What Is a V62 Form? How to Apply for a Replacement Logbook
If you need to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged V5C logbook, the V62 form is the official application you need. It is straightforward to complete, free to obtain, and can be submitted online or by post. This guide explains exactly what the V62 form is, when you need it, and how to complete it correctly.
What Is a V62 Form?
The V62 is the official DVLA form used to apply for a replacement V5C vehicle registration certificate — commonly known as the logbook. It is used when you need a new logbook because the original has been lost, stolen, damaged, or destroyed.
The V62 can also be used if you have recently purchased a vehicle and the V5C has not arrived within the expected timeframe.
When Do You Need a V62 Form?
You need a V62 form in the following situations. Your V5C has been lost or you cannot locate it. Your V5C has been stolen — for example in a break-in or burglary. Your V5C has been damaged or destroyed — fire, flood, or general deterioration. You have bought a vehicle and the V5C has not arrived after six weeks. You have bought a vehicle with no V5C and need to register yourself as the keeper.
If your V5C simply has incorrect details — wrong address, wrong name — you do not need a V62. You update your details directly with the DVLA online or by post, and a corrected V5C is issued automatically.
How Much Does a V62 Cost?
There is a £25 fee for a replacement V5C. This applies whether you apply online or by post. The form itself is free.
Where to Get a V62 Form
You have three options for obtaining a V62 form. Download and print it from gov.uk — search for V62 on the government website. Collect a paper copy from your nearest Post Office branch — many Post Office branches that handle vehicle tax also stock V62 forms. Apply directly online via the DVLA's digital service at gov.uk/vehicle-log-book — this is the fastest method and does not require a separate form.
How to Complete the V62 Form
The V62 has five sections. Complete all of them carefully — errors or omissions will delay processing.
Section 1 — Vehicle details: Enter the vehicle's registration number, make, model, colour, and VIN or chassis number. All of these should be verifiable from the vehicle itself or from other documentation such as insurance certificates.
Section 2 — Keeper details: Enter your full name, address, and contact details exactly as they are registered with the DVLA. If your address has changed since the V5C was last issued, enter your current address — the DVLA will update their records and send the new V5C to your current address.
Section 3 — Reason for application: State why you are applying — lost, stolen, damaged, not received, or new keeper without V5C. Be accurate here — if the V5C was stolen, say so rather than describing it as lost.
Section 4 — Fee: The £25 fee must accompany postal applications. Pay by cheque made payable to DVLA. Online applications process payment digitally.
Section 5 — Declaration: Sign and date the form confirming the information provided is accurate.
How to Submit the V62
Online — fastest method: Go to gov.uk/vehicle-log-book. You will need the vehicle's registration number and your details. Pay the £25 fee online. A replacement V5C is typically issued within five to seven working days.
By post: Complete the V62 form and include a cheque for £25 payable to DVLA. Post to DVLA, Vehicle Customer Services, Swansea, SA99 1BA. Allow two to six weeks for processing by post.
At a Post Office: Some Post Office branches that handle vehicle tax can accept V62 applications. You can also tax your vehicle at the same time if needed. Take the completed form and payment with you.
How Long Does It Take?
Online applications typically result in a new V5C arriving within five to seven working days. Postal applications take two to six weeks, depending on current DVLA processing times. Post Office applications follow the postal timeline.
If your V5C has not arrived after six weeks from a postal application, contact the DVLA directly on 0300 790 6802.
Can You Drive While Waiting for a Replacement V5C?
Yes. There is no legal requirement to have your V5C in the vehicle or in your possession while driving. The V5C is a registration document, not a driving licence. You can drive legally while waiting for your replacement to arrive.
However, if you need to tax your vehicle and have no V5C, you can still do so. If you have recently bought the car, use the green new keeper slip to tax it. If you have no documents at all, visit a Post Office that handles vehicle tax — you can apply for a replacement V5C and tax the vehicle in the same visit.
What Happens After You Submit the V62?
The DVLA processes your application and issues a new V5C to the address on their records. The new document will have a new document reference number — the old reference number is invalidated.
If your V5C was stolen, the old number being invalidated provides some protection against fraudulent use. However, report the theft to the police and note the crime reference number — this may be useful if the old document is subsequently used fraudulently.
Beware of Third Party V62 Services
Search online for V62 and you will find several third-party websites offering to process the application on your behalf for a fee significantly higher than £25. There is no need to use these services. The official DVLA service is straightforward, costs £25, and takes minutes online. Third-party services add cost without adding value.
Always apply directly via gov.uk or at a Post Office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone else apply for a replacement V5C for my vehicle? No. Only the registered keeper can apply for a replacement V5C. The DVLA will send the replacement to the address they hold for the registered keeper — not to a third party.
What if I am not yet the registered keeper? If you have recently bought the car and the transfer has not yet been processed, you may need to wait for the DVLA to update their records before applying for a replacement. Contact the DVLA directly on 0300 790 6802 for guidance.
Does applying for a V62 affect my insurance? It should not — replacing a lost or stolen logbook does not affect the vehicle's insurance status. However, if your V5C was stolen as part of a vehicle break-in, inform your insurer as a precaution.
Can I apply for a V62 if the vehicle is not currently taxed? Yes. The V62 replaces the logbook regardless of the vehicle's tax status. If you also need to tax the vehicle, you can do both at the same time online or at a Post Office.
Key Takeaways
The V62 is the official DVLA form for replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged V5C logbook. The replacement fee is £25 whether you apply online or by post. Online applications at gov.uk are the fastest method — replacement arrives in five to seven working days. Postal applications take two to six weeks — post to DVLA, Vehicle Customer Services, Swansea, SA99 1BA. Only the registered keeper can apply for a replacement — the V5C is sent to the DVLA's registered address. Avoid third-party services charging more than £25 — the official DVLA service is simple and direct.