SELL YOUR CAR

Advice on selling your car

When you sell your vehicle privately or through a motor trader you'll need to tell the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). If you fail to tell DVLA you could be held responsible for any future motoring offences committed in the vehicle.

Don't get caught out

It's important to tell DVLA as soon as you sell your vehicle or you'll continue to be responsible for paying the vehicle tax or penalties for the non-payment of it. You may also receive mail relating to motoring offences committed in the vehicle. When DVLA has been told, you should receive an acknowledgement letter confirming that you are no longer responsible for the vehicle.

Important points to consider when selling a vehicle

There are some simple steps you can take to protect yourself from becoming a victim of crime when selling your vehicle:

it's worth remembering that thieves can pose as potential buyers
never let the buyer go on a test drive alone as they may not come back
don't leave the buyer alone with your keys in the ignition
be careful when accepting cheques or banker's drafts, don't part with your car until you're sure the payment is genuine - if in doubt, contact your bank
it's also worth asking the buyer for a form of identity, satisfying yourself that it looks genuine

Note: DVLA has become aware of a small number of cases where counterfeit DVLA Payable Orders have been offered as payment or part payment for a vehicle. You should not expect to receive DVLA Payable Orders from private customers and should treat anyone who offers you one as extremely suspect. These are only issued direct to customers by DVLA, usually where a refund is due or an overpayment has been made.

Registration certificate (V5C)

The buyer will want to see the registration certificate (V5C) to allow them to check the vehicle's details. You may not be able to sell your vehicle without one. If you've lost it, you can get a replacement from DVLA.

Replacing a lost or stolen registration certificate

Selling the vehicle privately

You should always keep a separate note of the buyer's name and address. You should tell DVLA immediately using the appropriate section of the registration certificate.

Remove your tax disc from the vehicle and you can also apply for a refund of vehicle tax for complete calendar months remaining on the tax disc. DVLA cannot pay your refund until they receive notification that you have sold/transferred your vehicle.

How to notify the DVLA that you have sold your vehicle

Apply for refund of road tax

If you don't have a registration certificate you can still inform DVLA that you no longer have the vehicle. In order to do this you must write to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AR quoting the vehicle registration mark, make and model, exact date of sale and name and address of the new keeper.

However, you should note that DVLA records wouldn't be complete until the new keeper tells DVLA in writing. Until they do, the police may need to contact you if they have to make enquiries about the vehicle.