How To Change Ownership of a Vehicle

We all reach a point where we’re ready for a change, especially when it comes to our vehicle. But for many, the thought of dealing with the paperwork can be enough to delay or avoid it altogether. The good news is, transferring ownership doesn’t have to be complicated, and we’re here to show you how simple it can be.

Whether you’ve recently changed your name, lost a loved one, or sold your car, these are all situations where updating vehicle ownership becomes necessary. Transferring ownership ensures that the vehicle is legally registered to the correct person, protecting both the previous and new owners. Below are some of the most common reasons you might need to change the registered name on a vehicle:

• Name change - If you’ve legally changed your name, your vehicle documents will need to reflect this update.
• Death - When the registered owner of a vehicle passes away, ownership must be transferred to the next of kin or the person inheriting the vehicle.
• Divorce or separation - If a vehicle is given to one person following a separation or divorce, the name on the registration will need to be changed accordingly.
• Selling the car - When you sell your vehicle, the buyer must be registered as the new owner to complete the sale and ensure you’re no longer legally responsible for it. You can sell your car to JCT600, or part exchange it; either way, we’ll give you the best value for your vehicle.

The current owner of the vehicle at that time is the one responsible for changing the ownership of a vehicle. If you’re unsure if you are the registered owner or keep contact the DVLA by submitting a V888 form, which allows people to request information about a vehicle from DVLA records.

Most people will say and think being the owner or keeper of the vehicle is the same, to in reality, they’re completely different. The owner is the person who is legally responsible for the vehicle, while the registered keeper is if you are responsible for the vehicle’s daily use and maintenance.

Include clear numbered steps on what someone needs to do in the order they need to do them for the following scenarios:

1. Fill out the V5C logbook - Write the new owner’s name and address in section 6. Both of you will need to sign Section 8.
2. Give the green slip (V5C/2) to the new owner - This is their proof of ownership.
3. Tell the DVLA - Do this online or by post.
4. DVLA sends confirmation - You get confirmation, and they get a new logbook.

1. Take the car to an authorised scrapyard (ATF)
2. Fill in section 9 of the V5C - Write the scrapyard’s name and sign it.
3. Send section 9 to the DVLA - Post it to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BD.
4. Get a Certificate of Destruction - The scrapyard should give you this as proof.

1. Go to gov.uk/sold-bought-vehicle
2. Enter the car and the new owner’s details.
3. Submit the form - Both of you will get confirmation emails, and the new V5C will arrive in the post.

1. Complete the V5C logbook - Fill out section 6 and sign section 8.
2. Send the logbook to DVLA - Post it to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BA.
3. Give the green slip (V5C/2) to the new owner
4. Wait for confirmation - The new logbook usually arrives in a few weeks.

We know there’s a lot to understand about changing ownership of the vehicle, so we’ve highlighted the top 5 questions to help make the process are easy as possible.

If you don't have your V5C logbook, you'll need to apply for a replacement using the V62 form, which you can get from the gov.uk website or a Post Office; however, this comes with a small fee, usually £25.

You need to follow the same steps as if you were selling your car. This includes filling in the V5C logbook with their details, giving them the green slip and informing the DVLA (online or by post).

The process will vary depending on what you choose to do with the vehicle, whether that’s selling it, keeping it or something else. Firstly, like most instances, contact the DVLA to notify them of the passing of the vehicle's owner. From here, the steps as mentioned previously will depend on what you choose to do with the vehicle next.

There’s no official limit; you can register as many vehicles as you like under your name, as long as you meet all legal requirements.

Yes. You could be fined up to £1,000 if you don’t inform the DVLA when ownership changes.

Now that you know how easy it is to transfer vehicle ownership, why not take the next step? Whether you're looking to buy a new or used car, sell your current vehicle or part-exchange, we make the process simple. Our team ensures all ownership details are handled properly, so you can drive away with confidence.