A replacement V5C logbook costs £25 when you apply to the DVLA, at the time of writing. A V5C is free when you are a new keeper and the DVLA issues one after you register the vehicle in your name, or when you update details such as your address. Fees can change, so check the current price on GOV.UK before you pay.
MotorPeek is an independent vehicle history check site and is not affiliated with the DVLA or the government. This guide covers what you pay, how to apply, and what to look for if you are buying a used car.
How much does a V5C cost?
- Replacement V5C (lost, stolen, damaged or not received): £25 at the time of writing.
- New keeper V5C after buying a car: no charge. The DVLA sends it to the new registered keeper.
- Updating your name, address or other details: no charge.
Be wary of third-party sites that charge more for the same service. You can apply directly to the DVLA through GOV.UK, and you do not need to go through a paid middleman.
How to apply for a replacement V5C
Only the registered keeper can apply for a replacement. You can usually apply in one of these ways:
- Online: you will need the vehicle registration number and the details of the registered keeper. This is typically the quickest route, and the DVLA says the document normally arrives within a few working days.
- By phone: the DVLA offers a telephone service for replacements.
- By post: you complete form V62 and send it with payment. This takes longer.
The replacement is posted to the address held on the DVLA record, so make sure that address is up to date. If you have recently moved, update your address first.
What is a V5C, and what is it not?
The V5C is the vehicle registration certificate, commonly called the logbook. It shows who the DVLA has recorded as the registered keeper. It is not proof of legal ownership, so it will not tell you whether finance is still owed on the car.
The V5C does record useful details, including the registration number, make and model, colour, VIN or chassis number, engine number, date of first registration and number of former keepers.
If you are buying a used car
A seller who cannot show you the V5C should raise questions. Some sellers say it is on order or in the post. That can be genuine, but be careful. Here is what to check:
- Name and address: the seller should be the registered keeper, and the address should match where you are viewing the car.
- VIN and engine number: these should match the numbers on the car itself, usually on the windscreen base and under the bonnet or on the chassis plate.
- Number of keepers: compare it with what the seller tells you and with the car's history.
- Document features: the latest V5C has a distinctive design. Be cautious if it looks poorly printed, altered or photocopied.
- Tear-off section: the new keeper slip is usually completed at the point of sale. Do not hand over payment until you understand the process.
Why the V5C is not enough on its own
A genuine V5C can still hide problems. It will not show whether the vehicle has been recorded as an insurance write-off, whether it has been reported stolen, whether finance is outstanding, or whether the mileage has been tampered with.
A proper history check looks at these things:
- Insurance write-off records: the MIAFTR database holds categories A, B, S and N. Cat A and B cars must never return to the road. Cat S (structural damage) and Cat N (non-structural damage) can be repaired and sold.
- Stolen marker: the Police National Computer (PNC) can show whether a vehicle has been reported stolen.
- Outstanding finance: a car on finance may not belong to the seller, and the lender could have a claim on it.
- MOT history: DVSA records show past test results, advisories and recorded mileage at each test, which helps you spot possible clocking.
- Previous keepers: a lot of owners in a short time can be worth asking about.
Before you view a car, you can enter its registration on motorpeek.com to see what a vehicle history check reveals. It is a quick way to compare what the seller says with the recorded history.
What if the seller has lost the V5C?
If the seller is the registered keeper, they can apply for a replacement for £25 and wait until it arrives before the sale goes ahead. It is reasonable to ask them to do this. Avoid paying a deposit or the full price for a car with no V5C, because you will not be able to register it in your name without the right paperwork.
If the seller is not the registered keeper, ask why. There may be a simple explanation, but it can also point to a problem, such as a sale on behalf of someone else or a car that is not theirs to sell.
Quick summary
- Replacement V5C: £25 at the time of writing, from the DVLA.
- New keeper V5C: free.
- Only the registered keeper can order a replacement.
- The V5C is not proof of ownership, and it does not show finance, write-offs or theft.
- Always check the car's full history before you hand over any money.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a replacement V5C cost?
A replacement V5C costs £25 when you apply to the DVLA, at the time of writing. Fees can change, so confirm the current price on GOV.UK. You do not need to pay a third-party site to do it for you.
Is a V5C free when you buy a used car?
Yes. When you buy a car and the change of keeper is registered with the DVLA, the new V5C is sent to you at no charge. Updating details such as your name or address on the V5C is also free.
Can I buy a car without a V5C logbook?
It is risky, and you should be cautious. Without the V5C you cannot easily register the car in your name, and you cannot verify the seller is the registered keeper. Ask the registered keeper to order a replacement and wait for it to arrive before you pay.