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🇬🇧 United Kingdom

V62 Vehicle Registration Certificate

Replace Lost V5C Logbook

Easy ~10 min VehicleRegistrationDVLA

/ What is this form?

The V5C Vehicle Registration Certificate, commonly called the logbook, is the document that records a vehicle's registered keeper in the UK. Issued by the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency), the V5C includes the vehicle registration number, make, model, colour, and the name and address of the registered keeper. It is not proof of ownership, but it is essential for selling a vehicle, paying vehicle tax, and proving a connection to a vehicle.

Form V62 is the application form for a replacement V5C when the original has been lost, stolen, damaged, or never received. Around 1-2 million replacement V5C applications are processed annually. The process can be completed online or by paper form, with the online route being significantly faster. A £25 fee applies in both cases.

A key point: the V5C records the registered keeper, not the legal owner. These can be different people — for example, a company may be the owner while an employee is the registered keeper. When buying a vehicle privately, always check that the seller's name on the V5C matches their ID.

/ Who needs this form?

  • Vehicle owners whose V5C has been lost or misplaced
  • Anyone whose V5C has been stolen (report to police first)
  • People who never received a V5C after buying a vehicle from a dealer or private seller
  • Buyers who purchased a vehicle where the seller no longer has the V5C
  • Anyone whose V5C has been damaged beyond legibility

/ What you need before you start

Vehicle registration number (number plate)
Vehicle make, model, colour, and approximate year of manufacture
Your full name and address as registered keeper (or new keeper if applicable)
£25 payment (cheque payable to DVLA or online payment)
Reason for the application
If applicable: proof of purchase, crime reference number (if stolen)

/ Step-by-step guide

1 Determine Why You Need a V62
Use V62 if: your V5C logbook has been lost, stolen, or damaged; you never received a V5C when you bought the vehicle; you recently bought a vehicle and the seller kept the V5C; your V5C has incorrect details (use V5C/2 to add yourself as new keeper, then V62 if corrections are needed).
2 Complete the V62 Form
Enter the vehicle registration number (licence plate), the vehicle make, model, and colour, your full name and address, and state the reason for the application. If you bought the vehicle without a V5C, state when and from whom you bought it. The form is available at Post Offices and online at gov.uk.
3 Provide Evidence if Required
If you are the registered keeper, you may not need additional evidence. If you are a new owner without a V5C, attach proof of purchase (receipt, bill of sale) or a letter from the previous keeper if possible.
4 Pay the £25 Fee and Submit
Apply online at gov.uk/vehicle-registration/replace-v5c (credit/debit card payment) or complete the paper V62 form and post to DVLA with a £25 cheque payable to DVLA. A replacement V5C typically arrives within 5 days of an online application or 2-4 weeks by post.

/ Key fields explained

Field What to enter Common mistake
Vehicle Registration Number The current UK registration number (licence plate) of the vehicle exactly as it appears — no spaces are needed but include any letters and numbers. Providing the previous registration number if the vehicle was re-registered — always use the current plate.
Reason for Application Select: Lost / Never received / Stolen / Damaged / Purchased without V5C. Providing the correct reason helps DVLA process and flags vehicles that may have been used fraudulently. Selecting 'Lost' when the V5C was actually taken by a private seller at purchase — this is 'Purchased without V5C' and DVLA applies different checks.
New Registered Keeper Details If you are not currently the registered keeper (e.g. you recently bought the vehicle), enter your details as the new keeper. Using the previous owner's name when you are the new keeper — the replacement V5C will then be sent to the wrong person at the wrong address.

/ Common mistakes to avoid

Buying a vehicle where the seller claims the V5C is 'in the post' — this is a common fraud indicator. Wait for the original or insist on seeing proof from DVLA before completing the purchase.
Not checking HPI/vehicle history before applying for a V62 for a newly purchased vehicle — outstanding finance, write-offs, and theft records may make the vehicle a poor purchase.
Sending cash with the postal form — only cheques payable to DVLA are accepted. Cash is not returned.
Applying for a V62 when you should be transferring ownership using the V5C/2 — if you have the green slip from the V5C, use that to register as new keeper rather than applying for a full replacement.

/ Frequently asked questions

Can I sell my car without a V5C?

Technically yes, but it makes the sale very difficult. Buyers are rightly suspicious of vehicles without logbooks. It is better to apply for a replacement V62 before selling, or complete the sale and immediately apply for a replacement V5C with both parties' details.

How long does it take to receive a replacement V5C?

Online: approximately 5 business days. By post (paper V62): approximately 2-4 weeks. The DVLA processes online applications faster.

I bought a car and the dealer says the V5C will come in the post — is this normal?

It can be normal if the dealer has recently acquired the vehicle and is having it registered in your name. However, request a receipt showing the registration number and confirm directly with DVLA that the V5C application is in process if you are concerned.

Does a V5C prove I own the vehicle?

No. The V5C shows who is the registered keeper, not the legal owner. If a vehicle is on finance, the finance company is typically the owner, even though you may be the registered keeper on the V5C.