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Keeper Responsibilities · UK

Registered Keeper Guide UK

Registered keeper and legal owner are not the same thing — and the distinction matters enormously when buying, selling, or financing a vehicle. Here is everything UK drivers need to know.

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Registered Keeper Guide UK
The short answer

Registered keeper is not the same as legal owner

The registered keeper is the person DVLA records as responsible for a vehicle's road tax and MOT — but not necessarily the legal owner. On PCP or hire purchase finance, the finance company owns the car until the final payment. When buying, always update DVLA with the keeper change via the V5C or gov.uk. Failure to do so leaves the previous keeper liable for fines and you unable to receive a tax refund.

Registered keeper ≠ legal owner on finance

On a PCP (Personal Contract Purchase) or HP (Hire Purchase) agreement, the finance company is the legal owner until you make the final payment. The driver is the registered keeper. If the registered keeper tries to sell the car before the finance is paid, they are selling property they don't legally own — a criminal offence. Always run an HPI check to confirm there is no outstanding finance before buying any used car.
Responsibilities

Registered Keeper Responsibilities

Ensure the vehicle has valid MOT when used on public roads
Ensure the vehicle is taxed (VED) or on SORN if kept off road
Notify DVLA of keeper changes when buying or selling
Respond to DVLA correspondence about the vehicle
Ensure the vehicle is insured for its use
Pay any penalties associated with the vehicle (parking, congestion, speeding)
Keeper vs owner

Keeper vs Owner: Key Differences

ScenarioRegistered KeeperLegal Owner
Outright purchase (no finance)The buyerThe buyer
PCP finance agreementThe driver/userFinance company (until final payment)
Hire purchase (HP)The driver/userFinance company (until final payment)
Company carThe employee driverThe employer company
Fleet/leased vehicleThe driver/companyThe leasing company
Vehicle sold with retained private plateNew buyerNew buyer (but plate is separate asset)
Notify DVLA

How to Notify DVLA of a Keeper Change

When buying a car

Complete the V5C new keeper supplement (Section 6) and send to DVLA. Or use the online service at gov.uk with the reference number from the V5C. DVLA sends a new V5C in your name within 6 weeks.

When selling a car

Complete the V5C and send the main section to DVLA. Give Section 6 to the buyer. Notify DVLA online at gov.uk. Keep a copy of the V5C showing the sale date and buyer's name.

When the V5C is missing

If there is no V5C, apply to DVLA using form V62. Both buyer and seller can do this. If you are the seller, you can still notify DVLA of the sale in writing or online.

After a death

An executor or next-of-kin should notify DVLA of the change in keeper. DVLA will require the V5C and evidence of death. The vehicle cannot be re-registered until DVLA is notified.

Check Tax Status & MOT — Free

Verify a vehicle's tax and MOT status via official DVLA and DVSA data.

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Questions & answers

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a registered keeper?
The registered keeper is the person recorded in DVLA's database as the individual responsible for a vehicle. They are legally responsible for ensuring the vehicle is taxed (VED) and has a valid MOT when used on public roads. Being the registered keeper does not mean you are the legal owner — particularly important on finance agreements where the finance company owns the vehicle until the final payment.
What is the difference between registered keeper and legal owner?
The registered keeper is recorded with DVLA and is responsible for tax and MOT. The legal owner is whoever has title to the vehicle — either the keeper (if bought outright) or the finance company (on PCP or HP agreements until the final payment). You can be the registered keeper of a car you do not legally own. This distinction matters enormously when selling a car on finance — you cannot legally sell something you do not own.
How do I update DVLA when I buy or sell a car?
When buying: complete Section 6 of the V5C (new keeper supplement) and send the main part of the V5C to DVLA — or use the online service at gov.uk. DVLA will post a new V5C in your name within 6 weeks. When selling: complete the relevant section of the V5C, retain the new keeper slip (section 6), and send the rest to DVLA. Inform DVLA online or by post. This protects you from liability for future road tax and offences.
Am I responsible for a car's MOT if I'm the registered keeper?
Yes — the registered keeper is legally responsible for ensuring the vehicle has a valid MOT when used on public roads. Driving without a valid MOT risks a £1,000 fine and may invalidate your insurance. If you sell a car without notifying DVLA of the keeper change, you could remain liable for penalties and parking fines incurred by the new keeper.
Can I be the registered keeper of a car I don't drive?
Yes. You can be the registered keeper of a vehicle that is kept off the road (on SORN) or loaned to another person. You are still responsible for ensuring tax and SORN are kept up to date. If a vehicle is driven by a family member or employee, the registered keeper should ensure it is taxed, MOT'd, and insured.
What happens if I don't notify DVLA when I sell a car?
If you do not notify DVLA of a sale, you remain the registered keeper in their records. You can receive parking fines, unpaid congestion charges, and ANPR-generated notices for a vehicle you no longer possess. You also cannot claim a VED refund for any remaining complete months of tax. Always notify DVLA at the point of sale using the V5C or online service.
Related tools

Related Tools & Resources

V5C Logbook Guide

What the V5C contains

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Tax Status Check

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Previous Owners Check

What keeper count reveals

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Vehicle Records Hub

All records guides

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Used Car Checks Hub

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MOT Reminder

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Vehicle Report

Full DVLA vehicle details lookup

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Vehicle Tax & SORN Guide

Tax bands, SORN & renewal rules

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Keeper records are held by DVLA. MotR is not affiliated with DVLA, DVSA or GOV.UK. Always notify DVLA of keeper changes via the V5C or gov.uk. Last reviewed 13 June 2026.

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