Selling your car or transferring ownership to someone else is more than just handing over the keys. If you're giving your car to another person, the ownership of the vehicle must be legally registered according to UK law.
Read on to find out more about the official process of transferring car ownership and any important considerations you need to be aware of when completing the handover.
Key Takeaways
Who is responsible for the ownership transfer of your car?
If it's a private sale, then it's your responsibility to handle the transfer. Make sure to do it right away, or you could end up dealing with a messy legal battle. Nobody wants that.
If it's not a private sale, the seller should take care of the transfer and notify the DVLA on your behalf.
There's also the option of a part exchange. The dealership may handle the transfer for you, but it's not guaranteed. Stay vigilant and make sure the vehicle transfer is completed.
Are you the owner or the keeper?
Understanding the difference between a car’s owner and keeper is essential. Although the owner and keeper can be the same person, they can also be different individuals or companies.
Transferring car ownership means changing the legal requirements necessary to register as the keeper - the person named on the V5C registration document (or logbook.) They are responsible for the vehicle if motoring laws are violated.
What should I do on the car's V5C?
The V5C is issued by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) when the vehicle is first registered. The V5C must be completed and sent back to the DVLA each time the car's ownership changes. The current owner's information is already on the V5C, and you must complete the section for the new owner's details, along with the current mileage.
Who needs to complete a V5C?
The person whose name is currently on the V5C is responsible for completing it and sending it to the DVLA to transfer ownership. If you are the owner, it's crucial that you send off the V5C with the new owner's information to ensure that you transfer responsibility.
How to transfer car ownership online
Transferring car ownership online is now faster and easier than ever before! Simply complete the form on the DVLA website with the new owner's details and the 11-digit reference number from the V5C.
After submitting the online form, you will receive an email confirmation. A new physical V5C will be sent to the new owner within five working days.
How to transfer ownership of a car to a dealer or scrap yard
When transferring ownership of a car to a dealer or scrap yard, fill in section 9 of the V5C and send it to the DVLA. The remaining parts of the V5C should be given to the dealer. This process is also used if the car is being sold for scrap or transferred to a scrap yard.
Thinking of transferring ownership of your car? Why not just sell?
If you’re gearing up for a sale, Sell 2 Swansway is here to make the selling process quicker and easier than ever. With a 7 day guaranteed quote, free collection and instant payment straight to your account, you won’t find a more hassle-free car selling experience than with us.