To ensure a smooth and legal transfer, a number of actions must be taken in the UK when changing ownership of the car. Understanding the procedure is crucial to avoiding any difficulties whether you’re purchasing or selling a vehicle. You can follow the instructions in this article to change a car’s ownership in the UK while making sure you adhere to all applicable legal requirements.
1: collect the necessary paperwork
First of all, Make sure you have all the required paperwork when you change ownership of the car. Typically, these include
- V5C Registration Certificate (Logbook): This record is used as ownership proof and includes crucial details about the vehicle.
- MOT Test Certificate: A current MOT certificate is necessary if the vehicle is older than three years.
- Service History: Although not required, service history can give important details about the upkeep of the vehicle.
- Purchase Receipt: If you’re buying a car, be sure to get a receipt with the seller’s and buyer’s information, the purchase amount, and the transaction date.
2: Inform the DVLA
Once you have the necessary paperwork, notify the Driver and Vehicle Licencing Agency (DVLA) of the ownership change. To accomplish this, fill out the pertinent parts of the V5C logbook. Enter the information for the new owner and sign the declaration section. Send the DVLA the completed form after that. Keep a copy of the journal for your records, don’t forget.
3: Update the vehicle tax
You must modify the vehicle tax after informing the DVLA. The seller’s tax will not be passed to you if you are purchasing an automobile. You can tax the car online, over the phone, or in person at your neighborhood Post Office. Ensure you have the information for the new keeper, the V5C reference number, and a valid insurance certificate.
4: Tell Your Insurance Company
Inform your insurance company when you change ownership of the car. Give them the pertinent information, including the name of the new owner, the transfer date, and the vehicle’s registration number. It is essential to maintain insurance coverage throughout the change in ownership.
5: Register for Vehicle Licensing and SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification)
You must sign up for a SORN if you intend to keep the car off-road and do not intend to use it on public roads. Apply online or get in touch with the DVLA to do this. Alternatively, if you’re taxing the vehicle, you don’t need to register for a SORN.
6: Perform an HPI check
Consider running a Hire Purchase Inspection (HPI) check to make sure the vehicle’s history is clear and free of any unpaid debt or prior collisions. This inspection offers important details on the car’s condition, mileage, and any incidents that have been reported. It safeguards your money and averts problems in the future.
Conclusion
In the UK, changing a car’s ownership entails a number of critical actions. You may move through the procedure easily and make sure that all legal criteria are completed according to our thorough instructions. Don’t forget to obtain all the required paperwork, notify the DVLA, update the vehicle tax, inform your insurance company, and think about running an HPI check. You can successfully change ownership of your car by following these instructions, which will enable you to drive away in your new vehicle or finish the transaction.
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