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What you and the buyer need to do

You should notify DVLA immediately using the appropriate section of the registration document or certificate. You should also keep a separate note of the buyer's name and address details.

If you are selling to a motor trader you can find more information using the link below.

• Selling to a motor trader

Registration certificate V5C

If you have a registration certificate you must complete section 6 'new keeper or new name/new address details' of the V5C. Both you and the buyer must sign section 8 and send the V5C immediately to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BA. You must also give the buyer the properly completed V5C/2 section.

If you sell the vehicle to a 'motor trader' (see notes on back of the V5C/3 for definition) you must complete the V5C/3 section.

You must also obtain the details and signature of the motor trader and post it to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BD. Don’t rely on anyone else to send it in. Both the V5C and V5C/2 sections (uncompleted) should then be passed to the trader. The registration certificate has accompanying guidance notes INS 160. These notes are available for download below.

Remove your tax disc from the vehicle and you can apply for a refund of vehicle tax for complete calendar months remaining on the tax disc. DVLA cannot pay your refund until notification that you have sold/transferred your vehicle has been received.

• Applying for a refund of vehicle tax

• Download 'United Kingdom registration certificate guidance notes (INS160)' (PDF, 869K)

• Help with PDF files

If you no longer have your registration certificate V5C

If you don't have a registration certificate you can still tell DVLA that you no longer have the vehicle.

To do this you will need to write to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AR giving the:

• vehicle registration mark
• make and model
• exact date of sale
• name and address of the new keeper

However, note that DVLA records won’t be complete until the new keeper tells DVLA in writing. Until they do, the police may need to contact you if they have to make enquiries about the vehicle.

What happens next

Once you have informed DVLA, you will receive an automatic acknowledgement letter, within four weeks, confirming the discharge of liability for your vehicle. Please allow four weeks to receive the letter before contacting the DVLA.

Personalised registration on your vehicle

You’ll need to transfer or retain your personalised registration before you sell the vehicle. If you don’t, you’ll lose your entitlement to the registration number.

• Personalised registration and number plates

• Download 'Application to transfer or retain a vehicle registration number – V317' (PDF, 136K)

• Help with PDF files

More useful links

• Advice on selling your vehicle