Finding the V5C document reference number is quite simple if you have the logbook. However, it becomes a bit more challenging if you don’t have the logbook.
More importantly, you need to have this number or the V5C logbook for vehicle registration, taxing, or change of ownership for vehicles. This means that you must find another way to get vehicle information if the logbook is missing or unavailable.
In this article, we will discuss how you can obtain the V5C document reference number and other vehicle registration data without the logbook. Let’s get straight into it.
What is a Vehicle Logbook (V5C)?
The V5C, or logbook, is the document provided by the DVLA detailing the specification of the vehicle and who the registered keeper is. This document serves quite a few purposes including:
- Ownership Verification: It shows the registered keeper’s name and address and confirms who is responsible for the vehicle.
- Vehicle Information: The logbook contains the make, model, year of manufacture, engine size, and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
- Legal Requirement: A V5C is legally binding and highly recommended for car ownership. It is required during the sale of a car, application of tax, or any other inquiry regarding the vehicle’s history and records.
The V5C is very important and may even be termed the vehicle’s identity card, mainly because many transactions involving the vehicle require it before they can be made.
What is the V5C Document Reference Number?
The V5C document reference number (DRN) is an 11 digit reference number found in Section 5 of the logbook. The reference number is one of the essential requirements in many administrative-related dealings concerning your vehicle.
It usually proves useful in:
- Online vehicle registration: This is useful for any online registration that requires the document reference number or for updating your vehicle’s details online.
- Duplicate logbook application: This reference number is utilised to locate a duplicate logbook at the time of application.
Having this number available makes many vehicle-related processes much easier. But if you can’t find it, you may struggle to complete these simple tasks.
How to Obtain a V5C Document Reference Number Without the Logbook
There are a number of steps you can take if you need your V5C reference number and don’t actually have the physical logbook. They are:
Requesting a replacement V5C from the DVLA
One of the easiest ways to get your V5C reference number is to apply for a replacement logbook from the DVLA.
Here’s how you can do that:
- Complete Form V62: The V62 is a lost or stolen logbook form that should be filled out online to get a replacement logbook.
- Fee Payment: Before your request is processed, you will need to pay a fee of £25.
- Wait for Processing: After submitting the form, you must wait five working days for processing.
After this time, you should receive the new V5C and you should be able to view the V5C reference number and other vehicle information easily. If you encounter any problems, you need to contact the DVLA’s customer service team at 0300 790 6802.
Using a V11 Tax Reminder
Although this method is not as common as the first, it still stands as an easy way to get the V5C document reference number without the logbook. If you have a V11 tax reminder letter the DVLA sent you, it will include your V5C document reference number.
However, using this route does have its limits since not everyone will get a V11 reminder every year.
These methods are the easiest if all you need is the V5C document reference number. If you need the vehicle’s registration information, you can use a reg check tool to access essential details about the vehicle.
When do you need a V5C Document Reference Number?
You need the V5C document reference number in several instances, Here are some of the more important occassions where you will need the reference number:
- Vehicle Tax and Registration: You cannot legally tax your car without a V5C logbook. When you tax your vehicle online, by phone, or at the Post Office, you’ll need this reference number to complete the process.
- Selling or Transferring Ownership: When you sell or transfer ownership of your vehicle to a new keeper, you must notify the DVLA. Part of this process involves completing sections of the V5C and providing the Document Reference Number to update the vehicle’s keeper details.
- Updating Vehicle Information: If you need to update any details on your V5C, such as a change of address or modification to the vehicle, you’ll need the reference number. This ensures that the DVLA has the correct and up-to-date information about your vehicle.
- Personalised Number Plates: If you want to assign or transfer personalised number plates, you will need the V5C Document Reference Number to complete the transaction. This applies whether you’re buying new plates or moving existing ones between vehicles.
- Ensuring Vehicle Legitimacy: When buying a used vehicle, checking the V5C Document Reference Number can help verify that the seller is the legitimate owner. This helps prevent issues related to stolen vehicles or fraudulent sales.
There are a lot more reasons why you may need a V5C document reference number and the log book itself. So you need to keep the reference number and the logbook safe. Let’s take a look at some steps you can take to keep your documents safe and available at all times.
How to Keep Your V5C Details Safe
Safeguard your V5C document and its reference number to avoid problems created by future loss or misplacement of logbooks. Here are some few tips to remember:
Storing Your Logbook Safely
To avoid losing your vehicle logbook and its reference number, it’s recommended to leave the document in a safe place at home when you’re not driving. You should, however, try to leave this document in your vehicle just in case it is requested by the authorities.
You can also check the vehicle for spots that are not often or easily accessible. This way the chances of it going missing are reduced.
Digital Record Keeping
Another option is to store the logbook and the reference number digitally. You may scan the V5C and store it in a secure encrypted cloud storage service. This will help you in times when you need to access this document urgently; however, remember, the original must still be kept safe.
If you keep to these tips, your V5C will always be safe and the document reference number accessible at all times.
Conclusion
In summary, getting your V5C document reference number in the absence of the original logbook might sound a bit challenging, but it is quite manageable through simple steps: by submitting an application to DVLA or using a V11 tax reminder.It’s very important to keep your information and documents safe and accessible at all times for better handling of various vehicle matters. If you need access to other vehicle information including the number of logbooks a vehicle has had through its lifetime, number of owners, and other registration information, feel free to visit Smart Car Check today!
