How do I get a replacement V5C log book?

Online or by phone

You must be the registered keeper on the V5C. You need the registration number, the vehicle identification number or chassis number and the name and postcode registered on the V5C, by phone as well as online.

Online, GOV.UK says the service usually costs £25, paid by credit or debit card, with no refund once you have used it, even if you later find your V5C. You cannot use it if you need to change any details, you do not have the vehicle, you have already sent the V5C to DVLA, it is on the DVLA fleet scheme or it is registered abroad. You can tax the vehicle online at the same time. By phone, you cannot apply if any of your details or the vehicle’s details have changed from the missing or damaged V5C.

The V5C is posted to the address DVLA holds, usually within 5 to 7 working days.

By post: three different cases

GOV.UK lists three cases in which you apply by post, and each is handled differently.

• To change the vehicle details on your V5C: send form V62 to DVLA with a cheque or postal order for £25 payable to “DVLA, Swansea”.
• If you did not get a V5C for your new vehicle: send form V62 with the green new-keeper slip the seller gave you. The slip must be from the most recent V5C; if you do not send it in, you pay £25 by cheque or postal order payable to “DVLA, Swansea”.
• If you do not have a V5C and took the vehicle out of the UK: contact the driving authority of the country you took the vehicle to, who will tell you how to register it without a V5C, and send DVLA a letter saying you took the vehicle out of the country, with your name and address, the date you took it out of the country, and where DVLA can send the vehicle tax refund if you are entitled to one.

GOV.UK says a V5C applied for by post usually arrives after 4 weeks.

If you bought the car without a log book

DVLA advises that you should not buy a vehicle that does not have a V5C. If you did not get one for your new vehicle, the second case above applies.

If it does not arrive

If you applied online or by phone, contact DVLA if your V5C has not arrived after 2 weeks. If you have not received it after 6 weeks and have not told DVLA, you have to pay £25 to get a replacement. After applying by post, contact DVLA if it has not arrived after 4 weeks.

Taxing the car at the same time

You may be able to tax the vehicle at a Post Office and apply for a new V5C at the same time with form V62 and £25. GOV.UK says to check whether the branch offers this service before you travel.