Once upon a time the Driver Vehicle Licensing Agency kept records on paper and when someone sold a car they would send off the slip at the bottom of the ‘log book’ and wait for an acknowledgement. Nowadays it’s not quite so different, but it is far more complicated. Everything is on computer, which can lead to mistakes, but also can be highly efficient. Initially, you will refer to your V5C registration document—fondly known in the past as your log book—and you will read the sections pertaining to the type of sale you are about to engage in.
Selling your Vehicle Privately
When you sell your vehicle privately to another person and not a trader you have to complete a particular section on your V5C. Your responsibility is to fill out section six on the form and you must get your buyer to complete section eights of the V5C registration document. You must than complete section two and pass it to the buyer. You then send the rest of the registration document to the DVLA offices in Swansea.
Selling to a Person in the Trade
On the back of you V5C registration document you will note the section on what counts as ‘motor trader’ in terms of buying and selling your vehicle. Read those carefully before you proceed with selling your car. For instance, if you answered an advert for cash for cars in Cheltenham or anywhere else, you must complete section 3 of the V5C registration document. You must also make sure you collect the details and the signature of the trader to whom you are selling.
If you don’t have the V5C
If you have no V5C you can apply for one via the DLA before you sell the car. However, if you happen to sell it before you have applied or before it arrives, you can note the registration number of the car, write down the make and model and the exact date you sold it. Also, get the name and the address of the person you sold it to—known as the new keeper—and sign it. You should also take a copy of the bill of sale for your own records.
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