What to Do If You Bought a Vehicle Without a New Keeper Slip Using DVLA Form V62

When you buy a vehicle in the UK, the seller should provide you with a green “new keeper” slip from the V5C registration certificate (log book). This slip allows you to register yourself as the new keeper with the DVLA and tax the vehicle. But if you do not receive this slip, you cannot immediately tax the vehicle online or by phone, as these methods require either the V5C or the new keeper slip reference number. In this case, you can use DVLA form V62 to apply for a new vehicle registration certificate and register yourself as the keeper.

Understanding the Issue

If you have purchased a vehicle but the seller did not give you the green new keeper slip, you are not yet registered as the vehicle’s keeper with the DVLA. Without being the registered keeper, you cannot tax the vehicle online or by phone.

The correct step is to apply for a new V5C using form V62. This form is intended for people who:

Did not receive a V5C when they bought the vehicle
Do not have the green new keeper slip
Need to register as the new keeper
Need to change details on the vehicle registration certificate

How to Use Form V62

The V62 form is a paper application that must be completed and posted to the DVLA. It cannot be submitted online or electronically. You can obtain the form from the DVLA website or some Post Office branches. When sending the form, you should include:

The completed V62 form with all required details about the vehicle and yourself
A payment of £25 for the replacement V5C, unless you are applying for a V5C for a new vehicle and have the correct green new keeper slip from the most recent V5C
Any supporting documents you have, such as the vehicle’s current MOT certificate or purchase receipt

Send the form and payment to the DVLA address stated on the form. It usually takes about 4 weeks to receive your new V5C by post.

Taxing the Vehicle Without a New Keeper Slip

Until you receive your V5C in your name, you cannot tax the vehicle online or by phone because you lack the necessary reference numbers. However, once you have submitted the V62 form, you may be able to tax the vehicle at a Post Office that deals with vehicle tax. You will need to bring:

The completed V62 form
Your payment for the vehicle tax
Proof of a current MOT, if applicable (for example, a certificate or screenshot of the MOT history)

Some Post Office branches can process your V62 application and tax your vehicle at the same time, but it is advisable to check in advance whether the branch offers this service.

Important Points and Exceptions

If you have the green new keeper slip from the most recent V5C, you should send this with your V62 application to avoid the £25 fee.
If you already have a V5C but need to change details (for example, your address), you should also use form V62.
If you took the vehicle out of the UK and do not have a V5C, contact the DVLA and the driving authority of the country where the vehicle is registered to understand the correct procedure.
Do not send your application electronically; the V62 must be posted.
Once you receive your V5C, you can tax the vehicle online or by phone using the reference number on the certificate.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always check the official DVLA guidance or contact DVLA directly.

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.