I bought a vehicle – what do I need to do?
4 tasks in suggested order
1. Check the vehicle, V5C and history before buying — use the NI MOT route for Northern Ireland vehicles
Check that the registration, make/model and V5C match the vehicle, review MOT/test history and safety recalls, and investigate anything inconsistent before paying. Northern Ireland has a separate DVA MOT history/testing system.
Before buying or paying a deposit you cannot recover.
DVLA/GOV.UK vehicle checks for Great Britain; DVA/nidirect MOT history for vehicles tested in Northern Ireland.
Registration number, make/model, V5C and MOT/test details.
Do not apply the Great Britain “first MOT at 3 years” rule to Northern Ireland private cars: NI private cars/motorcycles are generally first tested at 4 years, subject to current exemptions/rules.
Official source: GOV.UK
2. Make sure the keeper change is registered and keep the new-keeper evidence
After purchase, the registered-keeper change must be completed through the applicable V5C/DVLA process. If there is no V5C, use the V62 route described by DVLA.
At purchase and immediately afterwards.
DVLA through the official keeper-change or V62 process.
V5C/new-keeper slip if available, registration number and your keeper details.
Being the registered keeper is not the same as proving legal ownership. Keep your purchase/sale evidence separately.
Official source: GOV.UK
3. Have valid motor insurance before using the vehicle on the road
You must have the required motor insurance before using the vehicle on the road. Make sure the policy actually covers you and this vehicle/use.
Before you drive the vehicle on a public road.
An authorised motor insurer/provider.
Driver, vehicle, use and address details requested for the policy.
Lili tip: compare several current offers if useful, including cover, exclusions, excess and price. This comparison is practical advice, not an official requirement, and Lili does not recommend a specific insurer.
Official source: GOV.UK
4. Tax the vehicle before using it on the road, or make a SORN if it will stay off road
Vehicle tax does not transfer with the vehicle. Tax it in your own keeper details before road use, or make a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN) if the vehicle will be kept off public roads and the SORN rules apply.
Before road use after purchase.
DVLA/GOV.UK vehicle tax service.
New-keeper slip/V5C or other reference accepted by the tax service, registration number and payment details where tax is due.
The previous keeper’s tax is cancelled when DVLA is notified; you must arrange your own tax before driving.
Official source: GOV.UK
