not have a V5C, they should apply for a replacement using form V62, available at post offices or online. The cost is £25. A new V5C takes approximately 2–4 weeks to arrive.

7. Common Mistakes

• Seller forgetting to notify the DVLA — they remain liable for fines and charges
• Buyer forgetting to tax the car — the car's tax is cancelled upon change of keeper
• Losing the V5C/2 green slip — this is needed to tax the car; keep it safe
• Not getting a receipt — always get a signed receipt as proof of purchase

8. What If the Buyer Doesn't Register

If the buyer does not register as the new keeper, the DVLA's records remain unchanged. The seller (if they notified the DVLA correctly) is removed as the registered keeper. The car enters a state where no keeper is registered, which can cause problems with tax, insurance, and enforcement.

As a buyer, always ensure you receive the V5C/2 green slip, tax the car immediately, and wait for your new V5C to arrive.

Final Thoughts

The change of keeper process is straightforward but critical. Get it wrong and you could be liable for someone else's fines. Sellers: notify the DVLA on the day of sale. Buyers: tax the car before you drive it, and chase the new V5C if it doesn't arrive within 6 weeks.

For DVLA queries, contact 0300 790 6802 or visit gov.uk/contact-the-dvla.