What to do if you lose your log book

You might think it's just a log book, but a V5C is an official registration certificate that records your car's history - so it's pretty important.

If you lose it, don't panic! It's actually fairly common, so you have options to replace it!

How to replace a lost log book?

Losing a V5C log book isn't uncommon, so there are fairly straightforward options to replace it. There are a number of ways to do so, depending on your needs:

Apply online and tax your car at the same time

Since September 2024, the DVLA online service lets you apply for a replacement V5C and tax your car in one uninterrupted session.

This matters because it removes the hassle of having to wait for a new V5C logbook to arrive before asking, 'How do I tax my car?'.

You can start the tax renewal application with a tax reminder letter (V11) or a 'last chance' final notice from the DVLA. 

But, if you don't have these documents, you'll need to access the DVLA replacement log book service first. You won't need to tax your vehicle separately if you don't have a V5C, as you'll also be prompted to tax your car in the same session.

So, what other documents do you need to replace your V5C document and tax your car?

• The registration number of your car
• The VIN number (typically found stamped on the chassis or corner of the windscreen)
• The name and postcode registered of the keeper registered with the DVLA

This service is available from 7am to 9pm between Monday and Friday and 7am to 8pm on weekends.

Your replacement V5C should typically arrive within 5–7 working days. Taxing your car is done digitally and processed immediately on the internal DVLA system, so you can drive straightaway!

When you can't use the online replacement service

As accessible as the online replacement service is, there are exceptions where you won't be able to use it. This generally applies if you need to make changes or your circumstances change, such as:

• The keeper details have changed (if you change address or your name, for example)
• Aspects of the vehicle, or other details, have changed (this can be the colour, engine, or other modifications)
• You no longer own the vehicle (if it's been sold or scrapped, for example)
• Your vehicle is on the DVLA fleet scheme

If any of the above applies to you, you'll need to use the postal route instead (V62 form).

Online replacement vs online updating - what's the difference?

There's one key difference between replacing or updating your V5C online. You should only consider replacing your original log book if it's lost, stolen, or damaged. 

However, if you need to update any key details, such as your address or any vehicle modifications, you'll need to apply for a new V5C to be issued. Updating these details also requires you to apply by post. To do this:

• Download and complete an application for a log book (V62)
• Send the application to the DVLA (DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1DD) with a cheque or postal order for £25 payable to ‘DVLA, Swansea’ 

If you've lost your log book, or it's been stolen and you need to update your details, you'll need to make the changes via post first. Once you've done this, you can then apply for a replacement. In this instance, you have to complete both parts of the process, this is because sadly, you can't do both in the same online session.

In any case, you must have a UK address to apply for a replacement log book.

Apply by phone

If you're having difficulty or can't apply to replace your V5C online, you can also do so by phone. 

It's worth mentioning that you can only request a replacement V5C by phone if you don't need to change any of your details. So, if you need to change your name, address or vehicle details, you'll need to use the postal method.

You can call the DVLA by dialling: 0300 790 6802

This service is available Monday to Friday between 8am and 7pm. On Saturdays the service is open between 8am and 2pm.

In terms of turnaround, you should expect to wait around 2 weeks for a replacement V5C logbook to arrive. However, if you need to update your information, this can take up to 4 weeks.

You won't be able to tax your car while you apply for a V5C over the phone. You'll need to wait for the log book to arrive first or ask the DVLA adviser about your options.

Apply by post

It's the only way you can apply for a replacement V5C if any of your vehicle's details have changed or if your car has been modified. You can apply by post even if none of your details have changed and you just require a replacement log book. Simply fill in form V62 and send it to:

DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1DD

There are additional sections of the V62 form you must complete if you need to change any of your vehicle's details. You'll need to provide supporting evidence for any changes, this could be in the form of a receipt or a letter.

Changes to your vehicle can include:

• The colour
• The chassis
• The engine
• The seating capacity

The turnaround of receiving your replacement V5C is typically around 4 weeks when applying by post.

You might need to apply by post if your vehicle falls outside standard DVLA online handling (unusual records, historic vehicles, complex keeper histories). So, if you're faced with this dilemma, or the online service returns an error, you should contact the DVLA directly or apply by post.

How much does it cost to replace a lost car log book?

It costs £25 to replace your V5C log book, which you can pay online either by credit or debit card. The cost of replacing your log book remains the same, regardless of how you apply. However, if you find your lost V5C after applying to replace it, you can’t get a refund.

If you apply by post, your payment options are limited to cheque or postal order made payable to DVLA - not cash.

Why do I need my V5C log book?

A V5C log book is a classic example of a document that seems relatively unimportant right up until the point you need it.

It states 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

So what makes a V5C so important? Crucially, you'll need your log book if you want to:

• Pay for car tax
• Sell your car 

Can I tax my car without a log book?

Yes, if you have your V11 tax reminder letter from the DVLA, you can still tax your car without your V5C. In some cases, you can order a replacement V5C in the same online session without waiting for it to arrive.

If a V11 tax reminder is sent to you, it should display your vehicle registration number, current tax expiry date and 16-digit reference number. The letter should also walk you through the steps of renewing your vehicle tax. 

Can I sell my car without a log book?

Yes, you can sell your car without a V5C, but it's not recommended. It can be perceived as a red flag to anyone buying a used car without a log book and can make the process of the sale more difficult.

It's not uncommon for buyers and dealers to lower their offer or simply refuse to buy a car when it's missing the V5C log book. Not having the document can look suspicious, as it might indicate the vehicle has been stolen or written off.

If you do manage to sell a car without the log book, you still legally need to inform 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?

In most cases, you don't need your log book to buy car insurance, but there are certain insurers that 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.

What our motor insurance expert says

“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."

Matt Crole Rees Motor General Manager & Motor Insurance Expert

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