Registered Keeper · V5C · DVLA

Change Registered Keeper Guide

Changing the registered keeper correctly protects both buyer and seller. Here is exactly what each party must do with the V5C, when to notify DVLA, and the difference between keeper and owner.

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The short answer

Change Registered Keeper Guide

When a car is sold: the seller completes the V5C 'sold or transferred' section and posts it to DVLA (or notifies online), keeping the date of sale. The buyer receives the V5C/2 new keeper supplement and uses it to tax the vehicle before driving. DVLA processes the keeper change and issues a new V5C within 4–6 weeks. Registered keeper is not the same as legal owner.

Responsibilities

Seller and Buyer Responsibilities

Seller must

Complete the 'sold, transferred or scrapped' section of the V5C on the day of sale

Give the V5C/2 new keeper supplement (yellow section) to the buyer

Send the remainder of the V5C to DVLA, Swansea SA99 1BA or notify online

Keep a record of the sale date and buyer's details

Do NOT hand the entire V5C to the buyer — keep the main document to send to DVLA

Buyer must

Tax the vehicle before driving using the V5C/2 reference number

Ensure insurance is in place before driving

Keep the V5C/2 until the new V5C arrives (2–6 weeks)

Notify DVLA of keeper change online or await new V5C

Keeper vs owner

Registered Keeper vs Legal Owner

The distinction

The registered keeper is the person responsible for taxing and insuring the vehicle — the person at whose address it is normally kept. The legal owner is the person who paid for it. On finance, the finance company is usually the legal owner while the driver is the registered keeper. The V5C is not proof of ownership.

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Questions & answers

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I change the registered keeper of a car?

When you sell a car, both the seller and buyer should notify DVLA. The seller completes the 'sold, transferred or scrapped' section of the V5C and sends it to DVLA, keeping a note of the date of sale. The buyer receives the V5C/2 new keeper supplement and can notify DVLA of the keeper change online or by post, or wait for DVLA to issue a new V5C once the seller's notification is received.

Is the registered keeper the same as the owner?

Not necessarily. The registered keeper is the person responsible for taxing and insuring the vehicle — the person at whose address the vehicle is normally kept. The legal owner is the person who paid for the vehicle. If a car is on finance, the finance company is typically the legal owner, while the driver is the registered keeper. The V5C is not proof of ownership.

How long does it take to change the registered keeper?

Keeper change notifications sent online typically take DVLA 2–4 weeks to process and issue a new V5C. Postal notifications take longer — typically 4–6 weeks. During this period, keep your sale receipt and V5C/2 as evidence of your ownership if needed.

What if a buyer doesn't notify DVLA of the keeper change?

As the seller, you remain the registered keeper on DVLA's records until the change is processed. This can result in parking penalty notices and other correspondence being sent to you. Always retain proof of sale and notify DVLA on the day of sale to protect yourself. DVLA accepts online notifications from sellers directly.

Can I notify DVLA of a keeper change online?

Yes. DVLA's vehicle management service at gov.uk allows you to notify of a keeper change online. As a seller, you enter the vehicle registration, V5C reference number, and the date of sale. As a buyer, you can also notify DVLA of the change if you have the V5C/2 reference. This is faster and more reliable than post.

What documents do I need for a keeper change?

For the seller: the V5C logbook. For the buyer: the V5C/2 new keeper supplement received from the seller, or the full V5C once it arrives. For vehicles purchased without a V5C, you should apply for a replacement V5C (V62 form) and include a receipt and any supporting evidence of purchase.

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Keeper change notifications are made via the official DVLA service at GOV.UK. MotR is not affiliated with DVLA, DVSA or GOV.UK. The V5C is a registration certificate, not proof of ownership. Last reviewed 13 June 2026.

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