V5C logbook
Also known as: V5C, log book, vehicle registration document
The V5C is the official UK vehicle registration document issued by DVLA, showing the registered keeper, vehicle technical details and ownership history.
The V5C — also known as the logbook — is the legal record of who the registered keeper of a vehicle is in the UK. It is not the same as legal ownership (a finance company can be the legal owner while the keeper drives the car), but the V5C is the central reference document for the DVLA.
The V5C lists the make, model, derivative, year of manufacture, body type, fuel type, engine capacity, colour, VIN, number of previous keepers, and the date the current keeper acquired the vehicle. Any inconsistency between the V5C and the seller's claims is a red flag.
When buying a used vehicle, always verify the V5C matches the vehicle physically (VIN on the chassis matches V5C VIN; engine number matches; colour matches) and matches the seller's identity. A missing or photocopied V5C is a strong indicator of a problem vehicle.
How-to guides
- How to check if a car is taxedSee if a car is taxed or SORN and when the tax runs out. Enter the registration into the free DVLA check for tax status, tax due date and MOT expiry in seconds.
- How to find a car’s details from its registration numberLook up any UK car by number plate for free: make, year, colour, fuel, engine size, CO2, first registration date and when the V5C logbook was last issued.
- How to check if a car is stolenCheck whether a car is recorded as stolen on the Police National Computer and the insurers’ MIAFTR register using only the registration number. Seconds.
- How to check if a car has been imported or exportedFind out if a car was imported into the UK or recorded as exported. An exported car cannot be taxed or insured here. Check both markers by registration.
Related terms
- HPI checkAn HPI check is a UK vehicle history report that confirms whether a car is stolen, has outstanding finance, has been written off, has mileage discrepancy, or has had its plate, colour or keeper details changed.
- Vehicle provenanceVehicle provenance is the verified history of a UK vehicle's ownership, status and incidents — covering stolen markers, finance, write-offs, mileage, plate changes, and keeper history.
- Vehicle tax statusVehicle tax status is the current DVLA record of whether a UK vehicle has valid Vehicle Excise Duty (VED, commonly "road tax") in place — and if so, when it expires.