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Tell DVLA You've Sold Your Vehicle: Complete 2025 Guide

How to tell DVLA you've sold your car online in 2025. Step-by-step guide using V5C logbook, what to do without logbook, dealer sales, tax refunds, and avoiding fines.

AutoChain Team
10 December 2025
19 min read
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How to tell DVLA you've sold your car - complete guide with AutoChain

How to tell DVLA you've sold your car - complete guide with AutoChain

Tell DVLA You've Sold Your Vehicle: Complete 2025 Guide

Quick Answer: Tell DVLA you've sold your car at GOV.UK/sold-bought-vehicle using your vehicle registration and the 11-digit reference number from your V5C logbook. It takes 5 minutes online and is completely free. You must notify DVLA immediately—or you'll remain liable for fines, tax, and any offences.

At a Glance: Tell DVLA You've Sold Your Car

Time needed: 5 minutes online Cost: Free (don't pay third-party sites) What you need: V5C logbook with 11-digit reference number Deadline: Immediately—the same day you sell

Official link: www.gov.uk/sold-bought-vehicle

How to Tell DVLA You've Sold Your Car Online

Step-by-Step: The 5-Minute Process

Step 1: Go to www.gov.uk/sold-bought-vehicle

Step 2: Click "Start now"

Step 3: Select "I've sold, transferred or part exchanged my vehicle"

Step 4: Enter your vehicle registration number (e.g., AB12 CDE)

Step 5: Enter your 11-digit document reference number

  • Found at the top of your V5C logbook
  • Looks like: 12345678901

Step 6: Enter the new keeper's details:

  • Full legal name
  • Full address including postcode
  • Date of sale

Step 7: Review and submit

Step 8: Save your confirmation (screenshot or print)

✅ Done! DVLA will send your tax refund automatically.

Where to Find the 11-Digit Reference Number

The 11-digit document reference number is on your V5C logbook (registration document):

  • Location: Top right corner of the V5C
  • Format: 11 digits, no spaces (e.g., 12345678901)
  • Also on: The yellow V5C/3 slip (new keeper section)

Can't find it? The number is printed in the document reference field at the top of the V5C. It's NOT your vehicle registration number.

Askable Questions About Telling DVLA You've Sold a Vehicle

"How do I tell DVLA I've sold my car?"

Go to GOV.UK/sold-bought-vehicle, enter your registration and 11-digit reference number from your V5C logbook, then enter the buyer's name, address, and sale date. It takes 5 minutes and is free.

"How do I tell DVLA I've sold my car to a dealer?"

The process is the same as a private sale. Use the GOV.UK online service, enter the dealer's business name and address as the new keeper. Don't assume the dealer will notify DVLA—always do it yourself.

"How do I tell DVLA I've sold my car without the logbook?"

Write to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BA with: your name and address, vehicle registration, buyer's name and address, sale date, and a note explaining you don't have the V5C. DVLA will process it manually.

"How long does it take to tell DVLA I've sold my car?"

The online process takes about 5 minutes. You get instant confirmation. DVLA updates their records immediately, though the new keeper's V5C can take 2-4 weeks to arrive.

"Is there a time limit to tell DVLA I've sold my car?"

Legally, you must inform DVLA immediately—ideally the same day you sell. There's no grace period. Every day you delay, you remain the registered keeper and liable for fines.

"What happens if I don't tell DVLA I sold my car?"

You'll remain legally responsible for the vehicle. You could receive parking fines, speeding tickets, congestion charges, and be liable for vehicle tax. You also won't get your tax refund.

"Do I get a tax refund when I tell DVLA I've sold my car?"

Yes, DVLA automatically refunds any full months of remaining vehicle tax. The cheque arrives within 4-6 weeks at your registered address. Partial months are not refunded.

"Can I tell DVLA I've sold my car by phone?"

No, DVLA doesn't accept notifications by phone. You must use the online service or post. The online service is available 24/7 and gives instant confirmation.

"What details do I need to tell DVLA I've sold my car?"

You need: your vehicle registration number, the 11-digit document reference number from your V5C, the buyer's full name, the buyer's full address, and the date of sale.

"How do I prove I told DVLA I sold my car?"

When you complete the online notification, you'll see a confirmation screen. Screenshot this or print it. This is your proof that you notified DVLA of the sale.

Different Scenarios: How to Notify DVLA

Sold Car Privately

Situation: You've sold to a private buyer (individual person)

Process:

  1. Complete the online notification at GOV.UK
  2. Give the buyer the green V5C/2 slip (new keeper section)
  3. Keep the yellow V5C/3 slip as your record
  4. Keep a copy of your confirmation
  5. Transfer service history via AutoChain (optional but adds value)

Tip: Get the buyer's details in writing before they leave. A complete digital service history can increase buyer confidence and your sale price.

Sold Car to a Dealer

Situation: You've sold to a car dealership, garage, or motor trader

Process:

  1. The dealer should give you the yellow V5C/3 slip
  2. Notify DVLA yourself using the online service
  3. Enter the dealer's registered business name and address
  4. Keep confirmation as proof

Important: Many dealers say they'll "handle the paperwork"—always notify DVLA yourself to be safe.

Helpful resource: Auto Trader - How to tell DVLA you've sold your car

Part Exchange at a Dealership

Situation: You're trading in your old car for a new one

Process:

  1. The dealer handles the part exchange documentation
  2. You still need to notify DVLA about your old vehicle
  3. Sign any trader documentation provided
  4. Notify DVLA online with the dealer's details
  5. Keep all paperwork

Tip: Ask the dealer for written confirmation they'll register the transfer.

Transferred to a Family Member

Situation: You're giving/selling the car to a relative

Process:

  1. Notify DVLA online as a normal sale
  2. Enter the family member's name and address
  3. The relationship doesn't matter—same process
  4. The new keeper must tax the vehicle in their name

Note: Even gifts must be notified to DVLA as a transfer of keeper.

Vehicle Scrapped

Situation: You've scrapped the vehicle at an Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF)

Process:

  1. Use an Authorised Treatment Facility
  2. Get a Certificate of Destruction (CoD)
  3. Notify DVLA you've scrapped the vehicle online
  4. Select "destroyed or scrapped" in the online form

Link: GOV.UK - Dispose of your vehicle

Sold Car Abroad / Exported

Situation: The vehicle is leaving the UK permanently

Process:

  1. Tell DVLA you're exporting the vehicle
  2. Use form V561 or notify online
  3. You may need to surrender the registration
  4. Keep the export documentation

Link: GOV.UK - Export a vehicle

What If I Don't Have the V5C Logbook?

Option 1: Apply for a Replacement First

  1. Apply for a new V5C at GOV.UK
  2. Cost: £25
  3. Time: Usually 5 working days
  4. Then use the new V5C to notify DVLA of the sale

Option 2: Write to DVLA Directly

If you've already sold the vehicle and can't wait:

Write to:

DVLA
Swansea
SA99 1BA

Include:

  • Your full name and address
  • Vehicle registration number
  • Make and model of vehicle
  • Buyer's full name and address
  • Date of sale
  • Explanation that you don't have the V5C
  • Reason why (lost, stolen, never received)

Response time: 2-4 weeks

Option 3: Buyer Has the V5C

If the buyer took the whole V5C logbook:

  • Contact the buyer to get their details
  • Use Option 2 (write to DVLA)
  • The buyer should apply for a new V5C in their name

Transfer Your Digital Service History with AutoChain

While you must still notify DVLA separately, AutoChain's Transfer Ownership feature makes transferring your vehicle's complete service history to the new owner simple and instant.

What AutoChain Transfers (DVLA Doesn't)

DVLA only transfers the registered keeper—not your vehicle's history. AutoChain transfers:

  • Complete service history - Every MOT, service, and repair record
  • Warranty information - Active warranties transfer automatically
  • Accident & repair records - Including Category N/S documentation
  • Service reminders - Future maintenance schedules
  • Verified ownership history - Blockchain-secured, tamper-proof records

How It Works

  1. Both seller and buyer register on AutoChain
  2. Seller initiates transfer through the platform
  3. Both parties verify with VIN photos
  4. Vehicle history transfers instantly

Important: You still need to notify DVLA separately—AutoChain handles the service history, DVLA handles the legal registration.

Learn more about AutoChain Transfer →

DVLA Checklist: Before You Sell

Use this checklist before completing the sale:

Documents:

  • [ ] V5C logbook (registration document)
  • [ ] MOT certificate (give to buyer)
  • [ ] Service history (give to buyer or transfer via AutoChain)
  • [ ] Spare keys (give to buyer)

V5C Sections:

  • [ ] Yellow slip (V5C/3) - you keep this
  • [ ] Green slip (V5C/2) - give to buyer
  • [ ] Main V5C - notify DVLA then destroy

Actions:

  • [ ] Note down buyer's full name and address
  • [ ] Record the exact date and time of sale
  • [ ] Take photos of the vehicle and buyer's ID (optional)
  • [ ] Remove personal items from the car
  • [ ] Cancel your insurance (after sale completes)

After Sale:

  • [ ] Notify DVLA online immediately
  • [ ] Save/print confirmation
  • [ ] Contact insurance to cancel policy
  • [ ] Expect tax refund in 4-6 weeks

Common Problems and Solutions

Problem: "The reference number isn't being accepted"

Solutions:

  • Check you're entering all 11 digits
  • No spaces or dashes
  • Make sure it's the document reference (not registration)
  • The number may have been superseded if DVLA sent a new V5C

Problem: "I sold the car weeks ago and haven't notified DVLA"

What to do:

  • Notify DVLA immediately using the online service
  • Enter the actual date of sale (you can backdate)
  • If you've received fines since selling, keep your confirmation
  • Contact the relevant authority with proof of sale

Problem: "The buyer's address is incomplete"

What to do:

  • Contact the buyer for their full address including postcode
  • DVLA requires a complete address
  • If you can't reach the buyer, provide as much as you know and explain in a letter to DVLA

Problem: "I've received fines for a car I've sold"

What to do:

  1. Check if you notified DVLA (find your confirmation)
  2. If you did: Appeal the fine with proof of notification
  3. If you didn't: Notify DVLA now and provide evidence of sale
  4. Contact the issuing authority with sale documentation

Problem: "The dealer was supposed to notify DVLA but didn't"

What to do:

  • Notify DVLA yourself immediately
  • Contact the dealer in writing requesting confirmation
  • Keep all correspondence
  • If fines have accrued, you may need to pursue the dealer

Tax Refund: What to Expect

When you notify DVLA you've sold your vehicle:

Refund amount: Full remaining months of vehicle tax Partial months: Not refunded Payment method: Cheque to registered keeper's address Timeframe: 4-6 weeks Direct Debit: Cancelled automatically

Example:

  • You paid 12 months tax in January
  • You sell the car in March
  • You get refunded for April-December (9 months)

V5C Logbook Explained

What is the V5C?

The V5C (Vehicle Registration Certificate) is the official document that records who is the registered keeper of a vehicle. It's NOT proof of ownership—it just shows who is responsible for the vehicle.

V5C Sections

V5C/2 (Green slip):

  • "New keeper" supplement
  • Give this to the buyer
  • They use it to get their own V5C

V5C/3 (Yellow slip):

  • "Notification to DVLA"
  • You keep this
  • Contains the 11-digit reference number
  • Your record of the transfer

V5C/4:

  • For motor traders only
  • Used in trade sales

Lost V5C?

Apply for a replacement:

Legal Requirements

Your Obligations as Seller

Under UK law, when you sell a vehicle you must:

  • Notify DVLA of the change of keeper
  • Provide accurate buyer details
  • Do this immediately (same day)

Penalties for Not Notifying DVLA

If you don't tell DVLA you've sold:

  • Fines: You're liable for parking/traffic fines
  • Tax: You're responsible for vehicle tax
  • Congestion charges: London ULEZ, Dart Charge, etc. come to you
  • Insurance: Your insurer may have issues with claims
  • Crime: If the vehicle is used in crime, police contact you first

Vehicle Tax Implications

  • Tax does not transfer with the vehicle
  • The new keeper must tax the vehicle before driving
  • Your tax is cancelled when you notify DVLA
  • Refund issued for remaining complete months

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to tell DVLA I've sold my car?

It's completely free to notify DVLA online. Don't use third-party websites that charge fees—always use the official GOV.UK service.

Can I tell DVLA online if I sold to a dealer?

Yes, the process is identical. Select "sold or transferred" and enter the dealer's business name and registered address as the new keeper.

What if I sold the car months ago?

Notify DVLA immediately. You can enter the actual date of sale, even if it was months ago. The longer you wait, the more liability you carry.

Do I need to tell my insurance company too?

Yes, contact your insurer to cancel or adjust your policy. You may be entitled to a refund on unused premium. This is separate from the DVLA notification.

What if the buyer doesn't register the vehicle?

You've fulfilled your legal duty by notifying DVLA. Keep your confirmation as proof. The buyer is responsible for taxing and registering the vehicle in their name.

Can I keep my private number plate?

Yes, but you must transfer or retain it before selling the vehicle. Once sold, the plate goes with the car. Apply at GOV.UK - Private plates.

How do I know DVLA received my notification?

Online notifications give instant confirmation. Save this page. If you posted the V5C, you won't receive confirmation—the new keeper should receive their V5C in 2-4 weeks.

What if the vehicle was stolen?

Report to the police first, get a crime reference number, then notify DVLA the vehicle was stolen using GOV.UK - Report a stolen vehicle.

Useful Links and Resources

Official DVLA Services

DVLA Contact

  • Online services: Available 24/7
  • Post: DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BA
  • Phone: 0300 790 6802 (general enquiries)

Helpful Guides

Related Articles

Selling Your Car

Service History

Buying a Used Car

Sold your car? Notify DVLA today to avoid fines and get your tax refund.

About the Author: The AutoChain Team provides accurate, up-to-date guidance on UK vehicle ownership, DVLA processes, and car selling.