Buying a car with an old v5

My only concern would be whether logbook you get is the 'valid' logbook, and not an older item.

If it's a blue V5 then you can still use it to register the car in your name. It remains valid. If a red one has subsequently been issued to the same name/address it won't matter.

If it's an old logbook and the name/address has changed since then you'll run into bother. If there's good reason for it being in someone else's name and otherwise seems legit I wouldn't worry.

Thanks guys for the suggestions.

Very good idea Clanstop about using the online DVLA version. Possibly any problems with ownership *may* be flagged up at that stage, eg. 13 digit Document Reference number (DRN) that you have to enter in not being the current one?

Do DRN's change each time a new V5 is issued? I seem to think they do?

Thanks again.

^ Thank you. This does sound right as someone with an old V5 could use their DRN to get another (new) V5 for a vehicle they've sold!

What MkX said.



Except they don't accept them for the old smaller than A4 logbooks i.e 1990s logbookes. A few people have tried the online method, including RetroWarwicK of the parish. In short, the new system is good but for older logbooks it's very much still a lottery as to whether it'll get accepted or not online. Another mate of mine on here is a no-goer with a 90s logbook via online processing.

Bear this in mind too. The DVLA will have a few changes on their hands lately, especially with the MOT exemption and GDPR law changes.