To transfer car ownership after you have bought a car or been given a car, you must inform the DVLA about the car ownership transfer by filling out the form. This can be done online or offline at their office, and you will need to show the V5C logbook and the new owner’s details.
Even if the car was given to a family member, the new owners still need to transfer the car’s ownership to their name; otherwise, the DVLA will fine you up to £1,000.
Guide to Changing Vehicle Ownership
Changing the car’s ownership is easy. You just need to have the V5C and MOT test in your hands. Here are the easy steps you can follow to change the car’s ownership.
1. Find Out Who the Registered Keeper is
You need to identify the legal keeper of the vehicle. While the owner and keeper are often the same person, they may differ, especially with company cars. The registered keeper is listed on the V5C and handles tax, MOT, and fines, but ownership requires proof like a receipt or invoice.
2. Fill out the V5C
The V5C, or the vehicle logbook, is crucial if you want to transfer ownership. Fill in section 2 with the new owner’s name and address, give them the new keeper slip (section 6), and then post the rest of the form to the DVLA.
3. Inform the DVLA
You must notify the DVLA when changing car ownership. This can be done either online or by post.
Transfer Car Ownership Online
To transfer ownership online, fill out the DVLA form with the new owner’s details and the 11-digit number from the V5C. After submitting, you’ll receive a confirmation email. If you include the new owner’s email, they’ll get one too. A new V5C will arrive within five working days.
Offline Car Ownership Transfer
To transfer offline, complete the new keeper’s details on the V5C, sign the declaration, and give the green ‘new keeper’ slip to the buyer. Then send the remaining form to: DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BA.
What is the Difference Between the Owner and the Registered Keeper?
The car’s owner and keeper can be the same person, but not always, as they may also be different individuals or companies. The keeper, whose name is written on the V5C and is legally responsible for the vehicle, for nearly anything, including taxes, fines, maintenance, and reviewing MOTs after three years.
If by any chance the car broke the law, e.g., speeding, the keeper is the one who is responsible and must pay the fines. Even though the keeper wasn’t the one who drove the car.
In short, the registered keeper is responsible for the car’s daily use, like taxing, insuring, MOT, and handling legal notices. The owner is the person who bought the vehicle, manages key documents like the V5C, and ensures that anyone driving the car is covered by valid insurance.
How Do I Transfer Car Ownership To A Family Member?
The fastest way to transfer ownership to a family member is to use the DVLA’s online service. Choose ‘sold it’ at step 2, even if no money was involved, and enter the 11-digit V5C number along with the new owner’s name and address. You can also transfer by post using the V5C, but it’ll take longer.
Remember, even though you give the car to a family member, you will need to register the car ownership under the new owner’s name.
Read also: How to Change Ownership of a Car Without a Logbook Online
Transferring Car Registration
You need to use the V317 form to transfer the vehicle’s ownership from one vehicle to another. Read the form thoroughly, and you will see guidance on how to transfer the car registration. To transfer a number plate to another person’s vehicle, both registered keepers must fill out the application.
You’ll need to include (aside from the V317 form)
- The V5C or new keeper slip, with a completed V62 form
- An £80 transfer fee
What if the V5C Logbook is Missing?
You will need to get the V5C replacement if the original is lost, stolen, damaged, or destroyed by either you or your insurance company. You can apply for the V5C online or by phone if the details are the same. Then, the V5C will be sent to you by DVLA in 5 working days.
If you haven’t received your V5C after six weeks and didn’t inform the DVLA, you’ll need to pay £25 for a replacement copy.
Forgot to Tell the DVLA You Sold Your Car? Here’s What Happens
If you don’t tell the DVLA that you sold your car, it’ll still be listed under your name. That means you could keep getting charged for road tax and even get fined for not paying it.
If the new owner breaks any driving laws, the DVLA might think it was you and send you the fine or points on your license. If this happens, and you forgot to tell them you sold the car, you should contact the DVLA as soon as you can to sort things out.
Can You Buy or Sell a Car Without a Logbook?
Yes, you can legally sell a car without a V5C logbook. The logbook proves who’s responsible for the car, not who owns it. But the DVLA doesn’t recommend selling without it, because it might seem suspicious. Buyers could worry that the car is stolen, has been written off, or still has money owed on it.
If you decide to go through with the sale, you’ll need to give the buyer a bill of sale. This should include the car’s details, like the make, model, registration number, and date of sale, so the buyer can apply for a new V5C using a V62 for
Selling to a Scrapyard or Dealership
Selling the vehicle to a scrapyard or dealership is just the same as selling it to a usual buyer; you must ensure the legal ownership is properly transferred to the new owner.
Here’s how you can do the process in three easy ways.
Step 1: Make sure that you are the legitimate owner or keeper of the vehicle.
Step 2: Complete Section 9 of the V5C logbook with the buyer’s details.
Step 3: Detach Section 9 of the V5C logbook, then send it to DVLA.
The V5C logbook tracks the number of previous owners. When selling to a dealer or scrapyard, don’t use Section 6. Instead, fill out Section 9, send it to the DVLA, and hand the remaining parts of the logbook to the trader or buyer.
In Conclusion
Changing car ownership is easy, but it’s important to follow each step properly to avoid fines or legal issues. Whether you’re selling, giving the car to family, or transferring it to a dealer or scrapyard, always update the DVLA with the new owner’s details using the V5C logbook. If the logbook is missing, use the V62 form instead. You can also use VIN Check to see the full history of your vehicle.
Don’t forget, until the DVLA is informed, you’ll still be held responsible for the car. By following the right process, you’ll protect yourself from unexpected fees and make sure the vehicle is legally transferred to its new owner.
Frequently Asked Questions Related to Car Ownership Transfer
Can there be two registered keepers of a car?
No, a car can only have one registered keeper at any given time. The registered keeper is the person listed on the V5C logbook and is responsible for taxing, insuring, and keeping the vehicle roadworthy.
Even if someone else owns or drives the car regularly, only one name can appear on the official DVLA record. That person is also the one who will be contacted for legal issues or fines.
Can you change the registered keeper of a car on finance online?
Usually not. If a car is still under finance or a lease agreement, you must get permission from the finance company before requesting a change of keeper. The DVLA will not process any ownership updates without written approval from the lender.
This is because the finance company technically owns the car until the loan is paid off. Always contact the finance provider first to avoid legal or financial issues.
Does changing the registered keeper affect insurance?
Yes, it can affect your insurance policy. Since car insurance is based on the registered keeper and main driver, any changes may impact your premium. If the keeper is updated but the insurer isn’t informed, the policy could become invalid.
You must always update your insurance company when ownership or keeper status changes. This ensures the vehicle is still properly covered in case of accidents or claims.
Does the MOT transfer to the new owner?
Yes, the MOT stays with the car, not the person who owns or drives it. The MOT certificate remains valid until its expiry date, regardless of who the registered keeper is. This means if you buy a used car, the MOT status does not reset; it carries over to the new owner. You can check its current MOT status online using the vehicle’s registration number for peace of mind.
How do I find out who owns a car?
You can request vehicle ownership details from the DVLA by submitting a V888 form with a valid reason. They won’t share information without a lawful purpose, and the registered keeper may not always be the legal owner.
How many vehicles can be registered to an individual?
To find out who owns a car, you need to apply to the DVLA using a V888 form and give a valid reason, like legal, insurance, or parking disputes. The DVLA protects personal data, so they won’t release information without a lawful purpose.
Also, keep in mind that the registered keeper may not always be the legal owner. Ownership is proven through purchase records, not necessarily the logbook.
What are the penalties for failing to notify the DVLA of a change of car ownership?
If you sell or give away your car and forget to inform the DVLA, you could face a fine of up to £1,000. Until their records are updated, you remain legally responsible for the vehicle, which includes road tax, speeding tickets, or parking fines. If the new owner breaks the law, the DVLA may still contact you. That’s why it’s so important to complete the ownership transfer promptly.
