Logbook Check |
Check the Logbook History of Any Vehicle

Want to ensure your vehicle’s registration is up-to-date? Looking to verify a used car’s paperwork? Our Logbook Check offers a detailed view of the V5C certificate, including issuance dates and registration history. It’s quick, easy, and necessary for informed decisions.

What is a V5C Logbook Check?

The V5C logbook is an important document for vehicle owners in the UK as it contains essential details about the registered keeper, car history, and other pertinent information.

A V5C lookup checks the vehicle’s registration details using the license plate number to confirm that the information in the V5C logbook corresponds with the vehicle’s actual details. With this check, you can get an online report showing the following logbook information:

Engine number Vehicle make, model, and colour Vehicle identification number (VIN)
VSC Logbook Updates Year and month first registered Date of the last VSC update
Certificate issuance Dates Date first registered in the UK Number plate changes
Number of certificates Issued Date last registered Tax and MOT status

What does a V5C Look Like?

A logbook is a red and blue paper document issued by the DVLA. It is typically a multi-page form with sections containing important vehicle details such as the registration number, make, model, VIN, engine size, and registered keeper information.

It also includes a section for notifying the DVLA of any ownership changes, modifications, or scrapping of the vehicle.

what does v5c look like?

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:

  • Buying or selling a vehicle
  • Updating ownership details with the DVLA
  • Taxing the vehicle or declaring it off-road (SORN)
  • Proving legal ownership when needed
  • Checking for theft, cloning, or fraud risks
  • Verifying vehicle details like make, model, and VIN.

Why is a Logbook Check Important?

why is a logbook check important?

According to Statista, in the UK, over two million cars were bought using financing by consumers in the 12 months leading up to May 2024. The majority of these were used cars. 

If you’re buying a used car, there’s a big chance it may have outstanding finance, and the debt could be passed on to you. A simple logbook check can help you spot and avoid this. Some more reasons why a car reg check is important are:

Verify Legitimacy

Ensure the vehicle is legally registered and not stolen, giving you confidence in its authenticity.

Ensure Valid MOT & Tax

Confirm that the vehicle has a valid MOT and tax, ensuring it’s roadworthy and complies with legal requirements.

Avoid Outstanding Finance

Identify if there is any outstanding finance on the vehicle preventing you from purchasing a car that could be repossessed.

Prevent Buying a Write-Off

Check if the vehicle has been written off due to damage, ensuring you don’t buy a car that’s unsafe or too costly to repair.

Check Mileage

Verify the vehicle’s mileage history, helping detect potential odometer tampering and ensuring you’re not overpaying for a car with hidden issues.

Check Ownership History

Be sure of the number of previous owners and when the ownership changed, helping assess how well the vehicle has been maintained.

How to Check Your V5C Logbook Online?

Smart Car Check is a digital service that provides instant access to a vehicle’s logbook status and other essential information. To check the logbook status of a vehicle with Smart Car Check, follow these simple steps:

  • Enter the vehicle registration number in the search bar.
  • Click on the “Search” button to initiate the search.
  • Our tool will provide instant access to the vehicle’s logbook status, which will indicate if the logbook is valid or has been reported lost, stolen, or destroyed.
How to Check Your V5C Logbook Online?

In addition to the logbook status, you can also view MOT history, tax status, mileage history, and many more.

What Information Can You Get with a Car History Report along with V5c logbook check?

You can view all vehicle specifications and history records with our car history check tool. Here’s what you can find with a registration number check:

Vehicle Details

Information on make, model, year, colour, VIN, and engine number for identity verification.

MOT and Tax Status

View MOT expiry, roadworthiness, tax status, and Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) details.

Ownership History

View records of previous owners and ownership transfer dates.

Mileage History

Recorded mileage from MOT tests, helping to detect discrepancies.

Vehicle Identity and V5C Logbook

Details of the latest V5C certificate, ensuring legitimacy.

Written-Off Status

Indicates if the vehicle has been written off and if repairs are possible or not.

Outstanding Finance

Confirms if the vehicle has outstanding finance and can be repossessed.Confirms if the vehicle has outstanding finance and can be repossessed.

Vehicle Specifications

Includes engine size, fuel type, gearbox, and seating capacity.

Plate and Colour Changes

View records of any changes to registration plates or colour.

Salvage auction history

Check for salvage history or auction records, and other risk flags.

Stolen Records

Verify whether a vehicle has been stolen in the past.

High-Risk Check

Verify whether a third party has an interest in the vehicle

Check Smart Car Check Sample Reports

2014 MERCEDES-BENZ Vito 113 CDi Dualiner

2014 Mercedes-Benz Vito 113

REG: WR64DXU
Style / Bodywork: Panel Van
Engine: 2143 cc
Origin: Spain

2015-mazda

2015 Mazda CX-5 SE-L Nav

REG: PX65XDL
Style / Bodywork: SUV Estate
Engine: 1998 cc
Origin: Japan

2020-tesla

2020 Tesla Model 3

REG: LJ70ZGE
Style / Bodywork: Saloon
Engine: 3D5
Origin: UK

2008 Vauxhall Corsa

2008 Vauxhall Corsa SXi

REG: NH08XLU
Style / Bodywork: Hatchback
Engine: 1229 cc
Origin: Germany

Why Choose Smart Car Check for a V5C Lookup?

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 our tool:

Types of Car Checks

Get our Smart Car Check Mobile App

Are you looking for the best car history check UK? Make a smart decision with Smart Car Check App. Perform a Reg. number check in the UK to uncover any past problems and hidden history that the seller will not tell you.

Frequently Asked Questions

To check the status of your logbook, you can contact the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) or use our car logbook check tool. Just fill out the form on this page to verify a vehicle’s registration and ownership details.

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.

Yes, you can check your logbook online with a logbook lookup tool and the vehicle’s registration number. You can also get a VIN Number check if the licence plate number is not available.

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, view the number of times the registration certification has been issued, the last issuance date, plate number changes, colour changes, and more.

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.

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.

Our logbook check is available for free. However, for a more comprehensive look into your vehicle’s history, including complete details from the logbook (V5C), a premium purchase is required.