How to Handle Vehicle Registration When Buying a Car from Overseas Without a V5C Logbook

If you have bought a vehicle from overseas and do not have the UK V5C registration certificate (logbook), you will need to register the vehicle with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) before you can tax or legally use it on UK roads. Without a V5C, you must apply for one using form V62.

What is Form V62?

Form V62 is an application for a vehicle registration certificate (V5C). It is used when you do not have a V5C logbook, for example when you purchase a vehicle from abroad or if the original logbook has been lost. The form is a paper-only document and must be completed and posted to the DVLA; it cannot be submitted online.

Steps to Register Your Overseas Vehicle Without a V5C

Obtain form V62: You can download and print form V62 from the official government website or get a copy from a Post Office that handles vehicle tax.
Complete the form: Fill in all relevant details about the vehicle and yourself as the keeper. If you have any documentation from the overseas sale, such as the foreign registration documents or proof of purchase, keep them ready as they may be needed.
Include payment if required: A fee of £25 is payable for the V5C application when applying by post. Payment is usually by cheque or postal order payable to ‘DVLA, Swansea’ when posting the form.
Send the form by post: Mail the completed V62 form and payment to the DVLA at the address on the form. Keep copies of all documents for your records.

Taxing Your Vehicle Without a V5C

You can tax the vehicle at the same time as applying for the V5C using form V62 at a Post Office that deals with vehicle tax. You will need to bring the completed V62 form and payment for both the vehicle tax and the V5C application fee. Alternatively, once you receive the V5C or a new keeper slip, you can tax the vehicle online or by phone using the reference numbers provided.

Important Considerations

New keeper slip requirement: If you are the new keeper but do not yet have a V5C or new keeper slip, you cannot tax the vehicle until you obtain one. Applying for the V5C via form V62 by post is essential in this case.
Vehicle details: If you need to update vehicle details or you are not yet registered as the keeper, you must apply by post using the V62 form.
Processing time: The DVLA typically processes V62 applications within about four weeks. If you have not received your V5C after six weeks, you may need to pay £25 for a replacement.
Foreign registration: If the vehicle was previously registered abroad, you may need to provide evidence of de-registration from the foreign country and comply with UK import and vehicle approval regulations before the DVLA will issue a V5C.

Summary

When buying a vehicle from overseas without a V5C logbook, the practical route to registration is to complete and post form V62 to the DVLA. This application registers the vehicle in your name and allows you to tax the vehicle concurrently, provided you pay the required fees. Until the DVLA issues your new V5C or a new keeper slip, you cannot tax the vehicle online or by phone. Always retain proof of purchase and any foreign registration documents to support your application.

Official reference: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/application-for-a-vehicle-registration-certificate. Topic-specific official guidance. Topic-specific official guidance. Always check the latest official guidance. Related forms: Browse our form category.

Important: This article provides general information. Government rules, forms and procedures can change, and this article may not reflect the latest updates. Check current GOV.UK guidance or the relevant authority before relying on it. ITG & Co. is independent and is not affiliated with a government department.