Transfer Car Ownership in the UK (2025)
If you’re selling, gifting, or scrapping a vehicle, you must inform the DVLA correctly to avoid fines and legal issues. Buying or inheriting a used car? Enter the reg number to verify the previous keepers, thefts, finance check, and more.
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When do you need to transfer ownership of a car?
You need to transfer car ownership whenever responsibility for the vehicle changes. This keeps DVLA records accurate and ensures you’re not liable for tax, fines, or penalties. Here are are common instances:
Selling a car
When you sell your car, you must transfer ownership so the DVLA knows the new keeper. This ensures you’re not held responsible for road tax, MOT, or penalties linked to the car. If you're buying from a seller, you can run a car owner check to understand the car ownership history.
Gifting a car
If you give your car to a family member or friend, ownership must be officially transferred. Without this, you’ll remain the registered keeper and could still receive fines or correspondence.
Scrapping a car
When a car is sent to a scrapyard or dismantler, ownership must be transferred to the scrapyard or dealer. This removes liability from you and places responsibility on the new party.
The car was written off by insurance
If your insurer declares your car a write-off, ownership may pass to them. Transferring ownership ensures you’re no longer responsible for the vehicle, even if it’s scrapped or resold later. Before buying a used car, you should get a car write off check to know the car’s status, history, and the write-off category.
How to Transfer Ownership of a Car to Another Person
Transferring car ownership is straightforward and can be done online or by post. Both methods involve the V5C logbook, which contains the details the DVLA needs to register the new keeper.
Transferring Car Ownership Online
Follow these steps to transfer car ownership online. Using the DVLA’s online service is the quickest and most convenient way.
- Visit the official DVLA website.
- Enter the car’s registration number and the 11-digit reference from the V5C logbook.
- Provide the buyer’s details, including full name and address.
- Confirm the transfer and submit.
- Both parties will receive confirmation by email.
- The new keeper will get a new V5C within 5 working days.
Transferring Car Ownership by Post
If you can’t transfer online, you can use the paper method. Here are the steps to transfer car ownership by post.
- Complete the relevant section of the V5C logbook with the buyer’s details.
- Both seller and buyer must sign.
- Tear off the new keeper slip (V5C/2) and give it to the buyer.
- Post the remaining logbook to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BA.
- DVLA will issue a new V5C to the buyer within a few weeks.
What Happens If You Fail to Notify the DVLA About the Transfer Ownership of a Car?
If you don’t tell the DVLA when a car changes hands, you could face serious problems. The DVLA may fine you up to £1,000, and until they’re officially notified, you’ll still be recorded as the registered keeper.
That means any speeding tickets, parking fines, or unpaid congestion charges linked to the car could arrive at your door, even though you no longer drive it.
You might also miss out on a road tax refund, as refunds are only issued once the DVLA updates their records. To avoid unnecessary stress, always update the DVLA as soon as ownership changes.
Can I Transfer Ownership to a Family Member?
Yes, you can transfer car ownership to a family member, and the process is almost the same as selling a car. Even if no money is exchanged, the DVLA must be informed so the new family member becomes the registered keeper.
You’ll need the V5C logbook to complete the transfer either online or by post. This update ensures they can tax, insure, and use the car legally, while you’re no longer responsible for it. Always complete the transfer properly to avoid future issues or fines.
What is the Difference Between an Owner and a Registered Keeper?
Many people think the car’s owner and registered keeper are the same, but they’re not. The table below summarises the key differences based on their rights and legal responsibilities.
| Term | Meaning | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|
| Owner | The person who legally bought or paid for the vehicle. | Financial ownership and proof of purchase. |
| Registered Keeper | The person recorded by the DVLA as the day-to-day keeper. | Responsible for tax, MOT, insurance, and penalties. |
Verify the Previous Keeper and Ownership History
Use our instant car reg check tool to reveal a car’s ownership history, keeper changes, accurate DVLA records, and the complete history. Enjoy peace of mind before buying or selling a used car.
Find More Owner Check Tools
FAQ about Transfer of Car Ownership
How do I transfer ownership of a car after a death?
If the owner has died, the executor or next of kin must contact the DVLA. You’ll need the V5C and a death certificate. Ownership can then be transferred to the rightful heir or sold.
How do I transfer ownership to a scrapyard or dealer?
Complete the relevant V5C section with the dealer or scrapyard’s details. Hand over the logbook, keep the new keeper slip, and inform DVLA. This removes your legal responsibility for the car.
Can I transfer ownership of my car without a V5C?
Yes, but it’s more complicated. You’ll need to complete a V62 form and send it to DVLA with a £25 fee. This will register the new keeper without the original logbook.
What is a V5C logbook?
The V5C logbook is an official DVLA document showing who the registered keeper of a car is. It’s not proof of ownership, but is required when selling or transferring a car.
What if I don’t have a V5C?
If you’ve lost your V5C, apply for a replacement with a V62 form. It costs £25. You can’t properly sell or transfer ownership until the replacement logbook is issued.
Who needs to complete the V5C logbook?
Both the seller and buyer must complete the relevant sections. The seller sends the logbook to DVLA, while the buyer keeps the new keeper’s slip as temporary proof of registration.
Can I transfer my car tax?
No, car tax doesn’t transfer to the new keeper. The seller automatically gets a refund for any full months remaining, and the buyer must tax the car before driving it.
Can a car have more than one registered keeper?
No, a car can only have one registered keeper at a time. However, the registered keeper can change as the car is sold or transferred to different people over time. You can get a car previous owner check to verify a car’s ownership history and hidden records.
Filling in the V5C logbook when selling to a dealer or scrapyard
Fill in the yellow trade section of the V5C, provide dealer details, and send it to DVLA. Hand the rest of the logbook to the dealer or scrapyard.
Can I buy or sell a car without a logbook?
It’s risky. A missing logbook could signal outstanding finance or a stolen car status. While possible with a V62 form, always be cautious and run a car history check before purchase.
Can I transfer ownership of my car without a V5C?
Yes, using a V62 form with a £25 fee. However, this takes longer, and the new keeper won’t receive a V5C immediately, making proof of transfer slower to confirm.
Can I tax a car if I’m not the registered keeper?
No, only the registered keeper can tax the car. If you’re buying a car, ensure the V5C is updated so you can tax it in your name straight away. Run a DVLA log book check to confirm the car history and V5C records in seconds.
Can I tax a car without a logbook?
Yes, if you have the green new keeper slip (V5C/2). Without this, you’ll need to wait until you receive the full V5C logbook in your name from the DVLA.
Can I transfer ownership to a family member?
Yes, it’s the same process as selling. Update the V5C with their details and send it to DVLA. The family member becomes the new registered keeper officially.
Can I tax a car if I’m not the registered keeper?
No, you must be the registered keeper. Once the DVLA updates their records, you’ll receive a new V5C. Only then can you tax the vehicle under your name.
Can I tax my car if my new keeper slip reference number is invalid?
If the reference number doesn’t work, contact the DVLA for help. You may need to wait for the new V5C logbook to arrive before you can tax the car.
How to tax a car that you’ve just bought?
Use the 12-digit reference number on the green new keeper slip (V5C/2). Go online at GOV.UK, or visit a Post Office to pay road tax immediately before driving.
How to change car tax class?
Complete section 7 of the V5C logbook and send it to DVLA. This applies if your vehicle changes use, such as becoming disabled-exempt or moving from private to commercial use.
What happens if I fail to tell the DVLA I’ve sold my car?
You may receive fines, penalty notices, or tax reminders. The DVLA could still hold you responsible for the vehicle until notified. Always update them immediately after selling or transferring.
