A V5C is your vehicle's log book, it's an official registration certificate that records your car's history - so it's a pretty important document.
You'll usually receive the document within 4 weeks of purchasing a vehicle, it confirms that you're the registered keeper. Not having a V5C log book could lead to difficulty selling, taxing or even insuring your car.
If you've lost your log book, don't panic! It's actually fairly common, so you have options to replace it.
What is a V5C log book?
First things first—what exactly is a log book? Officially known as a V5C, it’s a red document issued by the DVLA that proves you’re the registered keeper of your car. It’s important for things like taxing your car, selling it, or even changing your details.
Don't fret - you have a few options to replace your log book if it's lost, stolen or destroyed. If any of your details have changed, you may need to do that first - otherwise you can begin the process of ordering a replacement log book. You can do this:
- Using the DVLA's online service
- By phone
- By post
Can I get my log book number without my log book?
No, you can't. Unless you've written it down somewhere, the only place you'll find this number is on the physical V5C log book itself.
This is why it’s so important to keep your log book safe. Whether you need it for selling your car, taxing it, or updating details, having it to hand makes the process much easier. If it’s lost, stolen, or damaged, make sure to get a replacement as soon as possible.
I've lost my log book - what should I do?
If you’ve lost your log book, don’t worry. You’ll need to fill out a V62 form to request a replacement. A V62 form is used to apply for a duplicate V5C when your original log book has been lost, stolen, or damaged.
You can fill out a V62 form:
- Online: Quickly and securely via the DVLA website.
- By post: Download the form or request it from the DVLA and send it back to their address.
Here’s how to apply for a replacement log book depending on your preferred method:
Apply for a new/replacement log book online
If you simply need to replace your V5C, the quickest way to do this is by filling out the V62 form online using the DVLA's Duplicate Vehicle Log Book service.
To apply for a new log book online, you'll need to provide some information:
- Your car's registration number
- The VIN/chassis number of your car
- The name and postcode registered in your log book
You should get your replacement V5C within 5 working days. If it doesn't arrive within two weeks, you should contact the DVLA.
Apply for a new/replacement log book by phone
As with an online application, if you simply need to replace your V5C, you can contact the DVLA on 0300 790 6802. If your details are still up to date, you can order a duplicate log book.
Like the online application, you'll need to provide:
- Your reg number
- Your car's VIN
- The name and postcode on the log book
If you're applying by phone, you can expect a longer turnaround to receive your new log book of around 4 weeks. So if you need an urgent replacement log book, it's best to do it online!
Apply for a new/replacement log book by post
If you need to change the address on your log book, you can do so online or by post. Simply fill in form V62 and send it to:
DVLA
Swansea
SA99 1DD
However, if your vehicle’s details have changed, or if you’ve modified your car in any way, you can only apply by post. You need to tell DVLA about any major changes to your car, including:
- The colour
- The chassis
- The engine
- The seating capacity
If you need to change any of your vehicle's details, there are additional sections of the V62 form you must complete. You'll need to provide supporting evidence for any changes, this could be in the form of receipt or a letter.
If you apply via post, it typically takes around 4 weeks to get a replacement V5C.
How much does it cost to replace a lost car log book?
It costs £25 to replace your log book, which you can pay online either by credit or debit card.
If you find your lost V5C afterwards, you can’t get a refund.
Why do I need my V5C log book?
Your V5C log book shows who's responsible for registering and taxing your car. It proves who's responsible for the car, but it doesn't prove ownership. Your V5C also contains information about your car, including the:
- Date the car was first registered
- Make and model
- Name and address of the current registered keeper
- Number of previous registered keepers
- Engine size
- Colour
You need your log book if you want to:
- Pay for car tax
- Sell your car
Why do I need to make sure my address is up to date on my log book?
You log book tells the DVLA where to send any correspondence, including your tax reminder. The police and parking firms use DVLA databased when they issue penalties like speeding and parking tickets.
Having the wrong address on your log book means your tax reminders or parking fines may be sent to the wrong house. And if you don't pay on time because you never got the initial letter, things could escalate.
How to change your address on a log book
You update the address on your log book online or by post.
- Online: Use the DVLA’s website for a quick update.
- By post: Fill in section 6 of your V5C and send it to DVLA Swansea SA99 1BA.
Failing to update your address could result in a fine of up to £1,000.
See also: How to change your address on your drivers licence.
How to update your name on a log book
To update your name on a log book, complete section 3 of your V5C and send it by post to DVLA Swansea SA99 1BA.
How to update vehicle details on a log book
If you’ve made changes to your vehicle—such as altering its colour, engine, or body type—you must update the DVLA by post. Fill out the relevant sections of your V5C and send it to:
DVLA Swansea SA99 1BA.
Can I tax my car without a log book?
If you have your V11 tax reminder letter from the DVLA, you can still tax your car without your V5C. Enter the 16-digit reference number in the DVLA Vehicle Tax Service and follow the instructions.
If you don't have your V11 letter - and you're not waiting for a log book on a car you've just bought - you can't tax your car. You need to apply for a duplicate log book before you can tax the car.
If you have to wait a few weeks for your log book, you might have to give your car a SORN and keep it off the road until you're able to tax it.
Can I sell my car without a log book?
Yes, you can sell your car without a V5C, but it's not recommended as it often makes the process more difficult.
Some buyers and dealers may lower their offer or simply refuse to buy a car when it's missing the log book. The lack of log book might look suspicious as it sometimes indicates the vehicle has been stolen or written-off.
But if you manage to sell a car without the log book, you still need to tell the DVLA about the change in ownership.
You also need to provide the buyer with a 'bill of sale' which should have the following details:
- The buyer's full name and details
- The car's make and model
- The registration number and VIN plate number
- The price and terms of payment
- Confirmation that the car was 'sold as seen'
- The signatures of both the buyer and seller
- The date of the sale
This information should help the new owner apply for a new log book.
Do I need my log book to get car insurance?
You don't need your log book to compare car insurance quotes with us, but certain insurers might ask for your log book details when you buy a policy.
When you compare car insurance quotes with us, we'll ask you, 'Who is the car registered to?' and you can select:
- The policyholder
- Spouse
- Other driver
- Parent
- Private leased
- Company leased
- Limited company
- Society or club
The person you select should match the registered keeper on your log book.
“You can insure your car even if you're waiting for a replacement log book. When you compare quotes with us, we don't ask you for your log book number.
“It's not common for an insurance company to want your log book number, but they may ask for it to confirm who the registered keeper is. Particularly if you've listed the registered keeper as someone who's not the main driver.
"If an insurer asks for your log book number, explain to them that you're waiting on a replacement from the DVLA and they can advise you further."
What our motor insurance expert says
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