DVLA URGES MILLIONS FROM ACROSS THE UK TO DESTROY DOCUMENT.
19.4.2026
HI!
Jackk
Senior Reporter
Millions of drivers have been told to rip up and bin a key document - or risk fines and serious paperwork headaches.
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has issued a warning to driver's if you sell your vehicle privately, you must destroy most of your log book immediately after completing the sale online, reports Express.co.uk.”
“The alert focuses on the V5C registration certificate - commonly known as the log book - which proves who is legally responsible for a vehicle.” “The warning has wide-reaching implications because of the sheer scale of car sales in the United Kingdom.
Figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders show that an estimated 7.8 million used cars changed hands in the UK in 2025”
“With such huge numbers, even a small proportion of motorists getting it wrong could leave hundreds of thousands exposed to penalties.
The DVLA's instruction is designed to stop fraud and ensure there is no confusion over ownership.
If the old log book is kept or passed on incorrectly, it can be misused - or leave the previous owner still linked to the vehicle on official records.
In its guidance, the DVLA said: "If you sell your vehicle privately, you can tell us online without sending us your log book... destroy the rest of the log book.”
“Drivers are also warned that car tax does not transfer with a vehicle.
Buyers must tax the car immediately before driving it away - or declare it off the road (SORN).
What if paperwork is missing? If you've lost your log book, you cannot use the standard online service. Instead, you must apply for a replacement using a V62 form or write directly to the DVLA with full details of the sale.