| By Chandraketu Tripathi | Updated April 2026 | ||||||||||||
| The V5C — commonly called the logbook or registration certificate — is a red DVLA document showing who is the registered keeper of a vehicle. You need it to tax your car, sell it, update your details and in some situations prove the car is yours. If it is lost, stolen or damaged, here is how to get a replacement fast. | ||||||||||||
Verdict 2026 Replacement cost: £25 (free for new keepers with V5C/2 slip within 6 weeks) | Online: 5 working days | Post (V62 form): 4–6 weeks | Apply: gov.uk/vehicle-log-book | DVLA phone: 0300 790 6802 | ||||||||||||
Method 1: Apply Online (Fastest — ~5 Working Days) | ||||||||||||
| Go to gov.uk/vehicle-log-book. You can apply online if you are the registered keeper, your details have not changed, and the vehicle is UK-registered. You need: vehicle registration number, VIN/chassis number, and name and postcode as on the original V5C. Pay £25 by card. Replacement arrives in approximately 5 working days. | ||||||||||||
Method 2: Apply by Phone | ||||||||||||
| Call 0300 790 6802 (Mon–Fri 8am–7pm, Sat 8am–2pm). Same requirements as online. Cannot be used if your details have changed. Approximately 5 working days. | ||||||||||||
Method 3: V62 Form by Post (4–6 Weeks) | ||||||||||||
| Use this if your details or vehicle details have changed, or you cannot apply online. Download the V62 form from gov.uk or get one from a Post Office. | ||||||||||||
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| Post to: DVLA Vehicle Customer Services, Swansea, SA99 1DD. Allow 4–6 weeks. No fee if you are a new keeper submitting with the green V5C/2 new keeper slip within 6 weeks of purchase. | ||||||||||||
Cost Summary | ||||||||||||
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| Tip: If you find your original V5C after ordering a replacement, destroy the original. Only the most recently issued V5C is legally valid. The DVLA does not refund the £25. | ||||||||||||
Can You Tax or Sell Without a V5C? | ||||||||||||
| Taxing: Yes — use your V11 reminder letter reference number, or the green V5C/2 new keeper slip. If you have neither, you must get a replacement V5C first or declare a SORN while you wait. | ||||||||||||
| Selling: Legally possible but the DVLA advises buyers never to purchase without a V5C as it may indicate the vehicle is stolen or has outstanding finance. | ||||||||||||
Verdict 2026 The fastest way to replace a lost V5C is online at gov.uk/vehicle-log-book — costs £25 and arrives within 5 working days. Use the V62 form by post if your details have changed (4–6 weeks). New keepers with the green slip can apply free within 6 weeks. Never buy a car without a V5C. | ||||||||||||
Frequently Asked QuestionsHow much does it cost to replace a V5C? £25, whether you apply online, by phone or by post. Free if you are a new keeper applying within 6 weeks with the green V5C/2 new keeper slip from the previous owner. How long does it take to get a replacement V5C? Online or phone: approximately 5 working days. By post using V62: 4–6 weeks. There is no express service. What is the V62 form? The V62 is the DVLA application form to request a replacement V5C when you cannot apply online — for example if your details have changed or you have no internet access. | ||||||||||||
| Related Guides | ||||||||||||
| Sources: GOV.UK vehicle-log-book, DVLA V62 guidance, Autotrader, CarVeto, MoneySuperMarket. Always verify. April 2026. |
How to Replace a Lost V5C Car Logbook UK 2026: DVLA Online, V62 Form & Post Office
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