DVLA Logbook – V5C

Important: Calls to this number cost 7p per minute, plus your operator’s access charge. We will connect your call directly to the DVLA helpline. We are not associated with DVLA.

DVLA Logbook Enquiries – A Guide

The logbook is one of the most important facets of your vehicle and your entitlement to be able to drive.  Therefore, it’s hardly surprising that the DVLA has set up both an online portal and a helpline to field a large number of logbook enquiries that may crop up for motorists up and down the UK.  In this guide, we will discuss the importance of a valid logbook and how the DVLA will be able to help you make sure that yours is up to code.

What is a V5C Log Book?

A logbook is, essentially, your certification to prove that you are the owner of a vehicle.  It’s a legal requirement should police officials request to see such data, and you should therefore ensure that you have a valid record to prove that you are responsible for the running and taxation of the car at hand.  You must therefore make sure that your log book details are correct, current, and that you have your logbook for car, van or other road vehicle use to hand whenever you are behind the wheel.  It’s important to file a logbook application should you purchase a new car, or if you lose your current manual.

How Do You Receive a Logbook?

If you have bought a new car, or have misplaced or damaged your existing logbook beyond repair, you must contact the DVLA’s logbook enquiries team to arrange for a replacement.  You may receive a logbook with your new vehicle – but if you don’t, there are ways and means around arranging for a new one to be sent to you.

If you are looking to replace a damaged or lost logbook, you will be required to pay a small fee upon contacting the DVLA.  You will be charged £25 as standard should you apply for your replacement via phone or via post, meaning that you can do so via credit or debit card or via cheque or postal order.  It should be reasonably expected that applications via post will take longer to process than those made via the logbook application helpline.

To apply for a replacement via phone, simply ensure you have a valid UK credit or debit card to hand, and call 0843 903 3770. Calls cost 7p per minute, plus your operator’s access charge. This is a call forwarding service, we are not associated with DVLA.

The helpline is open six days a week, from 8am to 7pm Monday to Friday and from 8am to 2pm on Saturdays.  Do be aware that if you have changed any personal details applicable to your logbook that you will be required to apply by post.

Replacing a log book via post is simple too – download, print and complete this application form (V62) and send it with a postal order or cheque payable to DVLA Swansea for £25 via the following address:

DVLA

Swansea

SA99 1DD

Who Must Use a Logbook

Logbooks are essential documentation for all vehicle owners currently on the road and off the road.  Keeping your log book details to hand is extremely important as it will validate your ownership of a certain vehicle – which you may need to prove in the event of insurance claims, checks during vehicle testing or even if police officials wish to discuss your car or driving with you.  As replacing a log book is quick, simple and affordable, it is recommended that you do so if there is any doubt in you possessing such documentation.

Where to Buy Logbook For Car Use

There is only a handful of legitimate ways to be able to receive a logbook for car, van or other vehicle use.  You should receive a new log book buying a car or vehicle – if not, you can contact the DVLA to arrange for a new one to be dispatched to you.  You will not be charged if you did not receive a logbook with your new vehicle – but you will be charged a standard fee of £25 if you are replacing a log book should your existing documents be damaged or missing.

When to Use a Logbook

A logbook check may not occur too often – and it may not impede upon your driving a vehicle – but there will be circumstances when you will need to prove your right to insure, repair or even drive your car.  Officials reserve the right to request for proof that you drive a car, and your log book details everything they need to know.  A standard drivers’ licence is not enough in these circumstances – you will need to adequately prove that you have full ownership rights over a vehicle and that you are legally entitled to be driving the car in question.

When is a Log Book Not Required?

A log book is not essential to help you drive a car, but it should hardly be avoided keeping in check.  The DVLA’s logbook enquiries department has been set up to handle all concerns regarding the documentation, meaning that if you feel you are entitled to a replacement or if you’d like to know more about what a logbook does, the team will only be too happy to help you. There is a handy list of contact avenues and further details available here.

Amending Details

To make a logbook change – to information such as your name or address – you will need to fill out a form known as a V5C.  If you fail to inform the DVLA of changes to your address which will apply to your logbook, you may be charged up to £1000 – but it is generally free to make such changes.

If you have changed your address, you are requested to supply the new information in section 6 of your logbook – without ticking ‘new keeper’ – and to send your complete logbook and proof of new address to the DVLA via post.  If you wish to change your name, simply fill in the same section and supply a covering letter to advise of your action.

To apply a logbook change of address and name simultaneously, proof of your change of name will be required –and don’t forget to supply any documentation and details to the DVLA via post at the following address:

DVLA

Swansea

SA99 1BA

My Logbook Has Not Arrived – What Should I Do?

The DVLA advises that the standard log book arrival time can be up to six weeks from your request – however, if your log book hasn’t arrived during this time, you are recommended to contact the department directly via the helpline  or via the DVLA’s online email system available on their website.  Please make sure you allow for the recommended processing and log book arrival time to complete before making any further enquiries.  From here, the team will be able to chase up your request and arrange for a replacement to be ordered.  It is rare that such a delay – or loss of order – will occur.

Complaints and Enquiries

If you have a genuine concern regarding the way your logbook check has been handled, you are of course welcome to raise and escalate a complaint at your discretion.  It is recommended that you call the Dvla contact number (as above) in the first instance, as it is likely that the frontline team will be able to address and resolve many logbook enquiries at the first point of calling.  However, you can escalate a formal complaint should you feel that your concerns have not addressed to your satisfaction.

You are recommended to make a formal complaint via post directly to the DVLA in Swansea, where the Chief Executive’s office is based:

Complaints Team

DVLA

Swansea

SA6 7JL

You may also consult the relevant ombudsman should your concerns not be addressed to your satisfaction within a reasonable delay.  For more information on how the ombudsman can help you, please visit their website.

FAQs

Which log book details are the most important?

All information included in your logbook is essential – from your name and address down to your vehicle data and purchase information.  It all helps to identify you as the legal owner and driver of your car or van.

What should I do with my logbook when selling car?

You can either supply your logbook to the DVLA via post, or can keep them updated by letting them know what is happening by filling in a few details online.  It may be helpful to do this to ensure that you and the new owners of your old vehicle continue to hold valid log book details.

What are logbook loans?

Logbook loans are unaffiliated with the DVLA.  These types of loan require you to hand in your logbook to a loan provider as a deposit until you are able to clear the amount of money you have borrowed.  To retain full rights over your vehicle, it is recommended that you retain your logbook at all times.

Where does your logbook go?

When sending in your logbook to the DVLA, the team will handle your request and amend any details and/or dispatch a new version of the documentation if applicable.  All logbook enquiries are handled in-house at the DVLA’s headquarters in Swansea.  It’s recommended that you store your logbook safely within your car so that you may provide the information to those entitled to request it when required.

Who needs a logbook?

All drivers need a logbook – while it may be a piece of documentation that doesn’t get used as often as others which entitle you to drive, it is essential identification that you are legally authorised to run, drive and adapt your vehicle to your needs.  This documentation provides police, insurance providers and anyone repairing your car with all the information and reassurance they need that you are the legal and confirmed owner of the vehicle in question.

DVLA Contact Number and Further Information

You can get in touch with the team at the DVLA by calling their helpline, by using their online email system, or by writing to the following address with as much information as possible:

Vehicle Customer Services

DVLA

Swansea

SA99 1AR

All of the DVLA’s essential resources are based in Swansea, where you may also contact their complaints team should you wish to escalate a concern.  Please see above for further details on how to make a further complaint should you wish or need to.