I sold or transferred a vehicle – what do I need to do?
4 tasks in suggested order
1. Correct the V5C before selling if its keeper or vehicle details are wrong
Before sale, update the V5C if your name/address or vehicle details have changed. If you want to keep a personalised registration, remove it before selling.
Before handing the vehicle to the buyer.
DVLA/GOV.UK vehicle registration services.
V5C and the corrected keeper/vehicle information; personalised-registration details if relevant.
Do not post or share pictures/copies of the V5C document reference number with potential buyers because it can be misused.
Official source: GOV.UK
2. Give the buyer the correct V5C section and keep your own sale record
For a vehicle staying in the UK, give the buyer the green “new keeper” slip. Keep a dated record of the sale/transfer and the buyer details you used to notify DVLA.
At the handover.
Between seller and buyer; DVLA rules determine which V5C section is used.
V5C, buyer’s full name/address and exact sale/transfer date.
If the vehicle is being permanently exported, use the permanent-export process instead of the normal UK keeper-transfer steps.
Official source: GOV.UK
3. Tell DVLA that you sold or transferred the vehicle
You must notify DVLA when you no longer own the vehicle and give the new keeper’s details. The official online service can be used when the V5C route allows it.
As part of the sale/transfer; do not leave the vehicle registered to you after handover.
DVLA through the GOV.UK sold/bought vehicle service, or the specified postal route if you do not have a V5C/cannot use the online service.
Registration number, V5C details, buyer’s full name/address and exact sale date.
After DVLA is told, vehicle tax is cancelled. If you sold without a V5C, DVLA requires a written notification with the specified vehicle, seller and buyer details.
Official source: GOV.UK
4. Check the automatic vehicle-tax refund and change or end your insurance
Once DVLA records that you no longer own the vehicle, its vehicle tax is cancelled and any refund is for full remaining months. Your motor-insurance contract is separate, so contact your insurer about ending or changing cover.
After the sale/transfer has been notified to DVLA.
DVLA for vehicle tax; your insurer for the private insurance contract.
Sale date, vehicle details and your insurance policy details.
Lili tip: the DVLA tax cancellation/refund is an official consequence of the keeper change, but changing or ending your insurance is a separate private-contract step. Check your insurer’s terms rather than assuming the policy ends automatically.
Official source: GOV.UK
