When selling your car privately, one of the most common areas of confusion is the V5C logbook (also known as the registration certificate). This document proves who the registered keeper is, and it’s vital to handle it correctly during the sale to avoid fines, disputes, or problems with the DVLA.

Let’s break down exactly what you need to do with your V5C when selling your car.

What Is the V5C Logbook?

The V5C, issued by the DVLA, records details of the vehicle and its registered keeper. It is not proof of ownership but proof of who is responsible for taxing, insuring, and registering the vehicle.

When you sell your car, you must update the DVLA records so they know you are no longer responsible for it.

Step 1: Fill Out the V5C Correctly

When selling privately, you should:

  1. Complete Section 6 (New Keeper Details) with the buyer’s name and address.
  2. Both seller and buyer sign Section 8 to confirm the transfer.
  3. Give Section 10 (V5C/2 ‘new keeper slip’) to the buyer – this is their proof that they are now the keeper while waiting for the DVLA to issue a new logbook.

Step 2: Notify the DVLA Immediately

You must inform the DVLA that you’ve sold the car. You can do this:

  • Online at GOV.UK (fastest, and confirmation is instant).
  • By post, by sending the completed V5C to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BA.

Once the DVLA has been notified, you’ll receive written confirmation that you are no longer the registered keeper.

Step 3: Protect Yourself as the Seller

Failing to notify the DVLA could leave you facing:

  • Road tax reminders
  • Parking fines or speeding tickets in your name
  • Liability if the car is involved in a crime

This is why updating the logbook correctly is essential.

Step 4: Do You Still Need a Receipt?

Yes! Even though the V5C records the transfer of keepership, it doesn’t prove payment or the terms of sale. A vehicle sale receipt protects you if:

  • The buyer later disputes the price
  • The buyer claims the car wasn’t “sold as seen”
  • You need to prove the transaction took place

Your receipt should include: buyer and seller details, car registration, sale price, date/time, and both signatures.

Conclusion

When selling a car privately in the UK, handling the V5C correctly is just as important as receiving payment. By:
✅Filling in the right sections
✅ Giving the buyer their new keeper slip
✅ Notifying the DVLA promptly
✅ Issuing a signed receipt

…you protect yourself from legal and financial risks after the sale.

To make things even easier, you can download our ready-made Vehicle Sale Receipt Template – professionally drafted, fully compliant.

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Disclaimer:

This post is for general information only and is not a substitute for professional legal advice. Our templates are designed to save you time and money, but you are responsible for checking they suit your personal circumstances. If you're unsure, always double-check before use.

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