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.

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.

If you want to change your address at the same time as changing your name, you can make both changes at the same time.

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

What to do with your log book

When you fill in your log book and send it off:

  • it should only have one person’s name in it
  • you do not need proof of your name change if it’s because you got married or divorced, or if it was spelt incorrectly in the log book by mistake
  • if the vehicle’s registered keeper is a business, you must include proof of its name change (such as a certificate of incorporation from Companies House)

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 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 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

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

  1. Download and fill in an application for a log book (V62).

  2. Send it to DVLA with 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.

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