How to transfer car ownership

If you’ve sold your car privately, or given it as a gift to someone, you’re legally required to inform the DVLA of a change of ownership. This guide explains how to do that.

How to change ownership of a car in three steps

Step 1: Find out who is the registered keeper

The owner of the car and the registered keeper are usually the same person, but this isn’t always the case. For example, in the case of company cars, the company is the owner and the employee who uses it will be the registered keeper.

The registered keeper of a car will be the person who ‘keeps’ it and uses it day-to-day. This person appears on the car’s V5C logbook, which is why it states “This document is not proof of ownership”.

The registered keeper of the vehicle is responsible for taxing and insuring it, and ensuring it has a valid MOT. They will also be the initial contact for any speeding tickets, parking fines or police enquiries related to that car.

On the other hand, the owner of the car is the person or company who purchased it, or was gifted the vehicle. If you are the owner of the car but someone else is the registered keeper, the vehicle’s registration documents must reflect this, or you could be liable for any offences connected to that vehicle.

Proof of ownership will come in the form of a receipt or invoice from when you bought it. Even if you buy the car privately, make sure the seller gives you some sort of written agreement detailing the date of sale, the amount you paid and the method of payment.

Step 2: Fill in the V5C

The V5C, commonly known as the vehicle’s logbook, is the most important document when transferring ownership of a car.

If you transfer ownership, you must fill out section 2 of the V5C form, entering the new owner’s name and address. You then fill out and tear off the new keeper slip (section 6 of the V5C) and hand it to the new owner. 

The remainder of the V5C, including section 2 which you have just completed, must be sent to the DVLA.

Step 3: Tell the DVLA you’re transferring ownership

Transfer car ownership online

You can transfer ownership of your vehicle online. Fill out a form on the DVLA website to transfer ownership of the car, including the details of the new owner, and the 11-digit reference number from the car’s V5C. You’ll receive an automatic email from the DVLA to confirm the ownership change (if you’ve included the new owner’s email address on the form, they’ll also get an email confirming the transfer), followed by a letter in the post. 

As a new logbook will be issued automatically to the new owner within five days, you’re advised to tear up and dispose of the old V5C.

Transfer car ownership by post

Transferring a car’s ownership by post is much like doing it online – only slower.

First, fill out the V5C, entering the details of the person you’re transferring the car to in section 2, at the bottom of the left-hand page, and the new keeper slip (section 6) at the bottom of the right-hand page. Tear of section 6 and give it to the new owner.

You then send the V5C to the DVLA at:

DVLA, Swansea SA99 1BA

How to transfer the ownership of a car to a dealer or scrap yard

If you’re transferring the car to a dealer or scrap merchant, you fill out a different section of the V5C to send to the DVLA. You don’t fill in section 6, as you would do when transferring privately, instead filling in section 9. Separate it from the rest of the V5C document and send it to the DVLA.

You then give the rest of the V5C to the trader or scrap dealer.

What happens if you fail to notify the DVLA?

It’s in your own interest to inform the DVLA as quickly as possible that you’ve transferred the car, because until the transfer is recorded, you’ll be liable for any offences committed in the car. 

Worse, if you fail to notify the DVLA when transferring ownership of your car, you could receive an Out of Court Settlement letter and a fine of £55 (reduced to £35 if paid within 17 days). If you fail to pay before the deadline, you could end up in a magistrates’ court, with a potential penalty of up to £1,000.

Transferring car ownership FAQs

Do I need to transfer ownership of a car?

If you’re selling or giving a car to somebody, you’re legally required to tell the DVLA that you’re transferring ownership of it.

Can I transfer ownership to a family member?

You can transfer ownership of a vehicle to a family member. Even if you live at the same address, you’ll still need to inform the DVLA.

Can I transfer my car tax?

You can’t transfer any outstanding car tax on a car you’ve passed on. The new owner must retax the car in their name and you’ll receive a refund on any remaining months you have the car taxed for.

What if I don’t have a V5C?

As the vehicle logbook is a record of the registered keeper, not proof of ownership, it’s possible to transfer ownership without the V5C. Once a car has changed ownership, you can notify the DVLA online without needing the V5C. 

Can a car have more than one registered keeper?

A car can have a separate owner and keeper, but there can be only one keeper listed on the V5C.