The V5C/2 Green Slip Explained: What the New Keeper Slip Does (UK)

Quick answer: The V5C/2 (the green “new keeper” slip torn from the seller’s V5C) is your temporary proof while DVLA registers you. Its 12-digit reference taxes the car immediately (online or by phone) and it covers you until the full V5C in your name arrives (usually about five days when the seller notified DVLA online; longer by post). No slip? You’ll need a V62 (£25), and a little more patience.

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What the green slip actually is

When a car is sold, the seller keeps the V5C and tells DVLA about the sale; the buyer keeps section 2, the V5C/2. It’s evidence that you’ve given DVLA notice of becoming the keeper, and it carries the reference number the tax system accepts.

What to do with it, in order

• Before driving away: tax the car with the 12-digit reference at gov.uk/vehicle-tax. Road tax does not transfer with the car, ever.
• Keep it safe until the full V5C arrives in your name.
• Chase DVLA if nothing arrives within 4 to 6 weeks: if the seller notified online it should be about 5 working days; postal notifications take longer.

Bought a car and got no green slip?

Alarm bells only if it comes with other red flags (see fake logbook warning signs). Legitimately, the seller may have already notified DVLA online, in which case your V5C is on its way. If nothing arrives, apply with a V62; the £25 fee is waived where the seller genuinely notified DVLA and you apply within a reasonable time... in practice DVLA issues the V5C free where the sale was properly notified. To tax it meanwhile, use the V62 + Post Office route from our taxing without a logbook guide.

FAQs

Can I drive the car home on the green slip?
Yes, provided the car is taxed (do it with the slip before setting off), insured for you, and has a valid MOT.

How long is the V5C/2 valid?
It has no printed expiry, but treat it as bridge paperwork. If the full V5C hasn’t arrived within 6 weeks, act.

Where is the reference number on the V5C/2?
The 12-digit number is printed on the face of the green slip itself, labelled as the document reference number. It is specific to that sale: it is not the same as the 11-digit reference on the full V5C.

Lost the green slip before taxing the car?
DVLA cannot reissue a V5C/2 or recover its reference for you. Tax the car at a Post Office that deals with vehicle tax, taking a completed V62 with you, and apply for the V5C at the same time. The £25 V62 fee is normally waived where the seller genuinely notified DVLA of the sale.

Related guides

• The V5C decoded: every section explained
• How to apply for a V5C
• Lost your V5C? What to do
• The V62 form explained

Sources

gov.ukTax your vehiclegov.ukGet a vehicle log book (V5C)