The short answer: after you buy a used car, your new V5C logbook usually arrives within about 4 weeks of the DVLA being told you are the new keeper. A replacement V5C ordered online or by phone is generally quicker, with DVLA guidance pointing to around 5 working days. These are guideline timings, not guarantees, so allow a little extra if you need the document for something specific.
V5C timings at a glance
- New keeper after buying a used car: allow up to 4 weeks for the new V5C to be posted to you.
- Replacement V5C ordered online or by phone: typically around 5 working days.
- Replacement ordered by post: can take several weeks, as it relies on postal handling at both ends.
- Change of address or name: usually within a few weeks, depending on how you notify DVLA.
How long after buying a used car?
When you buy a car, the seller should tell the DVLA that they have sold it. They can do this online or by phone, or by using the relevant section of the V5C. The seller then gives you the green new keeper slip (V5C/2). This slip is your proof that the DVLA has been notified, and it lets you tax the vehicle.
The DVLA then updates its record and posts a new V5C to the new keeper's address. The usual guidance is to allow up to 4 weeks. If it has not arrived after that time, contact the DVLA rather than waiting indefinitely.
Keep the green slip safe until the full V5C turns up. It is the evidence that you have taken on the vehicle.
How long does a replacement V5C take?
If you are the registered keeper and your V5C is lost, stolen, damaged or never arrived, you can apply for a replacement. There is a fee, which has been £25 in recent years, but check the current amount before you pay.
- Online or by phone: usually the fastest route, with the document normally posted within around 5 working days.
- By post: you complete the application form and send it in. This is slower, and it can take several weeks.
You generally need to be the registered keeper to apply, and the document is sent to the address held on the DVLA record. If you have moved and the address is out of date, update it first, otherwise the V5C could go to the wrong place.
Why your V5C might be delayed
- The seller has not notified the DVLA. This is the most common cause. Until the change of keeper is recorded, nothing is sent.
- Incorrect details. A mistake in the name, address or registration number can hold things up.
- Postal delays. The document is sent by post, so Royal Mail delays can add days.
- Imported or newly registered vehicles. These often involve extra checks, so they can take longer than a straightforward used-car transfer.
- Queries on the record. If the DVLA needs to investigate something about the vehicle, the process may pause.
What to do if your V5C has not arrived
First, check that you have the green new keeper slip and that you gave the correct address. If more than 4 weeks have passed, contact the DVLA and ask what is holding things up. If there is no sign that the change of keeper was recorded, you may need to apply for a V5C yourself, and the process will depend on your situation.
Do not assume everything is fine just because you have the car and the keys. Until your name is on the record, you could run into trouble with tax, insurance or later selling the vehicle.
Checking the V5C when you buy
When you view a used car, ask to see the V5C. Do not buy a car if the seller cannot show it, or if their explanation sounds vague. Check that:
- the registration number, make, model and colour match the car in front of you
- the VIN and engine number match those on the vehicle
- the seller's name and address match the document, and the seller is the registered keeper
- the document looks genuine, with no signs of alteration
It is worth knowing that a V5C is not proof of ownership. It records who is the registered keeper, and it does not show the car's full history. A car can have a perfectly good V5C and still have an insurance write-off marker, outstanding finance or a mileage discrepancy.
Other checks to run before you pay
Before handing over any money, run a vehicle history check. Check the vehicle's registration on motorpeek.com to look at the details a V5C cannot tell you, such as MOT history from DVSA records, mileage patterns that may point to clocking, previous keepers, and whether the car appears on the MIAFTR database as a Category A, B, S or N insurance write-off. You can also look for a police stolen marker (PNC) and outstanding finance. No check can cover every possible risk, so combine the results with a proper inspection and a test drive.
Key takeaways
Expect your V5C within about 4 weeks of buying, or around 5 working days for a replacement ordered online or by phone. Keep the green slip, confirm that the seller has notified the DVLA, and contact the DVLA if the document does not arrive. Motorpeek is an independent service and is not affiliated with the DVLA or any government body.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get a V5C after buying a car?
You should normally receive the new V5C within about 4 weeks of the DVLA being told about the change of keeper. The seller needs to notify the DVLA first, and you should keep the green new keeper slip as proof in the meantime. If nothing arrives after 4 weeks, contact the DVLA.
How long does a replacement V5C take to arrive?
If you apply online or by phone, DVLA guidance points to around 5 working days. Applying by post is slower and can take several weeks. A fee applies, so check the current amount when you apply.
Can I sell or tax a car without the V5C?
You can often tax a car using the green new keeper slip, but selling without a V5C is much harder. Buyers should be wary of any car sold without the logbook, as it can point to problems with ownership or history. If you are the registered keeper and have lost yours, apply for a replacement before selling.