A V5C is a very important document that proves your ownership of a car or van - it also contains important information about the vehicle you own. Some information you will find on the document is the vehicle’s history, condition and tracks its registration and taxation. It is registered with the DVLA and it a legal requirement. If you have misplaced or lost your logbook, there is some good news - you can still tax your car even if you don't have your V5C - however it will affect the resale value of the car if you don’t have the book when you come to sell the car. In this blog post, we'll be showing you how to tax your car if you’re not sure where your V5C is.
Tax your car online
You can tax your car online without a V5C by using your vehicle registration number and the 11 digit reference number found in your reminder letter (if you have one). You'll also need to have a valid MOT certificate and insurance policy in place. If you need to apply for a new logbook, you can do so online and then use the details provided to tax your car online.
Apply for a Replacement V5C Logbook
If you can’t find your V5C logbook it’s a good idea to apply for a replacement, as you’ll need it anyway if you come to sell. You can do this online or by phone. The cost of a replacement V5C is £25, and you'll need to provide some basic information about yourself and your car, such as your registration number, your name and address and your vehicle make and model. Once your application has been processed, you should receive your new logbook within five working days if your ordered online and up to four weeks if you applied over the phone.
Pay your tax whilst waiting for your new logbook
You can still pay you tax whilst waiting for your logbook to arrive. You can do this online or over the phone and will need your 11 digit reference number - usually, this can be found in your V5C, but it can also be found on your tax reminder letters or on the green ‘new keeper’ (V5C/2) slip. You can then follow the tax process as normal.
Visit a Post Office
Once you have your replacement V5C logbook, you can take it to a local Post Office to tax your car. You'll need to bring some additional documents with you, such as valid insurance documents, a valid MOT certificate (if your car is more than 3 years old), and a valid form of identification, such as a driving license or passport. You'll also need to bring some cash, a debit card, credit card or account details for Direct Debit payments, as these are the payment methods accepted by the Post Office.
Keep your Replacement V5C Logbook Safe
Now that you have your replacement V5C logbook, make sure you keep it safe. Losing your logbook again could result in your car becoming untaxed and you could face a fine for driving without tax. Keep it in a locked draw or somewhere where you’ll remember it, because you’ll also need it if you come to sell your car - some buyers may be put off a sale without the V5C, as the car could be stolen.
Losing your V5C logbook can be frustrating, but it doesn't have to be a barrier to taxing your car. By following the steps outlined in this blog post, you can still tax your car without a V5C. Remember to apply for a replacement logbook, bring the necessary documents to the Post Office and keep your new logbook safe. If you’re in the mood for a new car to tax, search the range of new and used cars we have available online and in the dealerships today. If you’re unsure what you're looking for or would like more information about one of the vehicles you see on our website, don’t hesitate to get in touch with one of our team and we’d be happy to help you.