Tax Your Vehicle With No Logbook
Can You Tax a Car Without a V5C?
Sometimes, yes. GOV.UK accepts a recent vehicle tax reminder or last-chance warning letter, a V5C in the current keeper's name, or the green new keeper slip after a purchase.
A lost V5C for the current keeper is different from buying a vehicle without any paperwork. Use the official route that matches your circumstances.
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Start with the document or reference you do have
For the official online tax service, GOV.UK lists a recent reminder or last-chance warning letter, a V5C in your name if you are the current keeper, or the green new keeper slip if you have just bought the vehicle.
A registration number can help you check vehicle information, but it is not a replacement for an official tax reference. Do not use somebody else's V5C details as a workaround.
If you have just bought the vehicle
If you have the green new keeper slip, GOV.UK says you can use its reference to tax the vehicle. Vehicle tax does not transfer when a vehicle is sold.
Before driving, the vehicle needs to be taxed in the right way and meet the other legal requirements that apply, including insurance and MOT where required.
If your own V5C is lost, stolen or damaged
If you are already the registered keeper and the details on the record have not changed, use the GOV.UK replacement V5C service. It explains when the online route applies and when a postal application is needed.
If you bought a vehicle without a V5C
A new keeper without a green new keeper slip needs to apply for a V5C by post. Form V62 is print-only and the completed form must be posted to DVLA, not sent electronically.
Pause rather than using details that do not belong to you. GOV.UK gives the official V62 and new-keeper guidance for this situation.
The next step depends on your paperwork
If you have a reminder, V5C in your name, or green new keeper slip, use the official GOV.UK vehicle-tax service. Otherwise, use the replacement V5C or postal V62 guidance that fits your circumstances.
TaxMyMotor is an independent service. This guide helps explain official routes and does not replace DVLA document or eligibility rules.
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Can I tax a car with the green new keeper slip?
Yes. GOV.UK lists the green new keeper slip as an accepted reference when you have just bought the vehicle.
Can I use the previous keeper's V5C?
No. GOV.UK says the V5C used for the online route must be in the current keeper's name.
Can I complete a V62 online?
No. GOV.UK says form V62 is print-only and the completed form must be posted to DVLA.
Sources and checks
This guide was checked against the official sources below on 18 August 2026 by TaxMyMotor Editorial Team. Rules and services can change, so use the official links when you are ready to act.
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