How to Apply for a V5C: First Registration, Replacement & New Keeper (UK 2026)
The three ways to apply for a UK V5C, first registration (V55), replacement (V62, £25), and becoming a new keeper after a sale. Which form, what fee, how long each takes.
By Jamie Dawson · Editor
▮
Updated 28 Jul 2026
▮
3 min read
Quick answer: There are three ways to apply for a UK V5C, depending on your situation. First registration of a new or imported vehicle uses form V55. A lost or damaged V5C replacement uses form V62 (£25 fee). Becoming the new keeper after buying a car happens automatically once the seller notifies DVLA. Your V5C arrives in 5-10 working days. Each route issues a V5C with a fresh 11-digit document reference number.
Which route applies to you?
| Your situation | Form / route | Fee | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| New or imported vehicle, never UK-registered | V55/4 (new) or V55/5 (used import) | £55 first reg + tax | 2-6 weeks |
| Lost, stolen, or damaged V5C | V62 | £25 | 5-10 working days |
| Just bought a car (private sale) | Automatic, seller notifies DVLA | Free | 5-10 working days |
| Just bought from a dealer | Dealer notifies, or V62 if delayed | Free / £25 | 5-10 working days |
| Change of address/name on existing V5C | Section 6 of V5C, or online | Free | 5-10 working days |
Route 1: First registration (V55)
For a brand-new vehicle or an import being registered in the UK for the first time:
- V55/4: for brand-new vehicles (usually handled by the dealer)
- V55/5: for used vehicles being registered (imports, kit cars, rebuilds)
Supporting documents typically required:
- Proof of identity and address
- Vehicle type approval (IVA, MSVA, or EC Certificate of Conformity)
- Evidence of age (for imports, registration documents from country of origin)
- NOVA notification from HMRC (for imports)
- Current MOT (if applicable)
- Insurance (for tax)
First registration fee: £55, plus vehicle tax. The V5C arrives once DVLA processes and registers the vehicle. See our importing a car to the UK guide for the import-specific path.
Route 2: Replacement V5C (V62)
If your V5C is lost, stolen, damaged, or destroyed:
- Get form V62, download from gov.uk or pick up at a Post Office
- Complete with your details and the vehicle registration
- Pay the £25 fee
- Post to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AR
- New V5C arrives in 5-10 working days
Online shortcut: if none of your details have changed and you're the registered keeper, you can apply for a replacement online at gov.uk, faster processing, sometimes within days.
If the V5C was stolen, also report to DVLA on 0300 790 6802 and police on 101, see our stolen V5C process guide.
Route 3: New keeper after a sale
When you buy a used car, you don't "apply" for the V5C. It comes automatically:
- Seller fills in the new keeper section (Section 2 of newer V5Cs, or the V5C/2 green slip)
- Seller gives you the V5C/2 new keeper slip
- Seller posts the rest of the V5C to DVLA (or notifies online)
- DVLA processes the change and posts you a new V5C in your name
- Typically arrives in 5-10 working days
You can tax the car immediately using the V5C/2 reference number while you wait. See our do you get a logbook with a car on finance guide if the car is financed.
If your V5C never arrives
If 4+ weeks have passed since you bought the car (and the seller confirms they notified DVLA), apply for a replacement using V62 (£25). Don't wait indefinitely, without a current V5C you cannot:
- Tax the car (once the V5C/2 window expires)
- Sell or transfer it
- Modify it or notify DVLA of changes
Applying for a V5C online vs by post
| Route | Online available? | Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Replacement (no detail changes) | Yes | Fastest, days |
| Change of address | Yes | 5-7 working days |
| New keeper notification (seller) | Yes | 5-10 working days |
| First registration (import) | Usually postal | 2-6 weeks |
| Replacement with detail changes | Postal V62 | 5-10 working days |
Common application mistakes
- Using V62 when you should let the seller notify (new keeper is free; V62 costs £25)
- Applying for replacement before confirming the original isn't simply delayed in the post
- First registration without NOVA notification (imports), DVLA rejects
- Wrong V55 variant (V55/4 for new vs V55/5 for used)
- Posting cash for the V62 fee (use cheque or postal order; online uses card)
FAQs
Can I drive my car while waiting for the V5C?
Yes. There's no requirement to carry the V5C. But you can't sell, transfer, or modify the car until it arrives. Tax via V5C/2 if you're a new keeper.
How do I apply for a V5C for a car with no documents at all?
This is complex. You may need to apply for first registration via V55/5 with evidence of ownership, age, and type approval. DVLA treats undocumented vehicles cautiously to prevent fraud.
Is there a fee for a new-keeper V5C?
No. When you buy a car and the seller notifies DVLA, your V5C is issued free. Only the V62 replacement route carries the £25 fee.
What's the difference between V55/4 and V55/5?
V55/4 is for brand-new vehicles (typically dealer-handled). V55/5 is for used vehicles being registered for the first time in the UK, imports, kit cars, rebuilds.
Related guides
- V62 form: replacement V5C application
- Lost V5C: what to do
- Stolen V5C: reporting and replacement
- V5C Logbook UK: complete guide
- Importing a car to the UK: registration guide
Last reviewed 2026-06-08 by Jamie Dawson, Editor.