What documents should I get when buying a used car?

Wondering what documents you should get when buying a used car? Here’s the must-have paperwork you need to check and bring when you buy. 

Buying a used car can be a great way to save money, but it can turn into a costly exercise if you’re not careful. To avoid getting conned, this handy guide will walk you through what documents to check when buying a used car and the documents required from you.

Remember, you can buy a used car right here on Carwow. We’re here to help you through every step of your car-changing journey.

Documents I need to request from the seller when buying a used car

1. V5C registration document

The V5C logbook is a document the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) issues to the registered keeper of a vehicle. It is red with blue stripes and has four A4 sides to it. It’s needed whenever the address the car is kept at changes, or if the car has been sold.

It contains the following information:

• Detailed description of the vehicle such as VIN, make, model, colour, and engine specifics.
• The name and address of the registered keeper: this is the person responsible for taxing the vehicle but not necessarily the owner. If the car is financed, the finance provider is the legal owner.

When buying a used car through a dealer, they usually sort out the V5C document. When buying a used car privately, you’ll need to deal with the V5C yourself. This is what you need to look out for:

• Make sure that no section of the VSC has been tampered with or removed.
• Look for the ‘DVL’ watermark on the V5C document.
• The V5C used to be blue but now it’s red. If you’re offered a blue V5C, it could be a stolen, blank one.
• Don’t buy a car if you’re presented with a blue V5C that has serial numbers in the ranges BG8229501 to BG9999030 or BI2305501 to BI2800000. This is because the V5C is likely fraudulent, or it’s potentially linked to “car cloning” to hide the true identity of a stolen or write-off car. Contact the police if you come across one of these.
• Insist to view the car at the address listed on the V5C as this will minimise the risk of an unauthorised person trying to sell you the car.
• If no V5C is available, then walk away. The registered keeper is responsible for ordering a replacement from the DVLA before they sell the car.

2. Service history

A car’s service history gives you insight into whether it has been properly maintained. The service book will contain all the information about each service the car has had, and there should be a dealer stamp and date under each relevant service.

Many modern cars, especially new used cars, have their service records kept online in a digital database by the manufacturer. If a car has a digital service record, ask to see printouts of the record.

Here are a few things to look out for:

• Missing service book stamps may mean the car hasn’t been taken in to be serviced and has not been properly cared for.
• Check the date and mileage of each service, and see if this correlates with the MOT information and the car’s actual mileage.
• If the car has been privately maintained, insist on receipts and invoices to prove that the claimed servicing and maintenance items were actually done.

3. MOT status

Once a car reaches three years of age, it will require an annual MOT test. This is to ensure that it has a roadworthy status. And during this test, the garage will test for aspects such as dashboard warning lights, tyre wear, brake and steering functionality as well as emission levels.

Here’s what a MOT can tell you about a used car:

• Whether it has received passes, advisories, or fault notifications at each mot.
• The mileage at each MOT test – this is great for comparing with the service history and the car’s odometer.
• If there are several issues that were picked up at the last MOT and the next test is now due, you may want the current owner to rectify these problems before the sale.

4. Proof of purchase

Once you have bought the car, you’ll need a receipt detailing the transaction. A copy should be made for both the buyer and seller, and should have the following information:

• The date of purchase.
• Buyer’s name.
• Seller’s name and address.
• Car specifics such as make, model, mileage, VIN and registration number.
• Written confirmation that the car has been paid for.
• Signature of both parties.

What else should I ask the seller?

Even if the car has a valid MOT, full service history, and a V5C logbook, you may still want to carry out a few further checks for peace of mind. We have a full guide on the best questions to ask a seller when buying a used car.

However, here are a few things you’ll need to ask the seller before you buy the car:

Transfer the warranty

If the car is still under a manufacturer warranty, make sure that the seller has transferred it into your name. It’s worth noting that not all warranties are transferrable, but it’s worth asking the question.

This may also apply to any existing service, maintenance agreement, or third-party warranties. While warranties on new cars are pretty clear cut, used car warranties can vary. Buying from a used car dealer gives you some protection through the Consumer Rights Act, but privately used car sales fall under the Sale of Goods Act. Take a look here for more information on your rights when buying a used car.

Ask to have the car inspected

Aside from getting all the documents in order, a visual inspection of the car is also important. The owner should be open to this if they have nothing to hide.

Here’s what to look out for when inspecting a car:

• Look out for uneven wear, insufficient tread or damage on the tyres as cheap or mismatched tyres are a sign that the car has not been cared for.
• Check the brake discs for scoring and see whether the brake pads still have enough material.
• Excessive smoke or oily residue on the exhaust tips can indicate engine issues.
• Look out for any warning lights on the dashboard.
• Check whether any large services are imminent. Some cars require expensive major services at a higher mileage, so make sure you aren’t saddled with a big bill just after having bought the car.
• Every car comes with a handbook that details how every system works and when servicing is required. Make sure it’s provided with the car.

Ask for a test drive

Never buy a car without having driven it first. You may need to take out temporary insurance or inform your insurance company before you can do so.

Look out for the following:

• Hesitant acceleration.
• Odd sounds emanating from the engine bay.
• Noises from the suspension over speed bumps.
• Grinding between gears in a manual car, or delayed gearchanges in automatics.
• Pulling to one side or steering wheel shaking at motorway speeds.
• Steering wheel vibrations under braking.

Documents I need to bring when buying a used car

So, you’ve found a used car you’re interested in and you want to buy it. This means you’ll also need documents at hand to buy it. Here’s the paperwork you’ll need to ensure a smoother buying process:

Driving licence

Make sure you have your driving licence. This is to prove your identity and show you can legally drive the car you’re planning to buy.

Insurance policy

Although you don’t need an insurance policy in place to buy a car, you’ll need one to drive it back home – you’ll only be legally allowed to drive the car when you’ve insured it.

If you already know the date for picking up your car, you can set up an annual insurance policy to start on that day. However, some dealers offer drive away insurance which will cover you for the first few days.

Road tax

The vehicle tax is not transferable from the previous owner to you, even if the seller says the car is taxed, which means you’ll need to tax it before you can start driving it. You can do this online on GOV.uk, by post or using the DVLA’s 24/7 phone service by calling 0300 123 4321.

Payment documents

Have your chosen payment method ready to complete the transaction. Make sure you have all the necessary paperwork with you, especially if you’ve taken a loan or bought the car on finance.

Documents for buying a used car FAQs

Do you get a V5 when you buy a used car?

No, you initially don’t receive the entire V5C when buying a used car. When buying a used car, you get the green “new keeper” slip (V5C/2) with a 12-digit reference for taxing the vehicle. The seller sends the rest of the V5C to the DVLA to transfer registration. The DVLA then sends your new, complete V5C in 3-5 days (online) or up to 4 weeks (post).

Who sends off the logbook when buying a car?

The seller is responsible for sending the V5C logbook to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) to transfer ownership of the car to you.

Should I get a receipt when buying a car privately?

Yes, you should get a recipe when buying a used car privately as it acts as crucial proof of sale and protects both you and the seller.

What is the safest way to pay for a used car?

The safest way to pay for a used car, particularly from a private seller, is often a bank transfer. You could also use the CHAPS (Clearing House Automated Payment System) or Faster Payment Service as this offers a quick and secure way to move funds into the seller’s account. There is a fee to use CHAPS, and some banks have a limit on how much you can send through the Faster Payment Service, though.

Car change? Carwow!

Looking for a new set of wheels? With Carwow you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Carwow is your one stop shop for new car deals.

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