The V5C is the vehicle registration certificate, sometimes called the logbook. It is issued by the DVLA and records the registered keeper of a vehicle. Understanding what it contains and what to look for is essential when buying a used car.
What the V5C shows
The V5C records: the registered keeper name and address; the vehicle registration number; the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number, also called the chassis number); engine number; make, model and colour; date of first registration; and number of previous registered keepers.
Important: registered keeper vs owner
The V5C records the registered keeper, not necessarily the legal owner. A car on finance is owned by the finance company but kept by the person making the payments. This is why a history check for outstanding finance is separate from the V5C check.
What to check on a V5C
- The seller name and address should match the V5C. If they do not, ask why. Viewing a car at a different address from the V5C, or a seller who cannot explain the discrepancy, are red flags.
- The number of previous keepers. A car with many previous keepers in a short period may have been repeatedly sold due to problems.
- The VIN on the V5C should match the VIN on the vehicle. The VIN is usually found on a plate visible through the windscreen at the base of the dashboard (driver side) and stamped into the bodywork in the engine bay. A mismatch may indicate the car is a cut and shut (two vehicles joined together after accident damage).
- The date of first registration should match the age of the vehicle as shown on the registration plate.
If there is no V5C
Be very cautious. A missing V5C does not automatically mean a problem: they can be lost or destroyed. But a seller who cannot produce a V5C for a private sale deserves more scrutiny, not less. You can apply for a replacement from the DVLA for £25.
For a full mechanical check before any used car purchase, call Steins Garage on 0131 554 3423.