When you buy a car, the ownership is automatically transferred to you. But what happens when you want to sell or give the car to someone else? How do you change the owner of a car? This blog post will walk you through the process of transferring car ownership. We will provide information on the required documents and the steps that need to be taken. Read on for more information!
It may be difficult to purchase a vehicle privately, and first-time purchasers could easily overlook the transfer of ownership step (or unscrupulous vendors might try to avoid it!).
The DVLA is in charge of keeping vehicle ownership records in the United Kingdom, and you must inform them if any changes are required – whether a car is sold privately or through a dealership. The seller is obligated to notify the DVLA of a vehicle ownership change, with certain exceptions. One of the few times you won’t need to notify the DVLA of a change in ownership is if you buy a car from a dealer and they handle everything for you.
What Does A Car Transfer of Ownership Means?
A car transfer of ownership is simply the process of changing the registered owner of a vehicle. The new owner could be yourself (if you’re buying a used car from someone), or it could be someone else if you’re selling your car.
To change the name on a car’s registration, you’ll need to complete and submit a few different forms to the DVLA. These include:
- The V62 form, which is the application for a vehicle registration certificate
- The V317 form, which is the application for transfer or retention of a registration number
- The V40 form, which is the declaration of new keeper supplement
You can get these forms from your local DVLA office or by visiting the DVLA website.
Your Status: Are You the Owner or the Registered Keeper?
The first step is to determine if you’re the owner or registered keeper of the car. The owner is typically easy to determine – whoever bought the car (or inherited/was gifted it) has the right to sell. The registered keeper, on the other hand, might not be so obvious. For example, if you’ve ever leased a car or taken out a finance agreement, you were likely the registered keeper but not the owner. The owner, in this case, would be the leasing company or finance provider.
The registered keeper and owner of a vehicle are frequently the same person. However, they need not be, and it’s crucial to comprehend the distinction before purchasing a used car. It’s possible to compare the registered keeper’s name to the vehicle’s V5 logbook, but finding out who owns it might be more difficult. The DVLA is in charge of documenting the vehicle’s ownership. They will, however, only provide personal information such as the owner’s name or address for a few reasons.
If you genuinely need to know this information, RegCarCheck may be of assistance – they’ll give you information on how many previous owners the car has had and whether it has any outstanding finance. Of course, if any of this information disagrees with the seller’s claim, there’s a good chance they don’t own the auto! Our guide on locating automobile owners by registration can also be useful.
The Process of Changing Ownership
Once you’re certain you have the right to sell the car, you’ll need to begin changing ownership.
Firstly, the seller must complete the first page of the logbook, known as the V5C/2, before it is torn off and given to the buyer.
The next step is for the seller to notify the DVLA of the change in vehicle ownership by providing them with the 11-digit V5C code at the top and the new owner’s name and address. This may be done online or by sending your V5 logbook through the mail.
The third step is the change in ownership will be recorded by the DVLA and sent to the seller’s email and postal addresses. They’ll also refund any remaining vehicle tax to the owner, which isn’t transferable.
The final step is for the seller to provide a new copy of the V5C (with the V5C/2 portion intact) to the new owner, and you may destroy the old copy. The buyer must also ensure it has been taxed before driving it away.
Checklist for Seller:
- Fill in the V5C/2 form on the second page of the logbook and give it to the buyer.
- Fill in this form to notify the DVLA of your change in ownership.
- When you get a notification of the transfer, you may destroy the V5.
Checklist for Buyer:
- Ensure you have the V5C/2 document, which will serve as proof of sale until you receive a new logbook.
- Wait for the new copy of your logbook from the DVLA, and double-check all of your information.
- Before driving your new automobile, make sure it has been taxed.
How Much Does It Cost to Change Ownership?
Generally, there is no charge for changing ownership of a car. The only exception to this rule is if you’re buying a brand-new car from a dealer and they offer to do it for you – in which case, it may cost £80.
Do I Need to Transfer a Personalised Number Plate?
If your vehicle has a personalised number plate, you may need to undergo certain procedures. In most cases, personalised plates on a new car won’t be transferred to the owner. It’s more common for sellers to keep their plates for their next vehicle or sell them as part of a package through a specialised broker.
If you’re purchasing a vehicle with personalised plates, the seller must register them with you after the sale. This can be completed online or by sending additional papers through the mail with your V5 logbook. If the previous owner kept their personalised plates, they should have informed the DVLA before selling their car.
Additionally, it’s essential to remember that you can only have one set of personalised plates on a vehicle at a time. So, if you’re buying a car with personalised plates and want to keep them, you’ll need to remove any other sets before putting them on. But, again, you may only have one set of personalised plates on a vehicle.
A dishonest seller may switch off their personalised plates and reconnect the old ones. However, if their personalised tags were correctly recorded, this number has already been reassigned to another car. Understanding this might cause delays if you have an unregistered or incorrect licence plate while driving a vehicle with an unregistered or invalid plate.
Important Points to Remember
The process of changing ownership is relatively straightforward, but there are a few key points to remember:
- The seller must notify the DVLA of the change in ownership, and the buyer should receive confirmation of this – usually within four weeks.
- It would be best to determine whether the seller is the actual seller or a registered keeper. To find this information, use RegCarCheck ‘s “Keeper Lookup” service.
- If the car is financed, the owner must pay off the loan before they can transfer ownership.
- If the car is leased, you’ll need to speak to the leasing company about taking over the contract.
- The seller must give the buyer the VIN (vehicle identification number), which everyone should check against the one on the car.
- A vehicle owner is responsible for any parking or speeding fines incurred before the change in ownership is registered.
The bottom line is that, as long as you follow the steps outlined above, changing ownership of a car should be a relatively simple process. Make sure to research and double-check all the paperwork before driving away in your new (or new-to-you) car. And remember – if something doesn’t seem right, it probably isn’t. Trust your gut and don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Additional Notes:
If you plan to purchase a car from a private seller, it’s important to remember that you’ll be responsible for transferring the ownership into your name. However, the process is relatively simple; you’ll need to ensure you have all the required documents and follow the below steps.
Another point to keep in mind is that if the car you’re purchasing is financed, you’ll need to pay off the loan before you can transfer ownership. The same goes for leased vehicles – you’ll need to speak to the leasing company about taking over the contract.
Finally, double-check all the paperwork and ensure everything is in order when changing ownership of a car. Don’t hesitate to ask for help if something doesn’t seem right. Always run a car check to ensure you know everything about the vehicle’s history.
Now that you know the basics of changing car ownership, you’re one step closer to becoming a responsible driver. Just follow the steps outlined above, and you’ll be behind the wheel of your new (or new-to-you) car in no time. And don’t forget, if you ever have questions or concerns, Just Car Checks is here to help. Happy driving!