Can You Tax a Car Without a V5C Log Book?

The short answer is yes—taxing a car without a V5C is possible if you follow the DVLA rules. Whether you lost the log book, bought a car without one, or are waiting for a replacement, this guide explains how to tax a car without the log book and stay legal on UK roads.

Keep our MOT & Tax checker handy for instant DVLA data, and bookmark the Car Tax Check hub for brand-specific rates once your paperwork is sorted.

Taxing a car with the green new keeper slip

If you have the V5C/2 (the green slip), you can tax the vehicle online or at a Post Office. Choose “I do not have the log book” at GOV.UK, enter the 16-digit code on the slip, and follow the prompts. This solves most “tax car without V5” searches immediately.

No V5C and no reminder? File a V62

When you have no log book and no V11 reminder, complete form V62 to request a replacement. You can send it by post with the £25 fee or apply online (log in with your Government Gateway account). DVLA posts the new V5C within 4 weeks, but you must SORN or park off-road until the new document arrives if you cannot tax with the green slip.

  • Use the DVLA V62 application (paper or online) to request a replacement V5C log book – include the £25 fee where required.
  • Tax the car at a Post Office branch by presenting the new keeper slip (V5C/2), a valid MOT, and insurance certificate while you wait for the full log book.
  • If you bought a car without a logbook, file a V62 immediately and keep proof of purchase handy in case DVLA request ownership evidence.
  • Motor traders can use the V5C/4 trade slip with the DVLA online account to tax vehicles temporarily before resale.
  • If you’re the registered keeper but lost the V5C, you can still tax online by quoting the 11-digit reference from the reminder (V11) or the 16-digit code from the new keeper slip.

What documents can you use at the Post Office?

Take the V5C/2, proof of insurance, and a valid MOT certificate (if the car is over 3 years old). The clerk will process the tax for the current month and hand you a receipt. This is the fastest route for people searching “tax car without log book” after a private sale.

Timeline for taxing a car without a V5C

  • Day 0: Confirm you have insurance and MOT. If you only have the green slip (V5C/2), tax at a participating Post Office or via the DVLA phone service.
  • Day 1–3: Submit the V62 replacement request online or by post. Keep the receipt; DVLA may request it later.
  • Week 2: Most V62 applications are processed within 10 working days. Use this window to set up a direct debit for future VED renewals.
  • Month 1: If no log book arrives, contact DVLA with proof of postage and your V62 reference to chase the application.

Can motor traders tax cars without the log book?

Yes. Dealers can use the trade section of the V5C, or the online “taxing a car without a V5C” service, to move vehicles between stock and road-ready status. Make sure you notify DVLA as soon as the vehicle is sold so the new keeper receives their own log book.

Related resources

Need more help? Read our car tax changes guide, explore electric car road tax tips, or learn about luxury car supplements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Use the 11-digit number on your V11 reminder, the 16-digit reference on the green new keeper slip, or visit a Post Office with the V5C/2 to tax manually while you wait for a replacement log book.

Complete form V62, enclose the £25 fee (if required), and send it to DVLA with proof of purchase. Meanwhile, tax the vehicle using the V5C/2 slip at a Post Office or wait until DVLA issues the new document.

DVLA quotes up to 4 weeks, but most digital V62 applications arrive in 10 working days. Keep the V11 or V5C/2 handy so you can tax without waiting for the physical log book.

You’ll need to apply for a replacement log book first. Until DVLA issues the new document you cannot tax the vehicle, so keep it off public roads to avoid penalties.

Can You Tax a Car Without a V5C Log Book? | 2026 Guide | VehicleScore