When a car changes hands — whether sold, gifted, or transferred — both the seller and the new keeper have legal responsibilities. The DVLA must be notified, road tax must be addressed, and the V5C registration certificate must be correctly completed. In 2026, this guide covers every step of the keeper change process to ensure both parties are legally protected.

The Seller's Responsibilities

When you sell or transfer a car, you must notify DVLA that you are no longer the keeper. This is done using the V5C registration certificate. The process:

  1. Complete section 2 (notification of sale or transfer) on the V5C
  2. Give the new keeper the yellow slip — the permanent V5C/2 notification portion
  3. The new keeper completes their section — section 6
  4. Send the complete V5C to DVLA, or the new keeper does it online
  5. You will receive confirmation from DVLA that the transfer has been processed

Alternatively, you can notify DVLA online at gov.uk/sell-your-vehicle using your Government Gateway account. This is faster and provides immediate confirmation.

The Buyer's Responsibilities

As the new keeper, you must:

  1. Complete section 6 of the V5C with your personal details
  2. Send the completed V5C to DVLA to register the vehicle in your name
  3. Tax the vehicle immediately — before driving it on public roads
  4. Arrange insurance before driving the vehicle
  5. Ensure the vehicle has a valid MOT if it is over 3 years old

What Happens to Road Tax on Transfer?

Road tax does not transfer with the vehicle. Any remaining months of road tax in the seller's name are automatically cancelled and refunded by DVLA. The new keeper must tax the vehicle from scratch. This refund is automatic — the seller does not need to apply for it.

Important: The seller remains liable for road tax on the vehicle until the DVLA transfer is registered. If the new keeper drives without taxing the vehicle, the seller could be liable for unpaid road tax during the period between the sale and the DVLA transfer.

What If the V5C Is Lost?

If the V5C is lost or unavailable, the process is more complex:

  • The seller can apply for a replacement V5C from DVLA at gov.uk/replace-vehicle-registration-certificate
  • Alternatively, the new keeper can apply for a V5C/1 log book using a V358 application form
  • Both parties should document the sale with a written agreement
  • Until the V5C is transferred, the seller should report the vehicle sold using the online DVLA notification service

Death of the Keeper

When the registered keeper of a vehicle dies, the vehicle becomes part of the deceased's estate. The executor or personal representative can:

  • Transfer the vehicle to a beneficiary as part of the estate
  • Sell the vehicle and transfer it to the buyer
  • Scrap the vehicle through an Authorised Treatment Facility

The DVLA should be notified of the death and the vehicle's status. The V5C must be surrendered to DVLA, and the new keeper will need to register it afresh.

Private Sale vs Dealer Sale

In a private sale, the process described above applies. In a dealer sale, the dealer typically handles the V5C transfer as part of the transaction. The dealer will register the part exchange separately and handle the new vehicle's registration. Ask the dealer for confirmation that the registration transfer has been completed.

How Long Does the Transfer Take?

DVLA processing times vary:

  • Online notification by seller: Immediate confirmation, new V5C to new keeper within 2 weeks
  • Postal V5C transfer: Up to 6 weeks for the new V5C to arrive
  • Using a V5C/2 slip: Can be used as temporary proof while waiting for the full V5C

If you have not received your new V5C within 6 weeks of completing the transfer, contact DVLA to check the status.

Common Keeper Change Mistakes

  • Not completing the V5C transfer: The seller remains legally responsible for the vehicle, including any parking fines or toll charges
  • Not taxing the vehicle immediately: Driving untaxed is illegal and results in fines
  • Not checking insurance: The vehicle must be insured before it is driven
  • Paying before receiving the V5C: Always ensure the V5C transfer is completed before transferring funds