What is a vehicle logbook?
This is called a V5C, commonly referred to as a car 'logbook,' and is a physical paper document issued by the DVLA to the registered keeper of a vehicle. Acting as a registration certificate, this logbook holds crucial information about the vehicle, including engine specifications and colour. It must be kept updated, especially when significant changes occur, such as change of address or transferring ownership to a new keeper.
Why would you need the V5C?
A V5C is required to when any changes need to be made to a vehicle, ie the name or address associated with your car or if you sell your vehicle to a new keeper. It also contains a unique reference number, and this is required to pay your Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), also known as road tax.
You will also need the V5C if you make any modifications to your car, if it is scrapped or written off.
Is the V5C proof of ownership?
Contrary to popular belief, a V5C isn’t proof of ownership. According to the DVLA, having your name on the document merely indicates you are the one ‘who is responsible for registering and taxing the vehicle’, not necessarily the one who owns it – an important distinction for the millions of Brits that lease a vehicle.
Is a V5C a Digital or a Paper Document?
Although insurance certificates have gone digital and paper counterpart driving licences have been abolished completely in recent years, the V5C is still sent to registered keepers in paper form.
It’s likely to remain a physical paper document for the foreseeable future as a special physical watermark helps prevent fraud. You can still register a change of ownership and change the address on the V5C document via the DVLA website, however.
This is now the quickest way to update any relevant details compared to filling in the physical V5C, tearing it off and sending it by post to the DVLA.
Which Documents are Required to Transfer a Number Plate?
Typically, the V5C and the Private Plate certificate are the only document you will need for transferring a number plate to your vehicle. Additional documents may be required in certain situations.
If you've purchased your private number plate through us, we'll guide you accordingly based on your circumstances.
The Original documentation is required, COPIES ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE
DO NOT KEEP ANY SECTIONS
You may still have a blue V5C if the car is a few years old. Your replacement will look like the one in the picture above.
When your car is re-registered under your new private number plate, your V5C Registration Document will be replaced by DVLA sending a new one via the post. This usually takes 3 business days from the point of transfer.
What to do if you have just bought a car and don't have all your documents
If you've recently purchased a new car and haven't yet received the updated V5C Registration Document in your name, you can still proceed with transferring private number plates, you will just need this a DVLA V62 form for this process.
Even if you've just bought the vehicle within the last few days and are awaiting the arrival of the V5C Registration Document from the DVLA, you don't need to delay the plate transfer.
Simply complete and sign the form, attaching the V5C/2 (little green slip you will have received when purchasing your new car), to initiate the private number plate transfer. Detailed instructions accompany the form for your convenience.
You should always ensure that your details are kept up to date; for example, your driving licence should have your current address.
V5C/2 green slip from Registration Document
If you are the New Keeper of the vehicle, you should have been given this section of the V5C Registration Document when you purchased your car, complete this and send it with the V62 form as above.
Need to keep the existing registration number?
This form is also used if a registration number is being transferred directly from one vehicle to another.
DVLA V317 number plate transfer/retention form
You will need the DVLA V317 form for transfers directly from one vehicle to another or if you wish to retain the existing registration number that's on your car. DVLA fees apply.
My car is not taxed?
You will need to apply for tax at the same time as you cannot transfer a private number plate onto an untaxed vehicle. Also you are not able to assign a private plate onto a vehicle that has had a gap in its tax in the last 5 years. You WILL have to do a postal application to assign the registration by sending the logbook (or green slip V5C/2) and certificate of entitlement or retention certificate to the DVLA.
Use a V10 form and send it with the appropriate payment.
These are the main documents you are likely to need to transfer a private number plate to your car. There may be other documents in special circumstances, such as HGV's. You should refer to the DVLA for more information.
Contact Moonstone Plates
If you are interested in BUYING or SELLING a numberplate, or have any further questions please get in touch with our team today who will be more than happy to assist you. Either click here to contact us, give us a call on 01995 213112 or drop us a message on our social media and we would be more than happy to advise and assist you.
