Many vehicles (Cars, Vans & Trucks) are sold in Britain without their registration documents (Form V5, commonly known as the 'Logbook'). This means that buyers of these vehicles do not have the opportunity to check the number of previous keepers or ensure that the vehicle details are correct. The presence of a log book is a good, legitimate indicator that the vehicle has not been stolen.

To make it harder for thieves to disguise the identities of stolen vehicles, the DVLA is to change the rules on applying for tax discs when the applicant does not have the licence renewal reminder (form V11).

If you want to tax a vehicle and haven't received your reminder from the DVLA, you will need to present the logbook, or tear off slip, with your application (form V10) at any licence issuing Post Office.

If you don't have a logbook or the renewal reminder from the DVLA, you will no longer be able to apply for a tax disc at a Post Office.

Why the change?

This is one initiative in a government programme to combat vehicle crime. Thieves often tax stolen vehicles to make them more attractive and appear legitimate to buyers. These changes are intended to stop criminals getting tax discs - which means you're less likely to be deceived into buying a stolen vehicle.

If you haven't been sent a reminder form V11. How can you get a new tax disc?

Complete a V10 application form and take it to a licence issuing Post Office together with your V5.

What do you do if a vehicle is bought without a V5?

First you should contact the person the vehicle was bought off and ask for the V5.

If the V5 is not available, complete a V62 registration form and send it to the DVLA. Please bear in mind that it may take up to six weeks to send to you a V5 if the previous keeper hasn't informed the DVLA that they have sold the vehicle.

Once the V5 has been received, take it to a licence issuing Post Office with a completed V10 licensing form, and a new tax disc will be issued.

You will be breaking the law if an unlicensed vehicle is used or kept on a public road.

Vehicle Identity Checks

The Vehicle Identity Check (VIC) will deter criminals from 'Passing off' stolen vehicles as repaired accident damaged ones.

From 7th April 2003 all vehicles that have been written off and/or scrapped due to accident damage, and are subsequently repaired, must undergo and pass a VIC before being returned to the road. The check will be carried out by the Vehicle Inspectorate to confirm the identity of the vehicle but not whether its roadworthy.

The logbook of any vehicle that has passed a VIC will carry a note to show that it has had its identity confirmed.

A logbook will only be issued for such a vehicle if it has passed a Vehicle Identity Check. If you purchase a vehicle without a logbook or a VIC pass, you could find that you are not able to register or tax it!

Also from 7th April, where an owner decides to sell or dispose of a car with significant un-repaired accident damage, they will be under a new obligation to return the logbook to the DVLA.