The DVLA has emphasised that it is important not to buy a used vehicle that is missing its logbook as it might be stolen or hard to tax. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders recently revealed that approximately 70,000 were taken without consent in 2014. The logbook – also known as the vehicle registration certificate (V5C) – is not proof of ownership but a resource that confirms the make, model, trim, identification number, registration number, body style, fuel type, carbon emission output and the number of owners, etc. A V5C is also used to transfer ownership so an honest seller should have kept it safe or ordered a replacement.
If you purchase a used vehicle without a logbook one has to be obtained. Complete Form V62: Application For A Vehicle Registration Certificate. The process takes approximately 6 weeks and costs £25.
Tips To Avoid Buying Stolen Vehicle
The DVLA has published a series of tips to minimise the risk of buying a stolen vehicle. Prior to seeing a vehicle:
- “Ask the seller for the registration number, make and model and MOT test number.
- Use DVLA’s online vehicle enquiry service to check that the details you’ve been given match their records.
- Check that the vehicle’s MOT is up to date, and the MOT history matches the details you’ve been given.”
When you see the vehicle:
- “Ask to see the V5C vehicle registration certificate. Make sure it has a DVL watermark, and the serial number isn’t between BG8229501 to BG9999030, or BI2305501 to BI2800000. If it is, the V5C might be stolen. Call the police. Most new V5Cs are now red but some older ones may not be. To check the V5C is the latest issued use the vehicle enquiry service.
- Make sure the details in the log book match the details you’ve been given.
- Check the vehicle identification number and engine number. Make sure these match the details on the log book.”
Selling A Vehicle: Road Tax Refund
On October 1st 2014, the DVLA changed its rules to prevent a seller leaving road tax on a vehicle when it is sold. It coincided with the abolition of the tax disc that was a receipt to prove duty had been paid. Enforcement now comes via a computer database that automatically fines a non-complier. The DVLA – once it is informed a vehicle has been sold via its V5C or online – refunds the seller any remaining months of road tax. This process is automatic and compulsory. There is no longer a need to apply. Furthermore, if the seller paid by direct debit then it is automatically cancelled too.
Buying A Vehicle: Get Road Tax Without V11 Reminder Letter
The recent rule changes require you - as the buyer – to pay excise duty before taking the vehicle on the highway. You need the 12 digit reference number from the V5C/2. You should receive this small part of the log book at the point of sale. Tax can be arranged online at here. You can also pay via phone (0300 123 4321), textphone (0300 790 6201), or a Post Office.