I’ve lost my V5 registration document, can I still sell my car? what You Need to Know

V5 Registration Document You discover your V5C registration certificate (logbook) is missing just as you’re about to sell your car. Panic sets in. The V5C matters because it shows who is the registered keeper of the vehicle and helps buyers feel confident about the vehicle’s history. Losing it doesn’t mean you cannot sell the car — but it does mean you’ll face extra hurdles and risks. In this post you’ll walk step-by-step through the legal position, practical steps, risks and best practices for selling when the logbook is lost.

1. What is the V5C and why it matters : V5 Registration Document

1. Definition and purpose

The document known as the V5C (issued by Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency in the UK) shows the registered keeper of the vehicle. It contains vehicle details like make, model, VIN and the keeper’s name and address. However it does not prove legal ownership; ownership and keeper status are separate. 

2. Why buyers and sellers care

For you as a seller, having the V5C supports a smoother transfer of keeper-details. For the buyer, it offers comfort that the car is legitimately recorded and has fewer red flags (for example outstanding finance, wrong identity). Without it, a buyer may suspect hidden issues. Having the logbook increases trust and may speed sales.

2. Can you legally sell a car without the V5C?

1. The legal position

Yes — you can sell a car without the V5C. According to the DVLA you can still sell a vehicle even if the logbook is lost. However, “legal” does not mean “ideal”.

2. Key steps you must still follow

You must notify the DVLA that you’ve sold or transferred the vehicle. The buyer must apply for a new V5C if one doesn’t exist — via form V62. 

3. The practical reality & consequences

In real life many buyers, especially dealers, will refuse or reduce their offer if there is no V5C. Expect more paperwork, extra caution from the buyer and maybe a lower sale price.

3. What to do if you’ve lost the V5C before selling

1. Apply for a replacement

If your name/address/vehicle details haven’t changed, you can apply online or by phone for a replacement. If details have changed you need to use form V62 by post Fees apply (currently about £25) and you should allow a few weeks for delivery.

2. Why it’s the best route

Getting the replacement makes your sale smoother. It reduces suspicion from buyers and helps you get closer to full market value. The cost and wait often outweigh the hassle of selling without the logbook.

3. What if you are in a hurry?

If you must sell quickly you could sell without waiting. But you must be transparent about missing logbooks and prepare to face lower prices and fewer buyers. You’ll need extra documentation (see next section).

4. How to sell a car without the V5C — step by step

1. Prepare documentation & full disclosure

You’ll need a bill of sale or written agreement showing: vehicle make and model, registration number, VIN; seller and buyer names and addresses; date of sale, agreed price, “sold as seen” clause. In your advert you must clearly state “V5C lost/missing” to be honest and open.

2. Inform DVLA of the sale

Even without the V5C you must notify DVLA you no longer own the car. Provide details: registration, make/model, date of sale, buyer’s name & address. 

3. Buyer fills out V62 to apply for new logbook

Explain to buyers that they’ll need to fill out form V62 in order to become registered keeper and get a new V5C. 

4. Handle risks and set correct expectations

Expect lower offers. Buyers may say “I’ll take the risk because the document is missing.” Dealers and online services may refuse cars with no V5C. Record everything (proof of payment, the bill of sale, the notification you sent).

5. Example scenario

Imagine you list your car and mention “no V5C available”. A private buyer agrees. You draw up the bill, both sign on the sale day. Later you send DVLA the “sold” notification. Buyer fills out V62 and waits for a new logbook. In contrast a dealer may not buy it at all unless you supply the logbook first.

5. Special cases & additional issues

1. Outstanding finance or logbook loans

If the car has unpaid finance or a logbook loan, selling without the V5C is especially risky. The buyer might become liable for the debt and you’ll lose buyer trust. 

2. Car scrap or export

If you are scrapping the vehicle or exporting it: you can act without the V5C, but you still must notify the DVLA. 

3. International buyers or foreign registration

If you plan to sell abroad: missing V5C complicates export documentation. You must make clear to the buyer who handles registration overseas.

4. Digital changes & future-proofing

Although many DVLA services are online, the V5C remains a key paper document in many car transactions. Keep a sale record, save proof you notified DVLA, store emails and receipts.

6. Pros & cons — should you wait for V5C replacement or sell now?

1. Waiting for replacement

Pros: Stronger buyer trust, higher sale price, smoother transfer.
Cons: Delay in sale, cost of replacement (~£25) and wait time.

2. Selling without V5C

Pros: Possibly faster sale if you accept the risk.
Cons: Lower price, fewer potential buyers, more paperwork, higher risk.

3. Decision matrix

7. Practical checklist for the seller

Here’s a handy checklist:

1. Check if your name/address or vehicle details have changed.
   
2. Decide: apply for replacement now or sell without V5C.
   
3. Gather other documents: MOT, service history, receipts.
   
4. Draft a clear, honest advert noting missing logbook if selling without it.
   
5. Prepare a proper bill of sale with all required details.
   
6. Notify DVLA of sale as soon as transaction completes.
   
7. Keep proof of notification and sale transactions.
   
8. Inform buyer about the need to apply for V62 (if applicable).
   
9. If any finance or logbook loan exists, resolve it before sale.
   
10. After sale: check you’re removed as registered keeper (look for DVLA confirmation).
    

Conclusion

Losing your V5C isn’t the end of the world. You can still sell your car. But you’ll face extra hurdles: fewer buyers, a potential price drop, and more paperwork. The best route is to replace the V5C if you can. If you must sell without it, follow the steps carefully — full transparency, proper documentation and timely notification of the DVLA. In doing so you protect yourself and make the transaction as smooth as possible.

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