United Kingdom Registration Certificate

Since last year, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has been automatically issuing new style vehicle registration certificates (V5C) to vehicle keepers when they renew their vehicle tax, (using the automated licence renewal reminder form), or make a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN).

By early July the majority of registered keepers will have received the new certificate.

If you do not have one, because your vehicle is off road being renovated, or is exempt from car tax for another reason, you will need to send your old V5 to DVLA with a letter requesting a new certificate.

Keepers of old or classic vehicles who are concerned that they might lose information on their car's history may request the return of the old V5 in the covering letter.

Why do vehicle keepers need a new V5C?
All motorists are asked to ensure they are issued with the new V5C registration certificate, as after 30th June 2005 failure to produce a V5C could cause problems when selling a vehicle.

After this date, motor traders and private buyers may refuse a sale if the vehicle keeper is unable to produce the new certificate.

The new registration certificate can be used for re-registration purposes throughout the European Union

DVLA spokesperson Jeff Mumford said "This is partly a vehicle anti-crime initiative as the new V5C has added security features making it harder to forge than the old V5 registration document. This protects and benefits all honest vehicle owners."

According to Stuart Sims of Network Q, the UK's leading used car retailer:
'We have invested a lot of time and money internally to make sure all the used car vehicles we sell to our retailers will have the new V5C registration certificates. Vehicles would be virtually impossible to sell without it because a car loses not only its identity but most of its value as a result.'

Keep it safe, keep it up-to-date
Vehicle keepers should keep their new V5C safe and remember to destroy the old V5 registration document. This is necessary as a crime prevention measure to prevent ‘car cloning’ and protect honest motorists.

If there are two documents in circulation a stolen vehicle could be given false number plates and could steal the identity of a legitimate vehicle.

It is also important that DVLA is informed of any changes to vehicle keeper details.

The new car tax rules, introduced in January 2004, mean that until the vehicle keeper informs DVLA they no longer possess the vehicle they will remain liable for its car tax and any penalties for non payment.

Vehicle keepers should also check the new V5C for any errors.

If any details on the new V5C need to be changed, motorists should refer to the guidance notes, INS160, which accompany the new registration certificate