I’ve Lost My V5C Logbook. What Happens Next?

One time you’ll want to have your car’s registration handy is when you go to sell it. If you’ve not kept your V5C logbook secure and believe you might have lost it, you’ll definitely face some difficulties selling your car without a logbook! While the V5C logbook isn’t a legally binding form of ownership, even the DVLA itself recommends that people avoid buying or selling cars that don’t have their logbook on hand.

So, what do you do if you’ve lost it? First of all, don’t panic! A new V5C can be obtained from the DVLA in the event that your original is lost, stolen, damaged, or destroyed — although we don’t recommend making it a habit (more on that later). Read our article to find out all you need to know about getting a replacement V5C logbook.

What is the V5C logbook?

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) issues a V5C log book to the vehicle’s registered owner. The vehicle registration certificate is required for transferring ownership, selling, or scrapping a vehicle. It is also required when applying for a car tax and determining the tax category that your vehicle falls into.

The V5C certificate attests to the vehicle’s legal owner. The make, model, year, registration number, colour, engine size, CO2 emissions, and names and addresses of past owners are all included.

The V5C has separate tear-off parts that must be completed and returned to the DVLA, depending on the situation. If you’re selling your car and want to update the DVLA on the new owner, you’ll need to fill out the “new keeper” section.

It’s crucial that you store your V5C somewhere secure. A change in your personal information or vehicles — such as a new paint job or fuel type — must be reported to the DVLA as soon as possible. So… What if you lost your V5C logbook?

What to do when you lose your V5C logbook

Whether you’re moving homes or making home improvements, it’s easy to misplace paperwork like vehicle insurance papers and, yes, even your V5C logbook. So, if you’ve found that you really have lost your car’s V5C, don’t panic! If you have misplaced your logbook, obtaining a replacement V5C is a simple process.

Thankfully, a majority of government services in the UK have made it easy to get things sorted through a variety of ways — even when it comes to updating your address with the DVLA! Getting a replacement logbook is a breeze and can be done either through the GOV.UK online portal, by phone or even by post.

Online

A new V5C can be requested from the DVLA as quickly as possible using their website. Typically, you can expect to receive your replacement logbook within five business days after paying a small fee.

To replace your lost V5C logbook online, you need to provide:

• The vehicle’s registration number.
• The VIN/chassis number of your vehicle.
• The name and postcode registered in your logbook.

As you might imagine, if you’ve not updated your address on your logbook, especially when you’ve recently moved, things can get a bit more complicated. A new V5C cannot be requested through the online portal if either your or the vehicle’s information has changed. If you’ve forgotten to update your logbook details before you lost it, you’ll then need to go through the steps in the next section.

By post

If you prefer to do things the old-fashioned way, the DVLA allows drivers to apply for a new logbook via post. Any time a driver has to update their vehicle information, the DVLA recommends going through this method.

But, if you’ve not updated the details on your V5C logbook before losing it, you will need to fill out Form V62 and apply for a new logbook by post.

By phone

If you are the owner listed on the V5C that has been lost or stolen, you can apply for a replacement over the phone. Applying over the phone is an option, but only if neither your information nor that of your car has changed since you last applied online.

You’ll usually receive your V5C after four weeks if you apply this way. If you’ve not received the new logbook after four weeks have passed, you need to contact the DVLA immediately. The fee will have to be paid again if you’ve not reported to the DVLA that the new logbook hasn’t arrived after six weeks have passed.

How long does it take to get a replacement V5C?

You should only have to wait up to five business days for your replacement V5C if you apply for it online. For applications done over the phone, it can take up to four weeks. However, it may take up to six weeks for your application to be processed if you send it through the post.

It’s super important to inform the DVLA if you’ve not received your new logbook after this time. If you don’t report to the DVLA, you’ll have to pay the replacement cost again.

How much does it cost to replace the logbook?

Whenever you replace your V5C logbook, you’ll have to pay £25 for this service — regardless of whether by phone or online. When you order a new logbook via post, you’ll have to include either a cheque or postal order made out to “DVLA, Swansea”.

Replacing your logbook isn’t exactly the cheapest thing to do (imagine how many Pret sandwiches you could get!), so be sure to keep your new V5C logbook safe and sound and easy to find.

How to change address and other details on V5C

In order to make any updates to your logbook, you must first wait for the replacement V5C to arrive. If you fail to notify the DVLA of a change of address, you might face a fine of up to £1,000, so it’s definitely in your best interest to do so! (Think of all the sandwiches!)

You can update your logbook’s address for free after you’ve received the replacement. When you move, don’t forget to update your driver’s licence with your new address! You must submit an application by mail if you wish to change both your name and your address.

Conclusion

The DVLA discourages private auto sales and transfers that don’t involve a log book. Part-exchange or not, most used-vehicle lots won’t take a car without a logbook. And if you sell a car without updating the log book immediately, the new owner could come after you for fines they get when they use the vehicle. 

It’s super important to make sure that your logbook is secure and easily accessible, but if you’ve lost it, it’s relatively easy to replace — unless you’ve forgotten to update the DVLA on any changes. So, make sure to always keep your details up to date with the DVLA!