Documents Needed to Sell a Car: What Paperwork Do I Need?

The documents needed to sell a car in the UK start with the V5C logbook, which shows you're the registered keeper. Alongside it, buyers want proof of the car's history: service records, receipts and spare keys. If there's finance outstanding you'll need a settlement letter, and car buying services ask for photo ID and proof of address.

Documents needed to sell a car: the full checklist

Use this checklist whether you're selling privately, part-exchanging or using a car buying service.

What car buying services ask for

webuyanycar asks for the V5C, photo ID, proof of address dated in the last nine months (not needed if your driving licence address matches the V5C), your bank details, service history if you have it, spare keys and extras, and a settlement letter if there's finance. It won't buy a car without a V5C.

You'll be photographed with your ID at the appointment to help prevent fraud. If you've owned the car for less than four months, you may be asked for extra proof of payment and identity.

What private buyers will want to see

A private buyer won't usually ask for your ID, but they'll want to see the original V5C and check that the registration, VIN and colour match the car and that you live at the address shown. Citizens Advice tells buyers never to buy a car without the logbook, and to view it at the seller's home. Expect them to check the car's MOT history and run a full history check for finance and write-offs before paying.

Show the logbook in person, but never send photos of it or share its 11-digit reference number. GOV.UK warns that these could be used to get a fraudulent copy of your logbook, putting the car at risk of being stolen or cloned.

Can I sell my car without a V5C?

You can, but it's much harder and it usually costs you money. Car buying services such as webuyanycar require a V5C, and most private buyers will walk away, because a missing logbook is a classic warning sign of a stolen or cloned car. The best fix is to get a replacement before you sell.

How to get a replacement V5C:

• Online or by phone, if you're the registered keeper and none of your details or the car's details have changed. It costs £25 and usually arrives within 5 to 7 working days. Contact DVLA if it hasn't arrived after two weeks.
• By post with form V62, if you need to change details on the logbook at the same time.

Apply through GOV.UK's replacement logbook service.

If you sell without a V5C anyway, you must write to DVLA with your name and address, the registration number, the make and model, the exact date of sale and the buyer's name and address. Send it to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BA for a private sale, or DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BD if you sold to a motor trader. The buyer then has to apply for a logbook themselves using form V62, so expect a lower offer for the hassle.

How do I tell DVLA I sold my car?

You must tell DVLA you've sold the car and give the buyer's full name and address. The quickest way is the online Tell DVLA service, which needs the 11-digit document reference number from your latest V5C.

If you sold privately

1. Give the buyer the green "new keeper" slip from the logbook.
2. Tell DVLA online, with the buyer's details.
3. Destroy the rest of the logbook.

To do it by post instead, fill in the logbook (section 2 on newer logbooks with multi-coloured numbered blocks on the front, or section 6 on older ones) and send it to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BA.

If you sold to a dealer or car buying service

GOV.UK treats dealers, car buying services and auctions as motor traders. Give the buyer the logbook, including the green slip, and either you or the trader tells DVLA online. Then destroy the yellow "sell, transfer or part-exchange your vehicle to the motor trade" section. By post, the trader fills in that yellow section and you send it to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BD.

webuyanycar tells DVLA as part of its paperwork. If a trader is doing it for you, you're still legally responsible for the car until they do, so check you receive DVLA's confirmation.

What happens next

• You'll get an email confirmation if you gave an email address, and a letter confirming you're no longer the keeper.
• Your tax is cancelled. DVLA sends a refund cheque for any full months left to the name and address on the logbook, and any Direct Debit is cancelled automatically.
• The buyer should get their new logbook within 5 to 7 working days. They must tax the car, or make a SORN, before driving it, because tax doesn't transfer with the car.

Until DVLA's records show the change, you're still the registered keeper, so do it on the day of the sale.

Selling a car for someone else, or after a death

Selling for someone else. If you're selling a car on behalf of the registered keeper, expect to need proof that you're authorised to sell it. webuyanycar buys cars in this situation with extra documents, so check exactly what it needs before your appointment.

Selling a car after someone dies. DVLA has a separate process. For a private sale, fill in section 2 of a newer logbook (section 6 of an older one), give the green slip to the buyer and post the logbook to DVLA Sensitive Casework Team, Swansea, SA99 1ZZ. If a motor trader buys the car, they fill in the yellow section and you send that part instead.

Either way, include a letter giving your relationship to the person who died, the date they died and who should receive any vehicle tax refund. webuyanycar also buys cars from people selling on behalf of someone who has died, again with extra documents, so ask what's needed first.

How to write a receipt of sale

There's no official form for a private car sale receipt, but writing one protects both you and the buyer. Make two copies, sign both, and keep one.

Include:

• the date and time of the sale
• your name and address, and the buyer's
• the make, model, registration number and VIN
• the mileage at the time of sale
• the price and how it was paid
• any faults you've told the buyer about
• a line confirming there's no outstanding finance and you have the right to sell
• both signatures

Here's a simple template you can copy:

RECEIPT OF SALE: MOTOR VEHICLE

Date and time of sale: ____________________
Seller's name and address: ____________________
Buyer's name and address: ____________________
Make and model: ____________________
Registration number: ____________________
VIN: ____________________
Mileage at sale: ____________________
Price: £____________   Paid by: ____________________

Known faults disclosed to the buyer: ____________________

The seller confirms the vehicle has no outstanding finance
and that they have the right to sell it.

Seller's signature: ____________   Buyer's signature: ____________

A note on "sold as seen": the phrase is common on private receipts, but it doesn't let you off describing the car honestly. Citizens Advice points out that under the Sale of Goods Act 1979, goods must match their description, and that applies to private sellers too. List known faults on the receipt so there's no argument later.

Get your paperwork ready in an afternoon

Most of this takes under an hour if you start now:

1. Find the V5C and check your name and address are correct. If it's lost, order a replacement today.
2. Ask your lender for a settlement letter if there's finance, and read our guide to selling a car with outstanding finance.
3. Gather the service history, receipts, both keys and the locking wheel nut key.
4. Check your car tax status and MOT history so nothing surprises you or a buyer.
5. Get a free valuation, then choose how to sell your car. Our guides to selling your car fast and part exchange vs private sale will help you pick the right route.