Get a vehicle log book (V5C)

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1. Get a duplicate log book (V5C)

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

You can get a duplicate V5C 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 after applying for a duplicate V5C.

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 for a duplicate V5C online

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

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.

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 duplicate 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 after 4 weeks if you apply this way. Contact DVLA if you have not received your V5C and it’s been 4 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.

2. If you cannot get a log book (V5C) online

There are other ways to get a new log book (V5C) if:

You should apply by post if you need to change the vehicle details.

You’ll usually receive your V5C after 4 weeks if you apply by post.

Contact DVLA if you have not received your V5C and it’s been 4 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.

Apply by post for a replacement V5C

  1. Download and fill in an application for a V5C (form V62).

  2. Send it to DVLA with a cheque or postal order for £25 made payable to ‘DVLA, Swansea’.

DVLA
Swansea
SA99 1DD

If you did not get a V5C for your new vehicle

  1. Download and fill in an application for a V5C (form V62).

  2. Send it to DVLA with the green ‘new keeper’ slip given to you by the seller.

The new keeper slip needs to be from the most recent V5C. Check that the date on the slip matches the last V5C issue date on the vehicle enquiry service if you’re not sure.

If you do not send in the new keeper slip from the most recent V5C, you’ll have to pay £25. Include a cheque or postal order made payable to ‘DVLA, Swansea’.

DVLA
Swansea
SA99 1DD

If you do not have a V5C and you took your vehicle out of the UK

Contact the driving authority of the country you took the vehicle to. They’ll tell you how to register the vehicle without a V5C.

Send a letter to DVLA to tell them you took the vehicle out of the country. Include:

  • your name and address
  • the date you took the vehicle out of the country
  • where DVLA can send the vehicle tax refund if you’re entitled to one

DVLA
Swansea
SA99 1DD

If you also need to tax your vehicle

You may be able to tax your vehicle at a Post Office and apply for a new V5C at the same time.

  1. Complete an application for a V5C (form V62).

  2. Take the completed form along with £25 to a branch that deals with vehicle tax.

Check if the Post Office branch offers this service before you travel.