Get a vehicle log book (V5C)

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Get a replacement log book (V5C)

You need to get a replacement V5C certificate (vehicle log book) if the original has been lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed by you or your insurance company. 

You can apply online or by phone if the details in the V5C can stay the same. The V5C will be posted to the address which the DVLA has on record.

You can tax your vehicle online at the same time.

There are other ways to get a V5C if anything in the V5C needs to change. For example, if:

  • your name or address have changed
  • the vehicle details have changed
  • you’ve bought, sold or transferred a vehicle
  • you did not get a V5C with your new vehicle

This service is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).

Apply online for a replacement V5C

You must be the registered keeper on the V5C to apply online.

You’ll usually receive your V5C certificate by post within 5 working days.

Contact DVLA if you have not received your V5C and it’s been 2 weeks since you applied.

If you have not received your V5C after 6 weeks and you have not notified DVLA, you’ll have to pay £25 to get a replacement.

When you cannot use this service

You cannot use this service if:

  • you need to change any of your details
  • you do not have the vehicle in your possession
  • you’ve already sent your V5C to the DVLA for changes to be made
  • your vehicle is registered as part of the DVLA fleet scheme
  • your vehicle is registered abroad, including the Channel Islands (Jersey and Guernsey), Isle of Man or Ireland

What it costs

The service usually costs £25. You can pay by credit or debit card.

You cannot get a refund once you’ve used the service (for example if you later find your V5C).

Apply online

You will need the:

Start now

Apply for a replacement V5C by phone

You can apply by phone if you’re the registered keeper on the V5C that’s gone missing or is damaged.

You cannot apply by phone if any of your details or your vehicle’s details have changed. The details must not be different from the information in the missing or damaged V5C.

You’ll need the:

Contact DVLA by phone to apply.

You’ll usually receive your V5C within 5 working days. Contact DVLA if you have not received your V5C and it’s been 2 weeks since you applied.

If you have not received your V5C after 6 weeks and you have not notified DVLA, you’ll have to pay £25 to get a replacement.

View a printable version of the whole guide

Part of Buy a vehicle: step by step

  1. Step 1 Check the vehicle before you buy it

    You'll need the vehicle's registration number, make, model and MOT test number. You also need to see the V5C vehicle registration certificate (log book).

    1. Check the details you've been given match DVLA's information
    2. Check the vehicle's MOT history
    3. Check if the vehicle has been recalled because of a safety issue
    4. Check the log book is not for a stolen vehicle

  2. Step 2 Buy and register the vehicle

    Once you've bought the vehicle, you have to register it. How you register it depends on whether it has a V5C registration certificate (log book).

    1. Find out how to register your vehicle
    2. You are currently viewing: Get a vehicle log book if you do not have it £25

  3. and Register for MOT reminders

    You must get an MOT for your vehicle every year once it's 3 years old.

    1. Get a reminder when your MOT is due

  4. Step 3 Insure the vehicle

    You must have insurance before you can use your vehicle on the road.

    1. Check if your vehicle is insured on the Motor Insurance Database
    2. Read about vehicle insurance

  5. Step 4 Tax the vehicle

    You need to tax the vehicle before you can use it on the road.

    1. Check how much you’ll have to pay to tax your vehicle
    2. Check when you don't have to pay vehicle tax
    3. Tax your vehicle