How to tell the DVLA I sold my car

Sold your car? Don’t risk fines or extra tax. Our guide shows you exactly how to tell the DVLA and stay in the clear.

If you’re wondering “how do I tell DVLA I sold my car?”, you’re not alone. Telling DVLA you sold your car is important to avoid fines or ongoing tax. This handy guide explains exactly how to tell DVLA I sold my car quickly and correctly.

Did you know you can sell your car on Carwow? We’re here to help you through every step of your car-changing journey.

How to tell the DVLA I sold my car online

The easiest way to tell the DVLA you’ve sold a car to a dealer is by using its dedicated online service and selecting the ‘sold it to a motor trader’ option. You’ll be instructed to hand over the V5C logbook to the trader, then enter the trader’s name and postcode into the online form – after which you can select their address from a drop-down menu.

Next, enter the car’s registration number and the V5C document reference number (a help tool shows you where to find it). You’ll also need to tick a box confirming that you understand you’ll lose any rights to the car’s registration number.

Then, provide the date of sale and your email address to receive confirmation that the DVLA has processed your notification.

That’s all there is to it. You should receive a road tax refund by cheque within six weeks, although it often arrives sooner.

Alternatively, the dealer can notify the DVLA on your behalf, but only if you give them permission to do so.

How to tell the DVLA I sold my car by post

Since you’re reading this guide online, choosing to notify the DVLA by post may seem unusual – it’s slower and less convenient than using the online service. Nonetheless, if you prefer to do so, complete Section 9 of the V5C, titled ‘Selling or transferring your vehicle to a motor trader, insurer or dismantler’. Detach this section from the V5C and post it to:

DVLA
Swansea
SA99 1BA

Telling the DVLA you’ve sold your car to a private individual

If you’ve sold your car privately, the process is largely the same as selling to a trader. First, give the buyer the green ‘new keeper supplement’ section of the V5C logbook. Then, use the same online service to notify the DVLA, entering details such as the car’s registration number and the V5C document reference. You’ll also be instructed to destroy the remaining part of the V5C once the process is complete.

If you choose to notify the DVLA by post instead, the process is similar to the one outlined above for motor traders.

What if I’ve sold my car abroad?

If you’ve sold your car to someone overseas, the process is different. You can only notify the DVLA by post. Complete the ‘permanent export’ section of the V5C logbook and send it to:

DVLA
Swansea
SA99 1BD

Include a letter with the buyer’s name and address, and give the rest of the V5C to the new owner so they can register the vehicle in its new country.

How do I tell the DVLA I sold my car without a V5C?

Although it’s not illegal to sell a car without a V5C logbook, most buyers will be cautious – so it’s strongly recommended to apply for a replacement before selling. However, if you’ve already sold the car without a V5C, you can still notify the DVLA by writing to them.

In your letter, include the following details:

• Your full name and address
• The car’s registration number
• The make and model of the vehicle
• The exact date of sale
• The name and address of the new owner

Make sure all the information is accurate and complete. Missing details may lead to the DVLA rejecting your notification, meaning you’ll need to repeat the process.

What to do after telling the DVLA you sold your car

The first thing to do is to tell your insurance company – there’s no point paying to cover a car that is no longer yours, and you could well be due a car insurance refund.

Speaking of refunds, you will also be due money back on any complete months of road tax you have paid in advance for. This should automatically happen when you sell your car, but we also have a separate guide on how to get a car tax refund if you’d like to know more.

Oh, and don’t forget to cancel your vehicle tracker subscription if you had one of these.

How can I prove I sold my car?

If you’ve sold your car, especially privately, it’s a good idea to have proof of the sale. The key thing is a bill of sale – it’s basically a paper that shows the car’s ownership has officially changed hands. And don’t forget to let the DVLA know you’ve sold it too

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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