What do I hand over when I sell my car?
Here's what you need to have on hand before you sell your car.
- V5C logbook. The V5C logbook is the key document for transferring car ownership. ...
- Service history. ...
- MOT certificate history. ...
- Proof of reservation and purchase. ...
- Insurance policy. ...
- Remaining car warranty. ...
- Repairs and car parts receipts. ...
- Car owner's handbook.
What documents do I need to handover when selling a car?
Essential documents to sell a car:
- Logbook. You need your logbook or the V5C document to inform the DVLA that you no longer the keeper of the car. ...
- Proof of reservation and purchase. ...
- Service history. ...
- MOT certificate. ...
- Insurance policy. ...
- Car warranty. ...
- Car parts receipts.
What do I need to do with my V5 when selling a car?
If you have your V5C registration document you need to:
- Fill in sections 6.
- Sign and date the declaration in section 8 along with the new keeper.
- Fill in section 10 (V5C/2) and give it to the new keeper – they will need this to tax the vehicle.
- Keep a record of the new keeper's name and address.
Do I need to do anything if I sell my car?
You'll also need to provide the buyer with an MOT certificate and also need to provide the buyer with an invoice or receipt which details the sale of the car. You'll need to provide evidence of your identity so that you can prove to the buyer that you are the legal owner of the vehicle.How do I protect myself when selling my car privately?
You should have current registration papers and a current sticker on the car. Make sure, if your state requires an inspection, that it's current. You don't want to find out later it won't pass without major repairs. Get a CARFAX report before you do the deal. Get positive ID from the seller.Selling your car. V5 document tutorial. (Step by step)
What is the most secure way to sell a car privately?
7 Ways to Protect Yourself When Selling a Car Privately
- Screen Callers Thoroughly.
- Take Precautions With the Test Drive.
- Ensure a Safe Transaction.
- Maintain a Paper Trail.
- Block out Your Personal Information.
- Complete the Title Transfer.
- How to Avoid Scams and Fraud When Selling Your Car Privately.
What are the rules of selling a car privately?
Selling a car privatelyAs a private seller, you are not strictly required to assure the buyer that the car is in good condition. However, you cannot claim that a car is in good working order when it is not, so if a prospective buyer asks you about the condition of the vehicle, you must be totally honest.
How do I tell the DVLA I sold my car?
If you've sold your car privately, the process is largely the same as selling to a trader. First, give the buyer the green 'new keeper supplement' section of the V5C logbook. Then, use the same online service to notify the DVLA, entering details such as the car's registration number and the V5C document reference.What is the safest form of payment when selling a car?
Never transfer ownership of a car until you have the money in hand. Request a secure form of payment like a cashier's check rather than cash or a personal check, which might bounce. If you're taking payment electronically, wait until the money is in your account to transfer the car title.How do I cancel the tax on my car?
To cancel your road tax, you must officially inform the DVLA that your vehicle has been one of the following:
- Sold or transferred to someone else.
- Taken off the road – this is called a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN)
- Written off by your insurance company.
- Scrapped at a vehicle scrapyard.
How do I transfer my V5 to a new owner?
Inform the DVLA online (the easiest method)Go to the DVLA website: https://www.gov.uk/sold-bought-vehicle. The seller needs to enter the 11-digit document reference number found on the front page of the V5C. Enter the new owner's details, including their name and address.
Should you let the buyer test drive your car?
Most potential buyers will want to see and maybe test drive your car before buying it (if they don't, then this might be a red flag that they're trying to scam you). It's best to meet them somewhere familiar but not your actual address, and don't meet them alone.What are the disadvantages of selling a car privately?
Is Selling My Car Privately Worth the Hassle?
- It takes time and effort. One of the biggest drawbacks of selling a car privately is the time and effort it takes to find a buyer. ...
- Private buyers can haggle you down below market value. ...
- Private sellers can fall to victim to scams and fraud.
How to fill out V5 when selling a car?
How to fill out a V5C
- Section 1: Changing your vehicle's details. ...
- Section 2: Selling or transferring my vehicle to a new keeper. ...
- Section 3: Change my name and/or address. ...
- Section 4: Selling, transferring or part exchanging this vehicle to a motor dealer. ...
- Section 5: Permanently exporting a vehicle (for more than 12 months)
What is the safest way to sell my car?
Tips on selling a used car safely (2025 update)
- Be prepared. ...
- Beware of scammers. ...
- Stay together. ...
- Hold tight. ...
- In plain sight. ...
- Stay on home ground. ...
- Never allow a buyer to test drive the car alone. ...
- Download our checklist...
What is the safest way to get paid for selling a car privately?
Bank transfers are a secure and efficient way to exchange money in a car sale. The buyer's bank will verify the availability of the funds before processing the transfer. This assurance offers added security for the seller, making a bank transfer an excellent option for high-dollar transactions.How long does V5 take to transfer ownership?
You'll usually get your new V5C within 4 weeks of the vehicle being registered. You'll get your new V5C within 3 to 5 days if both of the following apply to your vehicle: it's a used vehicle. the seller registered it to you online.Can I change ownership of a car without V5 online?
Can I transfer ownership of a vehicle online without V5? Yes, it is possible and legal. It can be harder to find a car buyer. But as long as the buyer is informed and has agreed to the sale and you follow the required procedure, there should be no issue.Does car tax cancel automatically when sold?
Yes, you can get a road tax refund if you cancel your vehicle tax. The refund is automatically calculated and sent out by the DVLA when you let them know you've sold your car. Your refund will cover any full remaining months of tax and the amount will be sent to the registered keeper's address as a cheque.Can I cancel car tax without V5?
No, you can't cancel tax without a logbook. You'll need the reference number from your V5C registration certificate to inform the DVLA that you want to cancel your car tax.Will DVLA automatically refund car tax?
You'll automatically get a refund cheque for any full months left on your vehicle tax. The refund is calculated from the date DVLA gets your information. The cheque is sent to the name and address on the vehicle log book.What to be careful of when selling a car privately?
A genuine buyer will want to inspect the car's history and check you have the legal right to sell on the car. If documents are missing or the car has a patchy service history, honesty is the best policy. On that note, be wary of buyers who seem in a rush or disinterested in inspecting the car/taking a test drive.How do I avoid being scammed when selling a car privately?
Accept a safe method of paymentYou should never provide your card number, security code or expiry date. These details could be used to commit fraud. If you accept cash, arrange to meet the buyer at the bank, so that the teller can confirm whether the money is genuine and that the correct amount has been paid.