Selling a car in the UK is a process that requires a certain amount of paperwork to be completed before the sale can go ahead. While the paperwork may seem complicated, once you know what you need, it is a relatively straightforward process. In this article, we will take you through the paperwork that you need to sell your car in the UK.
The V5C Registration Document
The V5C Registration Document, also known as the logbook, is the most important document that you will need when selling your car. This document contains all the information about the car, including the registered keeper, the vehicle registration number, and the car’s make and model. You must have this document to sell your car, and it must be up to date and accurate.
When you sell your car, you should complete the relevant sections of the V5C document and send it to the DVLA. This will inform them that you are no longer the registered keeper of the car. You should also give a copy of the V5C document to the new owner of the car.
The MOT Certificate
The MOT Certificate is another important document that you will need when selling your car. This document shows that your car has passed its MOT test and that it is roadworthy. You must have a valid MOT certificate to sell your car, and it should be no more than 12 months old.
You should give the MOT certificate to the new owner of the car when you sell it. If the MOT certificate is due to expire soon, you should get a new one before you sell the car.
The Service History
The service history is a record of all the work that has been carried out on the car, including servicing, repairs, and maintenance. This document is not essential, but it can help to increase the value of your car, and it can also give the new owner peace of mind that the car has been well looked after.
If you have a service history for your car, you should include it when you sell the car. This will help to demonstrate the car’s reliability and condition.
The Vehicle Tax
When you sell your car, you should inform the DVLA that you are no longer the registered keeper of the car. You should also cancel the vehicle tax. If you have paid for the vehicle tax for the whole year, you will be entitled to a refund for any full months that are left.
You should also advise the new owner to tax the car before they drive it away. They can do this online or by post, and they will need the V5C document to do so.
Other Documents
There are a few other documents that you may need when you sell your car, depending on the circumstances. These include:
- The HPI check: This is a check to ensure that the car has not been stolen, written off or has outstanding finance owed on it. This is important to have as it shows the new owner that the car is free from any encumbrances.
- The warranty: If your car is still under warranty, you should include this in the sale, as it will give the new owner peace of mind that they are covered if anything goes wrong.
- The handbook: This is not essential, but it is useful to have, as it contains information about the car and its features.
Conclusion
Selling your car in the UK requires a range of paperwork to be completed, but it is not as complicated as it may seem. The key documents that you will need are the V5C Registration Document, the MOT Certificate, and the service history. You should also cancel the vehicle tax and inform the DVLA that you are no longer the registered keeper of the car. By following these steps, you can sell your car with confidence, and ensure that the new owner has all the necessary documents to take ownership of the car.
FAQs
- What is the V5C Registration Document?
The V5C Registration Document, also known as the logbook, is the most important document that you will need when selling your car. This document contains all the information about the car, including the registered keeper, the vehicle registration number, and the car’s make and model.
- How do I cancel my vehicle tax?
When you sell your car, you should inform the DVLA that you are no longer the registered keeper of the car. You should also cancel the vehicle tax. If you have paid for the vehicle tax for the whole year, you will be entitled to a refund for any full months that are left.
- What is an HPI check?
An HPI check is a check to ensure that the car has not been stolen, written off, or has outstanding finance owed on it. This is important to have as it shows the new owner that the car is free from any encumbrances.
- Do I need to include the service history when selling my car?
No, you do not need to include the service history when selling your car, but it can help to increase the value of your car, and it can also give the new owner peace of mind that the car has been well looked after.
- What other documents may I need when selling my car?
Other documents that you may need when selling your car include the warranty, if your car is still under warranty, and the handbook, which contains information about the car and its features.