Change your name on your vehicle log book (V5C)

You must update your vehicle log book (V5C) if you change your name. It’s usually free to update it.

This guide is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).

You can be fined up to £1,000 if you do not tell DVLA when your name changes.

You can also update information if it is wrong by mistake, for example if your name is spelt incorrectly.

It can take up to 6 weeks to get your new log book after you send it off.

You need to follow a different process if:

What to do with your log book

When you fill in your log book and send it off, make sure that:

  • it only has one person’s name in it
  • you include a letter explaining why the name in your log book needs to change
  • you include proof of your name change if you’re legally changing your name (for example a deed poll)
  • you include proof of the business’s name change (such as a certificate of incorporation from Companies House) - if the vehicle’s registered keeper is a business

You do not need to include proof of your name change if you’re changing your name because you got married or divorced, or because it was spelt incorrectly in the log book by mistake.

For new style log books with multi-coloured numbered blocks on the front

To change your name if you have the new style log book:

  • write the new name in full in section 3 - do not give initials
  • send the whole log book to the DVLA address in section 3
  • include a letter explaining why the name in your log book needs to change
  • include proof if you’re legally changing your name, for example a deed poll

For old style log books

If you have the older style log book without the multi-coloured numbered blocks on the cover, you need to:

  • write the new name in full in section 6 - do not give initials
  • sign and send the whole log book to the DVLA address in section 8
  • include a letter explaining why the name in your log book needs to change
  • include proof if you’re legally changing your name, for example a deed poll

Do not tick the ‘new keeper’ box on the older style form.

If your vehicle needs taxing in the next 4 weeks

Either:

  • tax your vehicle online before sending your log book to DVLA
  • take your log book to a Post Office that deals with vehicle tax, to change your details and tax your vehicle at the same time

You’ll also need to take evidence of a valid MOT. For example, a screenshot of your vehicle’s MOT history or your MOT certificate, if you have one.

If you’re in Northern Ireland

Take your latest MOT test certificate if your vehicle has to have an MOT every year. The certificate must be valid when the vehicle tax starts.

If you’ve lost your log book and need to change your name

You need to send all the following to DVLA:

  • a filled in application for a log book (V62)
  • a letter explaining the reason for your application
  • a cheque or postal order for £25 made payable to ‘DVLA, Swansea’

Damaged or altered cheques will not be accepted.

DVLA

Swansea

SA99 1DD

It can take up to 6 weeks to get the new log book.

You must have a UK address to apply for a replacement log book. If you’re moving abroad apply before you take your vehicle out of the UK.

If your new log book does not arrive

Contact DVLA if the new log book has not arrived after 6 weeks.