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.
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.
