Sold your vehicle to a private individual or business
You need the 11 digit reference number from the latest vehicle log book (V5C).
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Give the green ‘new keeper’ slip from the log book to the buyer.
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Tell DVLA you’ve sold the vehicle using this service.
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Destroy the rest of the log book.
You cannot use this service if the buyer is registering the vehicle abroad. This includes the Channel Islands (Jersey and Guernsey), Isle of Man and Ireland. You need to fill in the ‘permanent export’ section instead.
You can take the registration number off the vehicle if you want to keep it. You must do this before you tell DVLA you sold your vehicle.
What happens next
Your vehicle tax will be cancelled by DVLA once you tell them you no longer own your vehicle.
You’ll be sent:
- an email confirmation (if you gave your email address)
- a letter confirming you’re no longer the keeper of the vehicle
- a refund cheque for any full months left on your vehicle tax, calculated from the date DVLA gets your information - if you pay by Direct Debit, it’ll be cancelled automatically
The buyer must tax the vehicle before driving it, or declare that it’s off the road (a SORN). The tax is not transferred when the vehicle is sold.
The new keeper should get:
- an email confirmation (if you gave their email address)
- a new log book within 5 working days
Other ways to apply
Fill in the log book and post it to DVLA.
DVLA
Swansea
SA99 1BA
If you do not have a log book
You must write to DVLA with:
- your name and address
- the vehicle registration number
- the make and model
- the exact date of sale
- the name and address of the new keeper
Your notification can be rejected if you do not give all the information. This will also affect any vehicle tax refund you’re owed.
DVLA
Swansea
SA99 1BA
Your answers
- 3. Did you sell the vehicle privately, or to a motor trader?
- Sold it privately to a person or business
- Change 3. Did you sell the vehicle privately, or to a motor trader?