Lost Your V5C Logbook? Here's Exactly What to Do

Losing your V5C logbook is more common than most drivers realise. The DVLA issues tens of thousands of replacement V5C documents every year. The process for getting a replacement is straightforward, but it is important to act promptly — particularly if you are planning to sell the vehicle or if you have reason to believe the document may have been stolen rather than simply misplaced.

Step 1 — Apply Online (Fastest Method)

The quickest way to get a replacement V5C is to apply online at gov.uk/vehicle-log-book. You will need the vehicle's registration number and your name and address as the registered keeper. The replacement fee is £25 and can be paid by card. Your new V5C will arrive within 5 to 7 working days. You can also tax your vehicle and apply for a replacement V5C at the same time in a single transaction.

Step 2 — Apply by Post Using the V62 Form

If you prefer to apply by post, download or collect a V62 form from gov.uk or your local Post Office. Complete all sections carefully and post it to: DVLA, Vehicle Customer Services, Swansea, SA99 1BA. Allow 2 to 6 weeks for postal applications. The same £25 fee applies, payable by cheque made payable to DVLA.

What If You've Recently Bought the Car?

If you have recently bought a car and the seller did not provide the V5C, you should ask them for the document — it is their responsibility to hand it over at the time of sale. If the document cannot be located, apply for a replacement using the V62 form, providing the new keeper slip (Section 6 of the current-style V5C, or Section 10 of the older style) if you have it.

In the meantime, you can still tax the vehicle using the new keeper slip reference.

If Your V5C Was Stolen

If you believe your V5C was stolen rather than lost — for example, if it was in a car that was broken into — report the theft to the police and obtain a crime reference number before applying for a replacement. This is important because stolen V5C documents are frequently used in vehicle fraud. Alert the DVLA to the theft when you apply, so the lost document can be flagged on their system.

Selling a Car Without a V5C

Selling a car without a V5C is legal but significantly more difficult. Buyers are rightly cautious about purchasing a car without its logbook — it cannot be verified as a legitimate document, and the buyer cannot confirm the car's registered keeper history. Replace the V5C before selling if at all possible. The £25 fee is trivial relative to the impact on your car's saleability and the price it achieves.

Note that when selling, buyers will typically also want to see the car's service history alongside the V5C. A car with both documents intact commands significantly more confidence and value than one missing either.

Key Takeaways

• Apply for a replacement V5C online at gov.uk/vehicle-log-book — costs £25, arrives in 5–7 working days.
• Alternatively, use the V62 form by post — allow 2–6 weeks.
• If the V5C was stolen, report the theft to police and notify the DVLA when applying.
• Selling without a V5C is legal but significantly reduces buyer confidence and sale price.
• A new keeper can tax the vehicle using the new keeper slip reference while waiting for the replacement.

Related reading: Full Service History vs Partial: Does It Really Matter? | What Is a V5C Logbook? The Complete UK Guide | V5C Red Flags: 8 Signs the Logbook Isn't Genuine