What paperwork should I get when I buy a used car?

The V5C and the green new-keeper slip

GOV.UK’s steps for a used car say to ask to see the V5C, check it has a DVL watermark and that its details, vehicle identification number and engine number match the car. DVLA advises that you should not buy a vehicle that does not have a V5C.

The seller usually registers the car to you, online or by post, and fills in the green new-keeper slip and gives it to you. GOV.UK’s tax service accepts a reference number from that slip when you have just bought the car, and you must tax it before you drive it.

MOT and service history

In England, Scotland and Wales you can download the current and previous MOT certificates from GOV.UK’s MOT history service. In Northern Ireland the service cannot download certificates: nidirect says to make sure the last keeper passes on the test certificate, or you may need a duplicate at a cost of £10.00, and that a duplicate cannot be had for an expired MOT.

nidirect also suggests checking the service and MOT records to test the mileage, and contacting the servicing garages to confirm the mileages they recorded.

Proof of ownership and a receipt

A 2010 Department for Transport written statement announcing the redesigned V5C said buyers need to ask for proof of ownership, for example a bill of sale, because the V5C is not proof of ownership. nidirect’s advice on making a complaint includes gathering any receipts or order forms.

The date matters: the short-term right to reject a dealer’s car runs for 30 days from the first day after the car is yours and delivered, so keep proof of both.

If you are buying on finance

nidirect says the law requires you to receive a copy of your credit agreement when you buy on credit. Keep it with the other papers.

Tax and insurance before you drive

GOV.UK says you must have insurance before you can use the vehicle on the road and must tax it before you use it. The previous keeper’s tax is not transferred to you.