How to Tax a Car Without the Logbook (V5C) — Every Route (UK)
Lost the logbook but tax is due? Use the V11 reminder, the green new-keeper slip, or DVLA's replace-and-tax service — here's every route, step by step.
By Jamie Dawson · Editor
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Updated 15 Jul 2026
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2 min read
Quick answer: You don’t need the V5C itself to tax a car — you need one of its reference numbers. Use the 16-digit number on your V11 tax reminder, or (if you’ve just bought the car) the 12-digit number on the green V5C/2 new-keeper slip. If you have neither, DVLA’s online service now lets you apply for a replacement log book and tax the vehicle in one journey — or do the same at a Post Office that handles vehicle tax with a V62 form (£25).
Route 1: The V11 reminder letter
The V11 is the “tax is due” letter DVLA posts before your tax runs out. Its 16-digit reference works at gov.uk/vehicle-tax, by phone, or at the Post Office — no V5C needed.
Route 2: Just bought the car? Use the green slip
The seller keeps the V5C to notify DVLA; you keep the green V5C/2 “new keeper” slip. Its 12-digit reference taxes the car online or by phone immediately — do it before you drive home, because tax doesn’t transfer with the car. Full detail: the V5C/2 green slip explained.
Route 3: No V5C, no V11, not a new keeper
You’ll need a replacement V5C — but you don’t have to wait for it to tax:
- Online: DVLA’s service lets you apply for the replacement log book and tax in one online journey. The new V5C typically arrives in about five working days; the tax is valid immediately.
- Post Office: take a completed V62 form (£25) to a branch that deals with vehicle tax and tax the car at the same time.
What you can't do
You can’t tax someone else’s car with no paperwork at all, and an untaxed car can’t legally be driven or kept on the road (SORN it if it’s staying off-road). Driving untaxed risks an £80 fixed penalty rising to a court fine.
FAQs
Can I tax a car with just the registration number?
No — the reg alone isn’t enough. You need a V5C, V11 or V5C/2 reference, or to apply for a replacement V5C.
Is the car taxed while I wait for the replacement V5C?
Yes — once you’ve paid via any route above, the tax is live even though the log book hasn’t arrived.
Related guides
- The V5C decoded: every section explained
- How to apply for a V5C
- Lost your V5C? What to do
- The V62 form explained