A vehicle logbook — officially called the V5C, or Vehicle Registration Certificate — is the primary ownership document for a UK-registered vehicle. Issued by the DVLA, it records the registered keeper's details, the vehicle's specifications, and its registration history. It is not proof of legal ownership, but it is the most important document in any vehicle sale or transfer.
What Is a Vehicle Logbook?
The term "logbook" is the common name for the V5C registration certificate. It is a blue document issued by the DVLA to the registered keeper of a vehicle. Despite common belief, the V5C does not prove legal ownership of a vehicle — it confirms who is recorded as the registered keeper on the DVLA's national vehicle register.
Legal ownership and registered keepership are distinct. A person can be the legal owner of a vehicle — for example, having paid for it outright — while the V5C is still registered in a previous keeper's name until the transfer is completed.
What Does the V5C Contain?
The V5C contains the following information:
- Vehicle registration number (number plate)
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN or chassis number)
- Make, model, and body style
- Colour
- Engine capacity and fuel type
- Date of first registration
- Number of previous registered keepers
- Current registered keeper's name and address
- Date the current keeper acquired the vehicle
Each V5C has a unique document reference number, which is used when taxing a vehicle or making changes through the DVLA's online service.
When Is the V5C Required?
The V5C is needed in several situations:
- Selling or transferring the vehicle: The seller completes the relevant section of the V5C and gives the new keeper's portion to the buyer. The remainder is sent to the DVLA to update the register.
- Taxing the vehicle: The document reference number on the V5C is required to tax a vehicle online or by phone.
- Notifying the DVLA of changes: Any change of address, keeper details, or vehicle colour must be reported using the V5C.
- SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification): If a vehicle is taken off the road, the registered keeper uses the V5C reference to register a SORN.
The V5C Is Not Proof of Ownership
This distinction is particularly important when buying a used vehicle. A seller presenting a V5C does not guarantee they are the legal owner. The vehicle may be subject to outstanding finance, in which case the finance company retains an interest in it regardless of what the V5C states.
Before purchasing a used vehicle, buyers should carry out a vehicle history check to establish whether outstanding finance is registered against it, and verify that the seller's details match those on the V5C.
What Happens If the V5C Is Lost?
A replacement V5C can be obtained from the DVLA by completing a V62 form and paying the applicable fee. The replacement will be sent to the address currently registered on the DVLA's system.
When buying a used vehicle without a V5C, extra caution is warranted. While the absence of a logbook is not automatically disqualifying, it can indicate that the seller is not the registered keeper, or that the vehicle's history has not been maintained carefully. Verifying details directly with the DVLA before purchase is advisable.
The V5C vs. a Personal Vehicle Log
The V5C is a legal registration document — it is not the same as a personal vehicle maintenance log. The term "logbook" is sometimes used loosely to describe any personal record of a vehicle's history, but strictly speaking, the logbook is the DVLA registration certificate.
A separate vehicle management record — covering service history, MOT records, fuel logs, and running costs — is a distinct and complementary document that adds value beyond what the V5C provides. Apps such as AutoLog are designed to build and maintain this type of personal vehicle record, using the registration number to pull in DVLA data as a starting point.
Key Takeaways
- The V5C — or vehicle logbook — is the official registration certificate for UK-registered vehicles
- It is issued by the DVLA and records keeper details, vehicle specs, and registration history
- It is not proof of legal ownership, only of registered keepership
- The V5C is required for taxing, selling, and notifying the DVLA of changes
- A replacement can be obtained from the DVLA if the original is lost
- A vehicle maintenance logbook is a separate personal record, distinct from the V5C