REGISTERING A CAR: As a rule you must register a car, and almost all other vehicles, any time you:

• Buy a new or used car, truck, or motorbike.
• Build a vehicle from scratch (e.g. a kit car).
• Rebuild or modify a vehicle (e.g. an insurance write-off).
• Import a vehicle into the United Kingdom.

In these circumstances you use specific forms for vehicle registration. You must send the filled in forms to the DVLA in Swansea. But, there are different forms to use depending on the situation.

In some cases the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency will inspect your vehicle. The purpose of a DVLA inspection is to:

• Ensure the vehicle exists and see that it got built into a safe and complete automobile.
• Check the log book (V5C vehicle registration certificate). They will want to confirm it got issued in your name as the registered keeper.
• Update the DVLA data records due to any changes or alterations you may have made to the vehicle.

Note: DVLA will inform you by letter before carrying out the free vehicle inspection. There are several different motor trade registration schemes for importers, manufacturers, and VAT-registered traders.

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Registering New and Used Vehicles

All new and second hand vehicles must follow DVLA road tax rules for the United Kingdom. That means they need taxing before they get used on public roads.

How to Register a New Vehicle

Most people buy a brand new car or motorbike from a dealer. In this case the dealer will make the registration of a new vehicle for you. You can carry out new vehicle registrations yourself if the dealer declines.

It usually takes 4 to 6 weeks to get a V5C registration certificate (log book) after the application. But, you should contact the DVLA if the document does not arrive within 6 weeks.

How to Register a Used Vehicle with V5C

When the vehicle has a V5C registration certificate the seller has the legal responsibility to:

1. Complete section 6 on the V5C. This section refers to the ‘new keeper or new name/new address details’.
2. Sign the declaration part in section 8 (the buyer must sign here too).
3. Fill in the new details of section 10 ‘new keeper supplement’ and give it to the buyer. This section is also called the V5C/2.
4. Mail the completed V5C to the DVLA in Swansea.

The new owner should get a new V5C from DVLA within 4 weeks of them receiving the changed V5C from the seller. But, if it does not arrive within 4 weeks the buyer can:

• Fill in the form V62 ‘Application for a vehicle registration certificate‘. This form is available as a download or from any large Post Office branch.
• Send the V62 to DVLA along with the V5C/2 given by the seller. Failing to send in the V5C/2 means there will be a fee to pay.

How to Register a Used Vehicle without V5C

DVLA Advice: Buying a vehicle without a registration certificate (V5C) is a risk. As a rule do not do it!

What happens if you buy a vehicle without the V5C? In this case you should register it in your name using form V62. The title of the form is ‘Application for a vehicle registration certificate’ and there is a fee.

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Checking Registration Certificate Details

It usually takes 4 to 6 weeks to get an updated vehicle registration certificate. You must check all the details are accurate and correct. Return an incorrect certificate to DVLA after making the relevant changes. Allow another four (4) weeks for them to send it back to you.

DVLA
Swansea
SA99 1BA

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