To notify the DVLA you’ve sold your car in the UK, you must inform them immediately—either online or by post—to avoid fines and legal liability. The fastest method is using the GOV.UK online service, which updates records instantly and confirms your submission by email.
The online service is generally the fastest and easiest way to notify the DVLA of a vehicle sale, transfer, or purchase. It is available daily from 7 am to 7 pm. You cannot use this service if you have already sent your logbook (V5C) by post.
To notify the DVLA online:
You will need the vehicle’s registration number (number plate), the 11-digit document reference number from your V5C logbook, the date of sale, and the buyer’s full name and address. If selling to a motor trader, you’ll need their name and postcode.
Go to the official DVLA website, specifically the “Tell DVLA you’ve sold, transferred or bought a vehicle” section.
Follow the step-by-step instructions, indicating whether you sold it privately or to a motor trader. Enter all the required details.
If applicable, you will need to tick a box confirming you understand you will lose any rights to the vehicle’s registration number, particularly if it’s a personalized plate.
After submission, you will receive instant confirmation by email. It is advisable to print or save this confirmation as proof of notification.
If you prefer to notify the DVLA by post, this method is also available, though it is generally slower and less convenient than the online service.
1. Complete the V5C Logbook: Fill in Section 6 of your V5C logbook with the new keeper’s details, the date of sale, and the vehicle’s current mileage. Both you and the new keeper must sign and date the declaration in Section 8.
2. Hand Over New Keeper Slip: Tear off Section 10 (V5C/2) along the perforated line and give it to the new owner. They will need this to tax the vehicle.
3. Mail the V5C: Send the remaining part of the V5C logbook (typically Sections 1-8) to: DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BA.
1. Complete Section 9: Fill in Section 9 of your V5C logbook, which is dedicated to sales to motor traders, insurers, or dismantlers.
2. Mail Section 9: Detach this section (sometimes referred to as the yellow slip or V5C/3) and post it to: DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BA. Some sources also mention SA99 1BD for motor traders.
3. Give Rest to Trader: Hand the remaining part of the V5C logbook to the motor trader.
• Proof of Postage: If sending by post, it’s a good idea to keep proof of postage by using tracked or recorded delivery.
If you do not have the V5C logbook, you cannot use the DVLA’s online service. In this situation, you must write a letter to the DVLA providing the following details:
Send this letter to: DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BA. It is also recommended that the new keeper submits a V62 form (application for a new registration certificate) to the DVLA, which costs £25.
This process must be done by post. Complete the ‘permanent export’ section of the V5C logbook and send it to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BD. You must also include a letter detailing the buyer’s name and address and give the remaining part of your V5C to the new owner so they can register the vehicle in their country.
If you wish to keep your personalized number plates, you must remove them from the vehicle before handing it over to the new owner and notify the DVLA of your intent to retain them. This costs £80, and the vehicle will typically be automatically reassigned its original registration number. The DVLA will then send you a V778 retention document and a new logbook.
Once you’ve successfully notified the DVLA of the sale:
• Cancel Car Insurance: Inform your insurance company that you have sold the vehicle. You may be entitled to a refund for any unused premium.
• Road Tax Refund: Any full months of road tax you paid in advance will be automatically refunded by the DVLA. If paying by Direct Debit, it will be cancelled automatically. The refund cheque typically arrives within six weeks.
• Cancel Subscriptions: Remember to cancel any other vehicle-related subscriptions, such as a vehicle tracker, if you had one.
• Keep Records: While the DVLA will update its records, it’s wise to keep a copy of all documentation related to the sale, including any online confirmation or postal communication, as crucial evidence in case of future disputes or inquiries. A bill of sale is also a good proof, especially for private sales.
Failing to notify the DVLA when you sell your car is a serious matter. Until the DVLA’s records are updated, you remain the registered keeper and are legally responsible for the vehicle. This means you could be held accountable for:
Such failures can result in fines of up to £1,000 or even a criminal conviction. Therefore, it is crucial to tell the DVLA you’ve sold your car as soon as possible to ensure a smooth transition of ownership and prevent any potential legal or financial issues.
You can notify the DVLA online at GOV.UK using your V5C logbook reference number, the buyer’s details, and the date of sale. Submission takes minutes and triggers instant confirmation plus automatic road tax refund processing.b
You remain legally responsible for the vehicle until DVLA updates its records. This means you could face fines for speeding, parking tickets, or unpaid road tax—even if you no longer own the car.
Yes, but only by post. You must write to DVLA with your full name, address, vehicle registration number, make and model, date of sale, and the buyer’s details. The new keeper should also submit a V62 form to request a new logbook.
Complete Section 9 of your V5C logbook and post it to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BA. Hand the rest of the logbook to the trader. This ensures the vehicle is deregistered from your name.
Yes. DVLA automatically refunds any full remaining months of road tax. If you paid by Direct Debit, it will be cancelled. Refunds usually arrive by cheque within six weeks.
The online service at GOV.UK is the quickest. It updates DVLA records instantly and sends confirmation by email. You’ll need your V5C reference number and the buyer’s details.
Before handing over the vehicle, apply to retain your plate via GOV.UK. It costs £80. DVLA will reassign the car’s original registration and send you a V778 retention document.
Yes. Inform your insurer immediately. You may be eligible for a refund on unused premiums. Also cancel any vehicle-related subscriptions like trackers or breakdown cover.