If you are asking what information is found on a vehicle registration document, the short answer is identity details for the vehicle and details of its current registered keeper. In Great Britain the document is the V5C, often called the vehicle log book. It lists the registration number, make, model, colour, VIN and engine details, plus the keeper's name and address.
Part of Vehicle Registration. Start with the main guide: Car Spec Check by Registration
Updated October 2026 · Independent information, not legal advice
The V5C is not a certificate of ownership in the legal sense, and it does not carry a service history, MOT record or mileage. Those come from other sources, such as the free MOT history checker. Below is a section-by-section explanation of what the logbook shows, what it leaves out and what to do if yours is lost, wrong or missing.
What The Vehicle Registration Document Is
The vehicle registration document is the official record that a vehicle is registered with the DVLA and who is responsible for it. People also call it a car log book, a V5C or simply the logbook.
The V5C name
V5C is the form number. You may also see it called a v5c registration certificate or v5 registration document. They all refer to the same document.
Not a title deed
Despite the word "registration", it is not like a property deed. It shows who the DVLA records as keeper. It is useful evidence, but not absolute proof of vehicle ownership.
Why The Logbook Matters
Think of the logbook as a summary card for the vehicle rather than a history book. It answers who the DVLA believes is responsible, what the vehicle is and when the record was last updated. Everything else, from the state of the brakes to the number of services, has to be checked elsewhere. Buyers who understand that split tend to ask better questions and spot gaps sooner.
The logbook is the core record for selling, taxing, insuring and scrapping a vehicle. A missing or wrong document can delay a sale or a tax renewal.
Everyday uses
- Selling or buying a vehicle
- Changing the keeper or address
- Taxing the vehicle in some situations
- Scrapping or exporting the vehicle
- Transferring a private plate
What Does A Car Log Book Look Like?
What does a car log book look like is a common question from first-time buyers. The V5C is a multi-page paper document printed on security paper, with sections for the keeper, the vehicle details and notes about what to do when you sell or buy.
The layout in general terms
The first page holds the main vehicle and keeper details. Other pages cover selling, buying and notifying changes. Layouts have changed over the years, so an older document may look different from a recent one.
Security features
Genuine documents are printed with security features. If anything looks photocopied or altered, be cautious.
What Does A Logbook For A Car Look Like Inside?
What does a logbook for a car look like when opened? Expect boxes for each data item, with the registration number at the top and sections marked for changes of keeper.
Key parts
- Vehicle details and registration number
- Registered keeper details
- Sections to tell the DVLA you have sold the vehicle
- A section for the new keeper to complete when buying
A slip for the new keeper
When a vehicle is sold, the seller normally detaches a slip for the buyer. Follow the instructions on the document and check GOV.UK for the current process.
Vehicle Details Shown On The V5C
This is the vehicle identity section. It is where make and model, colour and fuel type appear. The DVLA Vehicle Enquiry Service on GOV.UK shows several of these same facts for free, which is a handy way to compare the screen with the paper.
Identity items
- Registration number and date of first registration
- Make and model
- Colour
- Fuel type
- Engine size or cylinder capacity
Numbers that identify the vehicle
The VIN, also called the chassis number or vehicle identification number, is recorded too. Read car vehicle identification number for where to find it on the car.
Technical Data On The Logbook
Some versions carry additional technical information, such as CO2 figures, type approval category, number of seats, revenue weight or wheel plan. These help identify the vehicle and its tax category.
Why these items matter
They support tax classification and emissions records. For emissions background, see CO2 emissions checker.
Not all fields on all vehicles
Motorbikes, vans and older vehicles may have different fields filled in. Missing fields are not always a problem.
Keeper Details On The Logbook
The registered keeper's name and address are on the document. Some organisations appear instead of individuals, for example companies and leasing firms.
Date of acquisition
The document may show when the current keeper acquired the vehicle. It helps you check a seller's story.
Previous keepers
Formats differ. Some have shown limited previous keeper information, but a paid history report is the usual route if you need a count. Read how many owners has my car had for detail.
The Issue Date And The Document Reference Number
Each V5C has an issue date and a reference number. The last v5c issue date shows when the DVLA last sent a document for that vehicle. The free lookup can show the V5C issue date recorded for the vehicle.
Why the issue date matters
A very recent issue date after a long period may be due to a keeper change or replacement. It is not a fault, but ask the seller why.
Last V5 issued
Checking the last v5 issued date against the seller's story can reveal inconsistencies. Combine it with mileage and MOT records.
Can I Find My V5C Number Online?
Can I find my v5c number online is usually asked when someone needs the reference to tax a car, change an address or apply for a replacement. The number is printed on the document itself. There is no general online service that lets you look it up without the paper document.
Find my V5C number on the paper
To find my v5c number, look at the document reference number printed on the V5C. If you do not have the document, use the replacement process on GOV.UK.
Can you find your V5C online?
Can you find your v5c online is a related question. The DVLA offers online services for some changes, but a full copy of your logbook is not normally available to download. Check GOV.UK for current services.
Can I View My V5 Online?
Can I view my v5 online depends on what you want to see. Some vehicle details can be checked through the DVLA's public vehicle enquiry service and the MOT history checker. The keeper section is private.
What you can see for free
- Make, model, colour and fuel
- MOT status and expiry
- Tax status and due date
- The V5C issue date in some lookups
What you cannot see
Keeper name, address and previous keepers are not shown publicly.
Lost Logbook For Car: What To Do
A lost logbook for car owners is a common problem, particularly after moving house. You can apply for a replacement from the DVLA, as the registered keeper.
Steps
- Gather the registration number and your details.
- Use the DVLA's official service on GOV.UK to apply.
- Pay any current fee shown there.
- Wait for the new document by post.
Be careful with scams
Use only the official service. Third-party sites may charge extra or collect personal data.
Apply For A Replacement V5C
To apply replacement v5 documents, use the official GOV.UK service. You normally need to be the registered keeper and to know the vehicle's registration number.
What you may need
- The vehicle registration number
- Your name and address as recorded
- A payment method
- Possibly the vehicle's V5C reference if you have it
Delivery time
Replacements come by post, so allow time before a sale. If you need to tax the vehicle in the meantime, read how to tax a car without a V5C.
A New Log Book For Car Owners After Buying
A new log book for car purchases follows a change of keeper. When you buy, complete the new keeper section or use the online service. The DVLA then sends you a new V5C in your name.
Steps for buyers
- Check the seller's V5C details match the car.
- Complete the change of keeper process.
- Tax the vehicle in your own name.
- Keep any slip you are given until the new document arrives.
Register New Vehicle: First Registration
To register new vehicle records for the first time, the keeper applies to the DVLA and the vehicle receives its registration number and V5C. Read how to register a new car for the process.
New and imported vehicles
Imported vehicles need additional checks. Read car import check for what an import marker means.
Change Of Address On The V5C
Change of address V5 online is a common use of the DVLA's website. You normally need your V5C reference to update the address. The DVLA then sends a new document.
Why keeping the address right matters
Letters about tax, MOT reminders and penalties go to the address on record. Read how to change your address for car tax for related steps.
Certificate Of Registration Of Motor Vehicle
Certificate of registration of motor vehicle is another name people use for the V5C. The exact wording varies by country and era, so treat it as a description rather than an official title.
Older documents
Older paper registration books look different, but they are still records of registration. If you have an old one, ask the DVLA what it needs for current purposes.
Car Registration Document And Car Registration Certificate
Searches for car registration document and car registration certificate are also about the V5C. There is no separate document; one logbook covers it. The same goes for a car logbook, a v5c vehicle registration certificate or a v5c certificate: all point to the one DVLA document.
Other names
- Vehicle log book
- V5 vehicle log book
- Vehicle registration certificate
- V5C
Logbook New: What The New-Keeper Process Gives You
When a vehicle changes hands, the new keeper eventually receives a new V5C logbook in their name. Until then, the paperwork you hold is the slip from the seller and any confirmation from the DVLA.
Keep evidence
Keep proof of purchase and the slip until the new logbook arrives.
Do Logbook Online: What You Can Do Digitally
You can do logbook online tasks such as notifying a sale, registering a change of keeper or updating an address through GOV.UK. Not every change can be done online.
Online services
- Notify the DVLA you have sold a vehicle
- Tell the DVLA you have bought one
- Update an address
- Apply for a replacement in many cases
| Route | Good for | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Online | Many keeper updates | Needs a suitable reference number |
| Post | Paper forms and replacements | Allow time for delivery |
| Phone | Some enquiries | Check GOV.UK for current options |
| Dealer | New car registrations | The dealer usually handles it |
Post and phone routes
Some cases, such as vehicles with complicated histories, may need a paper form. Follow the official instructions.
Checking A Logbook When Buying A Used Car
When you compare the document with the car, go slowly. Read the registration number, then find the VIN on the vehicle and compare every character. Check the colour against the paint, the fuel type against the filler cap and the engine size against the badge or the engine bay plate. One mismatch may be an innocent mistake, but several together are a reason to stop and ask questions before any money changes hands.
The V5C is the first document to ask for. Check that the details match the car, and that the seller's name and address match their ID.
A quick buyer's check
- VIN and registration number match the car
- Colour, engine size and fuel match
- Seller's details match the keeper
- Issue date looks reasonable
Do not buy without it
A seller who has no V5C logbook may have a reason. Ask why and consider walking away.
Spotting A Fake Or Altered Logbook
Fake logbooks exist. Look for poor print, signs of tampering and details that do not match the car. Use an independent used car lookup to compare.
Warning signs
- Mismatched VIN
- Blurred or altered text
- Seller pressing you to buy quickly
- Reluctance to show ID
The Logbook And Vehicle Finance
The V5C does not show whether finance is outstanding. A car can have a clean-looking logbook and still be subject to a finance agreement. See check finance on a car.
The logbook is not a finance check
Run a separate finance check before buying.
Write-Offs, Scrapped Cars And The Logbook
A logbook may not show whether a car has been written off or scrapped. Read check if a car has been written off and how to check if a car has been scrapped.
Why separate checks matter
Insurance and salvage records are held by other bodies.
Private Plates And The Logbook
If a private plate is assigned, the DVLA issues an updated V5C. A V778 retention document covers a mark held off the road. Read how to assign a private plate.
Plate changes and history
A cherished transfer puts a personal number plate on a different car, so the plate may no longer match the car's age identifier, the code that shows when a car was first registered. A plate change may show in a vehicle's history, which is normal. Ask for the related paperwork.
Logbook For Motorbikes, Vans And Classic Vehicles
The V5C covers motorbikes, vans and classics, although fields differ. For bikes, the chassis number is the key identifier. See motorbike chassis number check.
Older vehicles
Old vehicles may have unusual documents. Keep any historic records and ask the DVLA if you are unsure.
Northern Ireland And Great Britain
The V5C is issued in Great Britain. Northern Ireland has its own arrangements, and some tasks involve the DVA and DVLA. Read DVLA in Northern Ireland for background.
Moving between regions
A vehicle that moves between Northern Ireland and Great Britain may need additional steps. Check GOV.UK.
Company Cars And Fleet Logbooks
For company cars, the registered keeper may be the company or a leasing firm. The driver may not be named in the logbook.
Why that matters
If you are buying an ex-company car, check the seller's authority to sell.
What The Logbook Does Not Show
The V5C does not show MOT history, service history, insurance or mileage. Use separate sources.
Where to look
- MOT check for MOT status and test history
- Mileage check for recorded readings
- Vehicle tax status for tax
Common Mistakes With The Logbook
Errors are common and avoidable.
The usual traps
- Assuming the logbook proves ownership
- Not updating the address
- Losing the new keeper slip
- Skipping the VIN comparison
- Buying without seeing the document
Myths About The Vehicle Registration Document
Some beliefs persist.
"The logbook shows service history"
It does not.
"You can download a copy online"
A full copy is not normally available to download.
Keeping The Logbook Safe
If you are selling, tidy the paperwork before you advertise. Check that the name and address are correct, find the document reference number and make sure you know where the new keeper slip is. Buyers trust sellers who can put the V5C on the table straight away, and it shortens the time between agreeing a price and handing over the keys.
Store the V5C somewhere secure, but not in the car. A thief who has the logbook and the car can make a sale look more convincing.
Practical advice
- Keep it at home
- Take a photo for reference, without sharing it publicly
- Note the reference number separately
Finally, remember that the document is only as good as the data behind it. If a detail is wrong, such as a colour change that was never recorded, tell the DVLA so the record matches the vehicle. Accurate records make every later step, from tax to sale, simpler.
Quick Reference Checklist
- Vehicle details match the car
- Keeper details are current
- The issue date looks sensible
- Replacement or address changes are made through GOV.UK
- Use separate checks for finance, write-offs and mileage
Frequently Asked Questions
What information is found on a vehicle registration document?
The V5C shows the registration number, date of first registration, make, model, colour, fuel type, engine size, VIN and other technical details, along with the registered keeper's name and address. It does not show MOT history, service history, insurance or finance. Those come from other checks.
What does a car log book look like?
It is a multi-page paper document on security paper. The first page holds the vehicle and keeper details, and other sections explain how to sell or buy. Layouts have changed over time, so older documents may differ. If a document looks altered or photocopied, treat it with caution.
Is the V5C proof of vehicle ownership?
It is strong evidence of who the DVLA records as the registered keeper, but it is not absolute proof of legal ownership. A car on finance, for example, may have a keeper who is not the legal owner. Check for finance separately and confirm the seller's identity.
Can I find my V5C number online?
Not without the paper document. The reference number is printed on the V5C. If you have lost it, apply for a replacement through the DVLA's official service on GOV.UK. Be wary of third-party sites that claim to supply the number for a fee.
Can I view my V5 online?
Not as a full copy. You can check some public vehicle details, such as make, model, MOT status and tax, through official and free lookups. The keeper section is private. For changes, use the DVLA's online services, which vary by situation.
What should I do about a lost logbook for car?
Apply to the DVLA for a replacement as the registered keeper, using the official GOV.UK service. You may need the registration number and your details, and a fee may apply. Allow time for postal delivery, and avoid sites that add unnecessary charges.
How do I apply for a replacement V5?
Use the DVLA's official service on GOV.UK, which asks for the registration number and details of the keeper. A fee normally applies, and the replacement arrives by post. If you need to tax the vehicle meanwhile, check the options for taxing without the document.
How do I change my address on the V5C?
You can normally update the address through the DVLA's online service, using the reference number on the document, or by post. The DVLA then issues a new V5C. Keeping the address current matters because tax and MOT reminders go to it.
Where is the last V5C issue date shown?
The issue date is printed on the document itself, and the free registration lookup can show the V5C issue date recorded for the vehicle. It tells you when the DVLA last issued a document. A recent date may be due to a keeper change or replacement, so ask the seller.
Is a V5C the same as a car registration certificate?
Yes. People use several names for the same thing, including car registration certificate, vehicle registration certificate, V5 vehicle log book and car log book. The official form is the V5C. There is not a separate document for each name.
Does the V5C show if a car has finance?
No. The logbook names the registered keeper but does not show finance agreements. A car can have a normal-looking logbook and still be subject to finance. Run a finance check on the registration number before you pay, and ask the seller for evidence of settlement if relevant.
Do I need the V5C to tax a car?
You can often tax a vehicle online with the reference number from the V5C or the new keeper slip, but there are other routes if you do not have it. Read the current rules on GOV.UK. Remember that vehicle tax does not transfer to a new keeper automatically.
What is the difference between a V5C and a V5?
In everyday speech the terms are used interchangeably. The current form is the V5C, but people still say V5, logbook or vehicle log book. Older forms had different names and layouts. If you are unsure whether a document is still valid, ask the DVLA through GOV.UK rather than relying on the label.
Can I sell a car without a V5C?
It is much harder and buyers may be reluctant. The seller normally needs to apply for a replacement first so that the change of keeper can be recorded properly. Selling without the document can cause delays and disputes, so apply early and do not hand over the vehicle until the paperwork is sorted.
Does the V5C show the mileage?
No. Mileage is recorded at MOT tests and in service records, not on the registration document. You can see recorded readings at each test through the free MOT history, which helps you spot odd patterns. Always compare the odometer, the MOT record and the seller's story.
Who can apply for a replacement logbook?
Normally the registered keeper named on the DVLA record. Someone acting for a company or an estate may need to follow a different route and provide extra details. Check the current rules on GOV.UK and avoid sharing the vehicle's details with unofficial sites that offer to handle the application for you.
Official Sources
Rules, fees and deadlines change. Confirm anything that affects your money or legal position with the official service.