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Buying a used vehicle is a serious business and, while there’s no way to guarantee that you won’t be a victim of vehicle crime, you can reduce the risks.
Make sure you know which questions to ask about the seller, the registration certificate (V5C) and the identity of the vehicle.
Use the tips on this site to help you.
Make sure you know which questions to ask about the seller, the registration certificate (V5C) and the identity of the vehicle.
Use the tips on this site to help you.
V5C Registration Certificate
The V5C (often known as the vehicle's 'logbook') is changing. A new version is being introduced to reduce the risk of buying stolen vehicles and to make it easier to use. Find out more about the new-style certificate.
Top vehicle buying tips
You need to be careful of stolen vehicles, forged registration certificates and vehicles with outstanding finance.
More car buying guides
- RAC Motoring ServicesOpens new window
- AAOpens new window
- Auto TraderOpens new window
- CDL Vehicle Information Services LtdOpens new window
- Consumer DirectOpens new window
- Vehicle Safe Trading Advisory GroupOpens new window
- Experian AutoCheckOpens new window
- Honest JohnOpens new window
- Exchange and MartOpens new window
- HPI LtdOpens new window
DVLA and Directgov do not accept responsibility for any issues arising from association with the following syndicated links or the contents of the third party web sites. Neither DVLA nor Directgov endorse any of these organisations.
