Buying A Car · DVLA Checklist
Buying A Car DVLA Checklist
From free checks before handing over money to taxing the vehicle before driving it home — every DVLA step a UK car buyer needs to complete, in the right order.
Official UK dataFree to useInstant resultsNo account needed
Buying A Car DVLA Checklist
Before buying: check MOT history and tax status free via MotR. On purchase day: get the V5C/2 from the seller, tax the vehicle before driving using the V5C/2 reference, and ensure insurance is active. After purchase: notify DVLA of keeper change online or await the new V5C. Consider a paid history check for finance, write-offs and keeper count.
Buyer Checklist: Before, During and After
Before handing over money
Run free MOT history check on MotR — verify valid MOT and mileage consistency
Check tax status via MotR — is it taxed, SORN, or untaxed?
Consider paid HPI check — outstanding finance, write-off history, keeper count
Verify VIN on vehicle matches V5C logbook exactly
Confirm engine number matches V5C record
On purchase day
Get a signed receipt (reg, VIN, date, price, both parties' names)
Receive the V5C/2 new keeper supplement from the seller
Ensure insurance is arranged and active before driving
Tax the vehicle online using V5C/2 reference before driving on any public road
Do NOT accept a car where the seller cannot provide V5C/2 or V5C — investigate before proceeding
After purchase
Notify DVLA of keeper change online at GOV.UK (optional if seller has already notified)
Keep V5C/2 safe until new V5C arrives (2–6 weeks)
Update insurance to correct vehicle details and your address
Consider scheduling an independent inspection if any concerns from purchase
The First Thing To Check
Start free, before you pay
Run a free MOT history check and a free tax status check before spending anything. A vehicle with a valid MOT and a consistent mileage timeline has already passed two important credibility checks — before you pay for a full HPI.
Start Your Free Pre-Purchase Checks
MOT history, tax status, vehicle spec — official data, instant, no login needed.
Check MOT History →Frequently Asked Questions
What DVLA steps must I complete when buying a car?
Key steps: (1) Check tax and MOT status before purchase. (2) Get the V5C/2 new keeper supplement from the seller. (3) Tax the vehicle before driving using the V5C/2 reference. (4) Ensure insurance is in place. (5) Notify DVLA of the keeper change online or await the V5C update. (6) Apply for a new V5C if the seller cannot provide a V5C/2.
How long does DVLA take to update the V5C after purchase?
Once the seller notifies DVLA of the sale, DVLA typically issues a new V5C in your name within 2–4 weeks (online notification) or 4–6 weeks (postal notification). Until the new V5C arrives, keep the V5C/2 as evidence of your registered keeper status.
What if the seller says the V5C is lost?
Do not be persuaded that a missing V5C is minor. Without a V5C or V5C/2, you cannot easily tax the vehicle online and the ownership history becomes harder to verify. Ask the seller to apply for a replacement V5C (V62 form, £25 fee) before completing the sale, or proceed only if you can verify the vehicle's history and tax at a Post Office with the seller present.
Should I check the car's history before buying?
Yes — always. Use MotR's free MOT history checker to verify the test history and mileage. Check tax status. For a significant purchase, run a paid HPI or equivalent check to verify there is no outstanding finance, no write-off history, and the correct number of previous keepers. These checks take minutes and can save thousands.
Can I tax a used car before I have the V5C in my name?
Yes. You can tax a vehicle using the reference number from the V5C/2 (new keeper supplement) that the seller gives you. You do not need to wait for a new V5C in your name before taxing. This is the intended process — the V5C/2 is designed specifically to allow new keepers to tax the vehicle immediately after purchase.
What is the first thing to check before handing over money for a used car?
MOT history via DVSA (use MotR's free checker) to verify the vehicle has a valid MOT, check the mileage timeline for anomalies, and review past advisories. Then check tax status via DVLA. A vehicle with a valid MOT and consistent mileage history has already passed two important credibility checks — before you have spent a penny on a paid check.
Related Tools & Resources
Buyer checks use official DVLA and DVSA data. MotR is not affiliated with DVLA, DVSA or GOV.UK. A paid HPI check is recommended for finance, write-off and keeper-count verification. Last reviewed 13 June 2026.
Keep reading
Open Vehicle Tax & SORN Guide
Back to the complete hub — all vehicle tax, SORN and DVLA topics in one place.