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- Great Customers Review
- Fast and Accurate
DVLA Logbook Check
Run a DVLA logbook check (V5C check) to confirm a vehicle’s registration, ownership, and history before you buy or sell. Instantly see if the vehicle matches its V5C details and avoid stolen or cloned vehicles.
Just enter your vehicle registration to begin your check.
What is a V5C Logbook Check?
A V5C logbook is an official document issued by the DVLA that records a vehicle’s key details, including its registration number, make, model, VIN, engine size, and the registered keeper’s information. It serves as proof of vehicle registration and is required for buying, selling, or transferring ownership.
A V5C logbook check verifies that the information on the logbook matches the DVLA’s records. It helps confirm a vehicle’s identity, ownership history, and any updates such as modifications or scrapping notifications.
What is a V5C Used For?
The V5C logbook is required for various legal and administrative purposes, ensuring the vehicle’s details are accurate and up to date. Some practical uses of the logbook include:
Proof of Registration
The logbook includes vehicle specifications such as make, model, colour, and VIN number. Confirming these details ensures the vehicle matches its documentation, helping to prove its registration is valid and preventing registration or insurance issues later.
Buying or Selling a Vehicle
The V5C logbook is important when buying or selling a car. It shows who the registered keeper is, helps the DVLA update its records, and keeps both parties safe by preventing fraud.
Updating Ownership Details with the DVLA
When a vehicle is sold, the V5C logbook must be updated with the new keeper’s details. This helps keep the DVLA’s records accurate and prevents fines, or confusion about who is the responsible owner of the vehicle.
Taxing the Vehicle or Declaring it Off-Road (SORN)
The V5C is needed when you tax a vehicle or declare it off the road with a SORN. It gives the reference numbers you need to complete these legal procedures with the DVLA.
Proving Legal Ownership When Needed
Although the V5C doesn’t prove absolute ownership, it serves as the primary record linking the registered keeper to the vehicle. It’s often requested by insurers, authorities, or buyers to verify who’s responsible for the car.
Checking for Theft, Cloning, or Fraud Risks
The V5C can help identify potential fraud by confirming if vehicle details match official DVLA records. Mismatched or missing logbooks often indicate stolen, cloned, or illegally altered vehicles, alerting buyers to hidden risks.
How to Run a V5C Logbook Check Online?
To get a V5C check and access detailed information on a vehicle’s logbook status and other records, follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Enter the Registration Number
Type the vehicle’s registration (number plate) into the form above. You can also run a DVLA log book check by VIN.
Step 2: Click “Search”
Click the search button to view basic vehicle information, including MOT, tax, and vehicle specs instantly.
Step 3: Upgrade to Full Report
Upgrade for a detailed DVLA log book check report, revealing the vehicle registration details, MOT history, theft records, finance status, write-off details, mileage, ownership, and more.
Why is a Logbook Check Important When Buying or Selling?
There’s a big chance the used car you’re trying to buy may have outstanding finance, and the debt could be passed on to you. A DVLA log book check can help you spot and avoid this. Some more reasons why a car reg check is important are:
Verify if the Vehicle is Legitimate
A logbook check confirms that the car is legally registered and not stolen, giving you peace of mind. It matches details like the VIN, make, and model with DVLA records to help you know the car is genuine.
Ensure Valid MOT & Tax
By running a DVLA log book check, you can confirm the vehicle has valid MOT and tax status, ensuring it’s roadworthy and legally compliant. This prevents fines or unexpected repair costs after purchase and assures the car’s maintenance record is up to date.
Avoid Outstanding Finance
A logbook check helps identify if any outstanding finance remains on the vehicle. This protects you from buying a car that still belongs to a finance company and could be repossessed, protecting your money and ownership rights.
Prevent Buying a Write-Off
A V5C keeper history check can show if a vehicle was written off because of serious damage in the past. This helps you avoid buying a vehicle that’s unsafe, badly repaired, or has no or lower resale value.
Check Mileage Records
A V5C check verifies the car’s mileage history using MOT and DVLA data. It helps detect odometer tampering, ensuring you’re not overpaying for a vehicle that appears newer or less used than it actually is.
Build Buyer and Seller Trust
Running a log book check shows honesty and builds trust. Buyers feel safer knowing the car’s details are verified, and sellers look more reliable when they can show proof of a clean record.
What’s Included in Our DVLA Log Book Check Report?
Our V5C keeper history check provides detailed vehicle specifications and history records. Here’s the logbook information you should expect:
| Vehicle specs (make, model, colour) | First registered date (day, year, and month) | Date First Registered in the UK | Date of last V5C update |
| V5C log book date (certificate date) | Engine number | Engine size | Fuel type |
| CO2 emissions (car tax band) | Number of certificates issued (certificate count) | Certificate issued date | previous keepers |
| Number plate changes | Registration number | Colour change | Vehicle identification number (last five digits of the VIN) |
Aside from the logbook information, our full car check report also reveals other important vehicle information and records, including:
Detailed Vehicle Specifications
You’ll receive comprehensive details such as engine size, fuel type, transmission, power output, seating capacity, and more. These specifications help confirm the vehicle’s authenticity and allow easy comparison against manufacturer standards or seller claims.
MOT and Tax Status
You’ll see the vehicle’s MOT expiry date, current roadworthiness status, and Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) details. This ensures the car meets legal driving standards and helps you plan for upcoming renewals or potential repairs before buying.
Ownership Records
The V5C check report displays the number of previous owners and exact ownership transfer dates. Understanding this history helps assess how the car was maintained, spot frequent ownership changes, and gain insight into the vehicle’s long-term reliability and care.
Mileage History
The MOT history section includes recorded mileage from past MOT tests, helping identify inconsistencies that could indicate odometer tampering. A verified mileage history provides peace of mind that the car’s wear and value accurately reflect its age and usage.
Written-Off Status
You’ll know whether the vehicle has been written off and which insurance category it falls under, whether Cat A, B, N, or S. This helps determine if the car has been safely repaired or if it’s too damaged to be legally or financially worthwhile to own.
Outstanding Finance
Our car check report checks if there’s any existing finance agreement on the vehicle. This prevents you from unknowingly buying a car that could be repossessed by a lender, ensuring a smooth and fully legal transaction.
Auction History
We check for any records of the vehicle appearing in salvage auctions, including previous damage or rebuilds. Knowing this helps you evaluate its safety, resale value, and whether the car was involved in severe incidents before.
Stolen Records (MIAFTR)
The logbook check cross-references national and police databases to confirm the vehicle hasn’t been reported stolen. This protects you from buying a car that could later be seized by authorities, saving you from major legal and financial losses.
High-Risk Records
This part identifies whether any third party, such as a lender or company, has a financial or legal interest in the vehicle. It ensures you’re buying a risk-free car with clear ownership and no outstanding legal obligations.
Why Choose Smart Car Check for a V5C Logbook Check?
It is always important to verify a vehicle’s logbook status and history, especially before a vehicle sale or purchase. Here are some reasons why you should trust us for your car history check:
Instant Vehicle Record Verification
Affordable, No Hidden Fees
Confirms Ownership and Registration
Get Accurate Vehicle History Reports
Access to Trusted & Official Databases
Make Confident, Informed Decisions
Get our Smart Car Check Mobile App
Looking for the best car history check in the UK? Download the Smart Car Check App today. With just a registration number, you can instantly detect hidden history, past problems, or issues the seller won’t mention. Make smarter, safer decisions before buying any vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions about DVLA Logbook Check
What is a V5C document?
A V5C document, also known as a vehicle log book, is the official registration certificate issued by the DVLA. It serves as proof of registration and records key details about a vehicle and its registered keeper, thus proving who’s responsible for taxing and maintaining the car.
How do I check the V5C issue date?
You can find the V5C issue date on the front page of the logbook, usually printed in the top-right corner. You can also use our DVLA log book check online if the document is not within your reach. This date indicates when the latest version of the document was officially issued by the DVLA.
What should I do if the V5C details do not match the seller's information?
If the V5C details don’t match the seller’s ID or address, don’t proceed with the purchase. This could indicate fraud or stolen status. Always verify details with the DVLA before completing any transaction.
Can I check the logbook details for any vehicle?
Yes, you can check a vehicle’s V5C logbook details using its registration number through Smart Car Check’s trusted car history check tool. This confirms that the logbook matches DVLA records and that the vehicle is genuine and correctly registered.
What should I do if I lose my logbook document?
If your V5C is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can apply for a replacement through the DVLA. Simply complete form V62 or apply online, and a new logbook will be issued to your registered address.
Is the V5C document proof of ownership?
No, the V5C logbook shows the registered keeper, not the legal owner. It identifies who is responsible for taxing and maintaining the vehicle but doesn’t prove full legal ownership of the car. To prove ownership, you must provide documents like the original purchase receipt, invoice, or bill of sale, as the vehicle’s registered keeper and owner are not always the same person.
Can I change my address on the logbook document?
Yes, you can update your address on the V5C online or by post. You need to fill out the relevant section of the document or apply online via the DVLA website. The online method is faster as it ensures the new updated logbook is sent to you in about five working days. The postal application method can take several weeks (up to six weeks).
How can I apply for a V5C logbook in the UK?
You can apply for a V5C logbook online through the DVLA website or by submitting form V62 by post. You’ll need the vehicle’s registration details and a small replacement or registration fee.
Can I legally sell my car without a logbook?
Yes, you can sell your car without a logbook (V5C), but it’s not easy and may reduce the car’s value since buyers may refuse the sale as the document proves registration. You must give the buyer a detailed receipt, and the DVLA must be informed of the ownership transfer.
How do I check the status of my logbook?
You can check your logbook status by using our V5C check tool to find out the vehicle’s specs, the date the logbook was last issued, and the vehicle’s ownership history, but not the keeper’s identity. You should contact the DVLA directly by phone or using their online services to find the registered keeper’s details, such as name and address.
Can I check the date of the last V5C (logbook) issued?
You can check when the logbook was last issued with a registration number. To view all records of logbook issuance and registrations, simply get a V5C logbook check using the form on this page.
Can I check my logbook online?
Yes, you can check your logbook online with our DVLA logbook check tool and the vehicle’s registration number. You can also get a VIN Number check if the vehicle registration number is not available.
How do I check the registered keeper of a vehicle?
You cannot check the actual owner or registered keeper of a vehicle online, as this is against the DVLA data protection laws. You can, however, get a car owner check to view the number of previous keepers, the number of times the registration certification has been issued, the last issuance date, plate number changes, colour changes, and more.
What are some common issues that can be found during a logbook check?
Some common issues that can be found during a logbook check include missing or incorrect information, fraudulent activity, and discrepancies between different documents related to the vehicle.
What should I do if I find an issue during a logbook check?
If you find an issue during a logbook check, you should take steps to address it as soon as possible. This may involve contacting the DVLA, contacting the previous owner of the vehicle, or working with a legal professional to resolve the issue.
Is the logbook (V5C) history check free?
Yes. We provide a free logbook check for basic vehicle specifications and the vehicle’s first registered date. However, a small fee is required to access complete details from the logbook (V5C). You will also find other records like outstanding finance, theft, write-off status, ownership, and more.
