What to Do if You Inherit a Vehicle Without a V5C: Applying for a V62 in the UK

If you inherit a vehicle in Great Britain and the V5C registration certificate (log book) is missing, you will need to apply for a new V5C before you can register yourself as the new keeper. The official way to do this is by completing form V62, the application for a vehicle registration certificate.

Understanding the V62 Form

The V62 is a paper form used to apply for a replacement V5C when you do not have the original log book. This situation often arises when a vehicle is inherited and the previous owner did not leave the V5C behind or it was lost.

• The V62 form cannot be completed online; it must be filled in by hand and posted to the DVLA.
• If you need to make any changes to the vehicle details or register yourself as the new keeper, you must apply by post using form V62.
• The application requires a fee of £25, payable by cheque or postal order made out to “DVLA, Swansea,” unless you include the green ‘new keeper’ slip from the most recent V5C, which can exempt you from the fee.

Steps to Apply for a V5C Using Form V62

1. Obtain a V62 form, which can be downloaded from the official government website or requested from the Post Office.
2. Complete the form with as much information as possible about the vehicle, including registration number, make, model, and any other details you know.
3. Include any supporting documents you have, such as the green ‘new keeper’ slip if you recently acquired the vehicle or evidence of inheritance.
4. Send the completed form along with the £25 fee (if applicable) to the DVLA at the address provided on the form.
5. Wait for the DVLA to process your application. It typically takes around 4 weeks to receive the new V5C by post.

Taxing the Vehicle After Applying for a V5C

Once you have submitted the V62 form, you can tax the vehicle at the same time. This can be done:

• Online, once you receive the new V5C reference number.
• At a Post Office that deals with vehicle tax, by presenting the V62 application form and paying the tax due.
• By phone, contacting the DVLA and providing the necessary details.

If you are the current keeper but do not have the V5C, the V62 application allows you to tax the vehicle while your new V5C is being issued.

Important Considerations

• If you are not the current keeper (for example, if the vehicle was inherited but not yet registered in your name), you must use the V62 to register yourself as the new keeper.
• If you have the green ‘new keeper’ slip from the last registered keeper, include it with your V62 application to avoid the £25 fee.
• If the vehicle was taken out of the UK and you do not have a V5C, you should contact the relevant authority in the country where the vehicle is now registered and notify the DVLA accordingly.
• Do not send the V62 form electronically; it must be posted to the DVLA.

For further details or specific circumstances, it is advisable to consult the official guidance or contact the DVLA directly. The process can vary slightly depending on the vehicle’s history and documentation available.

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.