The vehicle registration certificate, also known as V5C, is considered a form of car identification. It proves the ownership and carries vehicle details, such as first registration date, registration number, keepers, make and model of the vehicle, year of manufacturing, color, engine size, etc. In the UK, car owners must register a vehicle at the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) as soon as it is purchased, built, altered or imported. However, the V5C is not fixed and unchangeable. This document keeps updating and recording changes. In this passage, we will talk about is it necessary to renew your vehicle registration certificate, when and how to update it.
When Should You Update Your Vehicle Registration Certificate?
Whenever there are major changes in information about the car or the owner, they should be reported to the DVLA. In the following cases, the V5C should be updated.
- There are mistakes on your V5C.
- Vehicle details have changed, such as color, engine, cylinder capacity (cc), fuel type, chassis or bodyshell, seating capacity, weight of a large vehicle, wheel plan, body type, vehicle identification number (VIN), chassis number, or frame number for motorbikes.
- You changed your address, name, or got married.
- You sold, transferred, or bought the car and the ownership changed.
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Why Is It Important to Update Vehicle Registration Certificate?
In the UK, it is mandatory to keep your vehicle registration updated. Here are the reasons why it is necessary to update your V5C.
Prove Your Ownership of the Vehicle
The V5C proves who is the legal owner of the vehicle. Even previous owners are also kept on record. In this way, it helps to prevent your car from theft and fraud.
Avoid Violation of Laws And Regulations
It is legally required to inform DVLA in time of any changes of information on the car and the car owner. If not, you might be fined.
Ensure Smooth Vehicle Transactions
No matter when you buy or sell used cars, the first thing to do is to check the information on V5C matches that from the seller. If the certificate does not update and there are mismatches, not only will the transaction fail but also cause misunderstandings. Moreover, it might influence the ownership transfer.
Reduce Insurance Disputes
When insuring a vehicle, what you provide to the insurance companies should match the V5C. If there is any wrong or outdated information, the insurance might not provide service for you or refuse your claims. Therefore, updating your vehicle registration certificate is quite necessary.
File Correct Taxation
The taxation class and status can be checked from V5C. Tax class and rates are related to the vehicle type. You will be charged improper tax or be fined when the changes in the vehicle do not show on the V5C.
Keep In Contact With DVLA
DVLA will contact you for notification or administrative matters. Therefore, it is important to make sure the officer can reach you through the contact on V5C. If not, update it as soon as possible.
What Evidence Are Needed?
First of all, you need to learn about what to present to DVLA. Required documents vary due to the changes in different situations.
Update Vehicle Details
Any major modification that will change the vehicle’s appearance and performance is required to be reported. Acceptable evidence includes:
- Invoice or receipt of the replacement of components, or
- a written statement from the make of the vehicle, or
- an inspection report provided for insurance, or
- a written statement from a garage (when the change is before your purchase)
Vehicle modifications must comply with the local rules and regulations. When you update V5C due to car modification, make sure it is made by certified mechanics or authorized modification shops and they can present an invoice, receipt, or order specification that explains details of the modifications.
Update Personal Information
It includes a change in name or address.
- documentation of legal name change, such as deed poll certificate or court orders. Proof of your name change is not required due to marital status or misspelling.
- identity documents that show your new name, such as passports, driving licence, etc.
- proof of new address, such as utility bills, bank statements, or other official documents for the last 3 months that show your name and new address.
Update Vehicle Ownership
If you are the seller, show the V5C, service history, MOT certificates, and other relevant paperwork.
If you are the buyer, present an identification document and proof of address.
How to Update Vehicle Registration Certificate in UK?
The update application can be done online or by mail. It takes 2-6 weeks to receive an updated V5C, depending on application methods.
Update Vehicle Registration Certificate by Post
There are two styles of log books. The new one has colorful numbered blocks on the cover while the old one doesn’t. How to fill out your application depends on the types of log book you have, and the information you would like to change.
- Change Name/Address
New-style log book holders must provide new information in section 3 and send it to the address listed in the same section along with supporting documents.
Old-style log book holders must fill out section 6, and send it to the address listed in section 8 along with supporting documents. Please note that PO Box address is not acceptable and the “new keeper” box should not be checked.
In the case of changing your name or changing name and address at the same time, you can only apply by post while changing address allows both (service available from 7:00 am – 8:00 pm) and mail applications.
- Change Vehicle Details
New-style log book holders must complete section 1 while old-style log book holders must finish section 7. Write down the unlisted changes in the “vehicle details” section.
Send your V5C along with supporting documents to DVLA.
For changes in engine size (cc), fuel type, weight of a goods vehicle, and number of seats on a bus, please send to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1DZ.
For all other changes, please send to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BA.
Update Vehicle Registration Certificate Online
The online application is available when you want to change address only or when you sold, transferred or bought a vehicle.
- Changes Address
This service is available from 7:00 am – 8:00 pm on here.
- Changes Vehicle Ownership
This service is available from 7:00 am – 7:00 pm on here.
Summary
Let’s make a summary. It is crucial to keep your vehicle registration certificate updated in the UK in case of being punished or raising disputes. In terms of when should you update your vehicle registration certificate, it is required to be reported if there is any change to the vehicle details, name or address of the owner, and vehicle ownership. It is quite straightforward as long as you get proof of the change ready. To ensure you can enjoy your legal rights and interests, remember to update your V5C as soon as possible if you meet the conditions we stated.