How To Apply For a New Log Book In The UK?

It’s easy to damage or lose track of important documents like your log book when you’re renovating or moving house. 

Luckily, you can always get a new V5C (Vehicle Registration Certificate) from the DVLA.

In this article, we’ll explain how to apply for a new log book, what you’ll need, and how much it will cost you.  

Applying For a New Duplicate Online

You can apply for a V5C duplicate log book online if you or your insurance company have lost or damaged the log book, and there’s no need to change any information on it. 

When applying for a log book online, you’ll need to provide the following details:

• Vehicle’s registration number.
• VIN/chassis number.
• Name and postcode registered on your log book.

You cannot request a replacement for your log book online if:

• You do not have the vehicle in your possession.
• The vehicle is registered abroad.
• The car is registered as part of the DVLA fleet scheme.

It will cost you £25 to replace your log book, and you’ll typically get it within 5 working days. 

Once you start the process of getting a duplicate, you won’t be able to stop it or get a refund, even if you find your old log book in the meantime.

Note: An outdated log book can cost you up to £1,000. You could also face a fine for driving in the UK without at least third-party insurance.

Replacing a Logbook by Phone

You can also request a new log book by calling the DVLA at 0300 790 6802. 

Phone applications take longer to process, so it can take up to 6 weeks to get your replacement. Also, you can only apply over the phone if you’re not changing any details on your V5C. 

Applying For a New Logbook by Post

You can apply for a log book online by post if you need to change the vehicle’s details.

When applying for a log book by post, you’ll need to download the application form for a log book (V62), fill it out, and post it to the DVLA at:

DVLA

Swansea

SA99 1DD

You’ll also need to send a cheque or postal order for £25 alongside the application.

Your log book should arrive in 6 weeks. 

If You Did Not Get a Log Book For Your New Vehicle

If you need to apply for a log book as a new owner of the vehicle, you can do that by downloading and filling in an application for a log book (V62 form) and sending it to the DVLA with your green ‘new keeper’ slip.

Applying for a log book as a new owner is free unless you don’t have a green slip, in which case you’ll need to pay the £25 fee.

Note: It’s rarely a good idea to buy a vehicle without a log book. The owner might have lost it, but there are cases where the registered keeper took out a log book loan.

If You Do Not Have a Log Book and You Took Your Vehicle Out of The UK

If you don’t have a log book and you took the vehicle overseas without one, you’ll need to inform the DVLA via post.

The letter should include:

• Your name and address.
• The date when you took the car out of the UK.
• An address where DVLA can send the car tax refund.

To register the vehicle outside of the UK without a log book, you’ll need to contact the local driving authority of the country you took the vehicle to.

If You Also Need To Tax Your Vehicle

You can tax your vehicle at a Post Office that deals with vehicle tax while you apply for a new log book at the same time. 

You will need to:

• Fill out a V62 form.
• Pay £25 for the service.

If you already have a log book in your name, a green slip, or a V11 reminder letter, you can tax the vehicle online.

Bottom Line 

As a registered keeper of the vehicle, it is crucial to keep your vehicle log book details up to date, especially if you want to avoid a fine of up to £1,000 from the DVLA.

The process of replacing your V5C is simple and won’t take you more than a couple of minutes if you apply online. You could also apply by phone or post, which usually takes longer.